NW Scouters’ Club: Minutes
September 14, 2004

11th Kitchener Scout Troop

Ted Claxton.

25th Kitchener Scout Troop

Wayne Zinger.

30th Kitchener Scout Troop

Mark Wilson.

31st Kitchener Scout Troop

Mike Smith.

38th Kitchener Scout Troop

Nick Ebner.

43rd Kitchener Scout Troop

Dean Watt.

4th Waterloo Scout Troop

Ken Arnett.

Mark Carruthers.

Lloyd Daigle.

10th Waterloo Scout Troop

Linda Grosz.

Steve Grosz.

21st Waterloo Scout Troop

Liam Morland.

Jay Treacy.

Resource Persons

Jim Williamson, North Waterloo Area Commissioner.

Wayne Hessel, NWA DAC Servicing.

Regrets

John McCuish.
Pierre Michiels.

The meeting opened at 19:00. Scouter Liam led a recitation of the Scout Law.

The group discussed the program for the Introduction to Scouting Day. Scouters volunteered for various positions. Activities will be:

• Knife, Axe, and Saw — Safety and use (John McCuish).
• Pitch a Fly — Teaches and applies bowline, two-half-hitches, taut-line hitch, and sheet bend (Jay Treacy).
• Emergencies — Severe bleeding and shock (Volunteer needed).
• Fire Lighting — Two match fire (Volunteer needed).
• Stove and Lantern — Fuelling, lighting, and safety (Mark Wilson).
• Compass — 16 points, orient map, walk bearing, talk bearing (Ted Claxton).
• Preparing for Camp — Demonstration of good and bad packing for camp (Ken Arnett).
• Leave No Trace Camping — Minimizing impact on the environment, and respecting nature and other visitors (Liam Morland).

Scouters decided to hold a pot luck social the evening following the Introduction to Scouting Day.

Pierre Michiels has volunteered to coordinate the Patrol Leadership Workshop. Ted, Mark W., Dean, and Ken A. volunteered to assist. More volunteers would be helpful.

The group discussed several routes for the Fall Hike.

• A hike from St. Marys to Stratford could include a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys.
• Scouts could camp on Friday night at Vineland Scout Hut or, for a shorter hike, at Balls Falls Conservation Area and hike the Bruce Trail to Camp Wetaskewin in St. Catherines.
• Troops could camp at Elora Gorge Conservation Area and hike a loop to the Fergus Market.

The group generally agreed on the Elora route. Dean will investigate camping.

The group discussed themes for the Spring Camporee. Past themes include Brownsea Island, Asian Adventure, and Dawson City. Suggested themes:

• Tropical Storm Everton.
• Wild West (connects with CCJam'05).
• Summer Olympics.
• Cartoons/Loony Toons.
• Survivor.
• Comedy Camp.

Scouters are encouraged to discuss themes with their troops. Program ideas include a dress-up night and a talent show. Brian Robertson has offered to run the climbing wall and rappelling. Last year's fees were $16 until May 1 and $20 after. There is a $700 balance from past camporees. Camp Everton is booked.

The annual Owen Sound Winter Camp will be January 28-30, 2005. Information is available on the North Waterloo Area web site.

Camp Mohawk

Jim spoke about the appeal process for the sale of Camp Mohawk. Jim would like from every group a record of past and planned use of the camp. Documentation of the usefulness of the camp is essential to show Scouts Canada that the property is valuable. Jim said that he believes that camps which are economically viable, safe, and in use for the youth will not be sold.

Central Escarpment Council Crest

Central Escarpment Council is holding a crest design contest. The stated goal is to get a new crest which better represents the larger geographical area now covered by the council. Contact Jim for information.

Scouters found the meeting productive and were happy with the diverse group of attendees. In the future, it would be appreciated if printed copies of the agenda were available.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at KW Scouthouse.

—Minutes prepared by Ted Claxton and Liam Morland.