NW Scouters’ Club: Minutes
June 14, 2005

11th Kitchener Scout Troop

Ted Claxton

Viet Truong

30th Kitchener Scout Troop

John McCuish

38th Kitchener Scout Troop

Nick Ebner

Pierre Michiels

1st Lexington Scout Troop

Matt Simon

9th Waterloo Scout Troop

John Bain

14th Waterloo Scout Troop

Mark Willsie

21st Waterloo Scout Troop

Jay Treacy

Liam Morland

Resource Persons

Wayne Hessel, NWA DAC Servicing

Tony Skells, Scouter-at-Large

Ken Coyle, 69th Kitchener Rover Crew

Ed Wright, Scouter-at-Large

• For the auction, it must be clear how many patrols there are so that there can be one prize per patrol.
• It was suggested to try a live auction instead of silent.
• Many Scouts requested karaoke.
• The parking area should be better defined so that there are not any cars near the camping and activity areas.
• The time overlap of the cook-off and the silent auction was confusing.
• Preplan the locations of the events. Post a map of showing the locations of the events. Try to have events less spread out. Most should be close to the field by Lions Lodge. Perhaps there should be a route or order in which patrols participate in the events. Assigning a starting station for each patrol might make the events go more smoothly. Timed tickets for the zip line would help with that event.
• Scouters were generally in favour of bringing back patrol awards, such as the Les Wheeler plaque, last awarded in the 1970s. Jay offered to make a plaque. The specific purpose of the plaques will be discussed at a future meeting. The Les Wheeler plaque was for patrol spirit.
• Make it clear that helpers are volunteers and are self-sufficient for food, etc.
• Everyone needs to better understand what is included and what is not included in their volunteer roles. For example, everyone needs to know that running an event includes preparing the equipment needed for that event. Roles must not be extended beyond their responsibilities. For example, Scouters agreed that the role of the MedVents is to provide first aid and not to make decisions regarding the safety of events.
• Some program items were run by people who are not active members of the Club. For each such activity, there should be an active Club member who is a liaison. This person will ensure that those running the event know their role, etc. This is particularly important for those who do not have Internet access.
• There needs to be effective communication with the camp rangers so that they know what they need to do for us.
• If troops were less spread out in how they camped, they would be able to better enjoy campsite theme decorations. Perhaps everyone should camp along the ridge between Kumpf Cottage and Lonesome Pine.
• Some found it confusing to have closing before Scouts' Own on Sunday.
• The 69th Kitchener Rovers felt that the prominence of SCOUT eh! flag was inappropriate.

Many Scouts do not know how to light a match. This will be taught as part of the Stove and Lantern session in the morning. The Fire Lighting session will be in the afternoon.

Senior Scouts who are interested in helping teach a session should be invited to do so.

Viet and Matt will create an activity for older Scouts, such as a pioneering demo. It was estimated that there would be ten older Scouts.

Older Scouts will organize the lunchtime wide game.

Sessions and volunteers:

• Knife, Axe, and Saw — Safety and use: Ted & John
• Pitch a Fly — Teaches and applies bowline, two-half-hitches, taut-line hitch, and sheet bend: Jay
• First Aid — Severe bleeding and shock
• Fire Lighting — Two match fire
• Stove and Lantern — Fuelling, lighting, and safety: Mark
• Compass — 16 points, orient map, walk bearing, talk bearing
• Preparing for Camp — Demonstration of good and bad packing for camp
• Leave No Trace Camping — Minimizing impact on the environment, and respecting nature and other visitors

• Using Scouts involvement with cooking and eating as an opportunity to help the Scouts learn and practise leadership skills.
• Reflect on each activity afterwards.
• Make the course a series of interactive activities and reflections. Avoid lecturing.
• Post relevant information around the room (as has been done in the past).

• Promote the club at events such as the 3R Social in September and at training events.
• Post Club meeting minutes at NW Scout House.
• Make better use of the Pentagon to share ideas. Meetings will be from 19:00 to 21:30, the last half hour always dedicated to the Pentagon. Scouters who need to can leave early. The October Pentagon topic will be on Troop Night programs: how to make the badge program fun.
• Post "Help Offered" listings of Scouters who wish to offer help to other Scouters on a particular topic. For example, Pierre and his Venturers are willing to help groups in need of a trained first aider for an event.

Chair

Prepares and distributes agendas for meetings. Moderates the discussion at meetings.

Secretary

Takes and writes up minutes of the meetings.

Calling Coordinator

Ensures that interested people receive a telephone reminder before meetings.

Webmaster

Maintains the Club web site.

For each position, there was just one nomination:

• Chair & Webmaster: Liam
• Secretary: Viet
• Calling Coordinator: Nick

—Minutes prepared by Viet Truong and Liam Morland.