The NW Scouters' Club is a co-operative of Scout Troops. Representatives of member Scout Troops gather to share ideas and experience, plan joint activities, and pursue other projects of mutual benefit.
A group in Guelph holds truck races in February and any interested group was should look into attending this event. The Club will look into putting their event on our website.
On the first Saturday in April the local model railroaders hold an open house of their layouts. The numerous miniature layouts on display are fascinating to watch. Participants pay $5 admission that gets them a map to all the participating layouts.
Daniel discussed different options the Club could used to recruit more youth into Scouting. He told us about two Optimist Club sponsored event in the spring that we could set up a booth at. One was at a "Hot Dog Day" and the other was at their minor baseball tournament.
Other recruitment ideas presented were:
These will be discussed further in the spring.
Ken is coordinating a Scout Parade during BP Week for any groups that do not have their own.
The Club reviewed its calendar and set a few more dates. The canoe trip is an opportunity to earn much of the Paddling challenge badge. Completing the badge would require further work, such as a week at Haliburton Scout Reserve.
The Scouters discussed what events they would like to Club to run in the future. It was agreed to hold off on most events until the fall since most troops will already have completed their planning for the spring. It was agreed that dates should be set early so that troops can plan around the events that they want to attend.
The Club can approach events in two ways. First, the Club could run an event for its members. Second, the Club could provide training and resources to Club members which would allow troops to run their own event. For example, the Club could provide a workshop on running troop bike hike camps and information about potential routes. Individual troops could take this and run their own bike hike.
Liam suggested the Club hold a Klondike Derby. At a Klondike Derby, patrols of Scouts pack their gear on a Klondike sled (like a small dog sled) and navigate a challenging route from station to station. Scouters at each station test the Scouts on Scouting skills, such as knots, fire lighting, distance estimation, compass bearings, and first aid skills. The day finishes with an awards banquet. This event could be held in town at a place like Bechtel Park, or at a camp or Conservation Area.
Pierre suggested that the Club could run a Combined Court of Honour for member troops concurrent with regular Club meetings.
South Waterloo District has six canoes, a trailer, paddles, and PFDs. These can be rented for the weekend for $25 per canoe.
The Club scheduled the following events:
