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GTR Home PageSensational stories regarding child abusers who infiltrate children's organizations (sun as recent scandals involving hochey coaches) have increased parents concern for the well-being of their children. It is not just necessary to do something about the problem; it is just as necessary to be seen doing something about such perpetrators.
The "Comprehensive Screening Strategy" that has been initiated by Scouts Canada is aimed at providing an overall better approach to recruiting leaders and raising the quality of volunteers working within the Scouting organization.
It also provides parents with a reassurance that volunteers have had police and reference checks, and that they have been evaluated by their peers in a methodical way. The results of the National program should build confidence, both within and without the Scouting Movement. Hopefully, as soon as pedophiles realize what the screening process reveals, they will quickly withdraw.
But in GTR the Screening Process will be more comprehensive than just avoiding pedophiles and checking out new volunteers. The official Screening Process has eight steps, which are outlined in a pamphlet included with the Leader magazine last month. GTR has decided to add a ninth step; Mandatory Training. It requires every new Leader and Group Committee Member to have a Part I training course within the first year. It is aimed at giving Area Commissioners, Group Committees and Service Scouters a method of evaluation, not only for new volunteers, but also for existing Leaders. Almost half the existing Leaders within GTR have not undergone any triningdespite the constant availability of such courses and pressure from Area Commissioners. According to Doug Gough, Regional Commissioner, these untrained existing Leaders will have to be evaluated by Area Commissioners, Group Committee and Service Scouters in a personal meeting, in which their qualifications will be carefully checked. If they have already accumulated enough experience, and Area Commissioner can automatically confer a Part I qualification on them. If, however, they still need training, they will be required to do so, or perhaps to undertake one of the Modular Courses, or to brush-up on a one day Part I course.
"I don't like the word mandatory" says Doug Gough, "But it is necessary for our existing Leaders to be evaluated fairly so that we know they are well trained for their responsibilities to Scouting and to youth."
The Alders Area in the west, and the Bendale Area in the east have already undergone pilot projects to train interviewers in the screening process to work out any bugs. The workships have continued, and there are about 18 training sessions left to go, which puts GTR well ahead of the September '98 deadline imposed by National.
| ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The GTR Annual General Meeting is being held on Monday, November 24th, 197 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Main Auditorium, 24 Ferrand Drive, North York (just south east of the corner of Don Mills & Eglinton). RECEPTION: 7:30 p.m. MEETING" 8:00 p.m. |
| Scouting Ambassadors |
Written by Ed Balyk, Scout Executive
Scouting prides itself on teaching and developing
life skills. Scouting programs encourage youth to develop self-confidence,
self-reliance, and other personal traits. Isn't it time we also tried to
encourage some jog related skills such as communication skills, the ability
to persuade another person to your point of view and marketing a product
(e.g. Scouting)? We also often hear how difficult it is to recruit new
youth members at the Scout level. With some imagination perhaps, both these
objectives could be met. The Scout program has two badges which could be
used to accomplish this.
| Welcoming Individuals |
| Youth Reaches Youth |
By being "wise in the use of our resources," we can continue (to) help our youth members develop life skills while living up to our mandate of "learning by doing." They will develop skills in communication and selling, and reinforce their self-confidence and pride in being members of the Scout Movement.
| GTR Training Calendar |
Greater Toronto Region (GTR)Scouting Conference"Let the Spirit Soar"Saturday, January 24, 1998 |
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| Area News |
The 102nd Toronto Cub Pack enjoyed a successful year in 1996/97. There were numerous interesting "theme" meetings held with many thanks going to all the volunteers who assisted in making them a success. A few of these include a visit to the Fire Department, a speaker from the Jewish Community spoke on Hannukah, a United Nations Night, and a fall camp coordinated with the 1st Borden Cub Pack. Another camp that was attended by the boys at Base Meaford was highlighted by a one hour trip in an armoured vehicle (Bison tank).
During the Annual Kub Kar Rally, 102nd won for the most attendance, the best designed Kub Kar (Matthew Mifflin) and the best designed Beaver Buggy (Lorne Roney). Congratulations to all the boys in attendance.
Thanks to all the parents and boys who attended and participated in the ScouTrees by planting approximately 600 trees despite horrible weather conditions.
Congratulations to Thomas Sweeney and Matthew Mifflin on attaining their six star plaques; keep up the good work in Scouts. To note, Thomas Sweeney also completed all awards and badges (less one) during his tenure as a Cub. Here's to another successful season in cubbing for the 102nd Cub Pack.
102nd Beavers: The spring Beaveree was a great success. All participants enjoyed the Mystery Tour on the TTC. Thanks to Marilyn, Cunthia and Ellie for a great time.
102ND GROUP COMMITTEE:
I would like to thank all our Leaders for a very successful year. Beavers
and Cubs both achieved their Bronze Toronto Action Award. Our year end
BBQ and award ceremony went well. A special thank you to our sponsor Fairbanks
United Church for attending.
PEARL IVENS, 635-5998
Webmaster's Note: Humber West, Old Mill, Skyline, The Alders and West Scarborough Area News will be completed in a day or two (30/11/97).
| BULLETIN BOARD |
Coordinator Robert Engel 223-9876
Members-at-large:
Harry Bruce 493-7710 Manager warehouse
Jim Lindala
June Peirson 241-5417 Telephone central
Bill Walker 222-4841 Manager Warehouse 4
| GONE HOME
Carol Smith, wife of Murray Smith of the 8th
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So often I get tired of the old chestnut from friends and strangers alike "Where is Scouting? I never hear about it. I never see it. Is it still around?"
You bet your woggle we're still around and doing well. In fact there's a rumour going around that Scouting is growing ever so slowly.
It's a broad programme - we have many diverse activities to present to our young people. More importantly, we teach the basics of fair play, honesty and fun with competition.
It's affordable - compare it to other organizations, i.e. hockey or figure skating.
It's fun - and that's what it's all about.
So how come nobody knows that we exist? We must be one of the world's best kept secrets.
A remedy...
Adopt your community (about six square blocks from the front door of your meeting place), clean a parkette, adopt it and look after it. Do a neighbourhood clear up on those six blocks. Do a neighbourhood snow shovel, do a mini food drive, get to know your neighbours and let them know you.
Tell everyone what you're doing - it pays to advertise. Start off small, wear uniforms as much as possible. BE VISIBLE.
Have Fun ... Smile ... It's contagious.
| Scouting News is printed 5 times a
year for all adult members of Scouts Canada in the Greater Toronto Region, 265 Yorkland Ave, North York M2J 5C7. Telephone: 490-6364, #453. Randy Brown is the editor. |
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Disclaimer: Anything posted to this Home Page
are the opinions of the individuals who posted them and are not the views of Scouts Canada. |
