NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETINGS
UPDATE - MAY 19, 1999
The National Council of Scouts Canada met May 13 - 16, 1999. Quebec's
delegates were Charles Johnston, provincial president and Marilyn
Pollock, provincial commissioner. The following is a summary of the
major decisions / actions that you might be interested in:
YOUTH FORUM
A major Youth Forum was approved for June 28, 2000 to July 3, 2000.
There will be three main thrusts to this forum: discussion groups, a
training program and the establishment of working groups for various
projects. Quebec will be invited to send up to ten youth members
(recommended age 14 - 27) and the event will take place in Ottawa.
You are invited to begin "talking it up" with your youth members now,
and the selection process will be communicated by early fall.
TRAINING FOR 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS
It was agreed to allow 16 and 17 year old Scouters-in-training to take
Wood Badge I training of the section in which they are active, and to
receive and wear recognition for same. As well it was agreed to allow
the same age group to take Trainer Development I courses and to
receive recognition for same. This is a two year experiment and
begins September 1, 1999.
CANADA CORD
A minor clarification was made to BP&P to indicate that the Girl Guide
Canada Cord may be worn by youth who are former members of Girl
Guides, until the next senior award is earned.
NEW PROGRAM LINKS
New program links will be added to the National Council website and an
opportunity to subscribe to a weekly program ideas e-newsletter will
be added.
NECKERCHIEF FOR NEW ADULTS
In a return to what was the practice in Quebec until last fall, new
adult volunteers may wear their group neckerchief as soon as they have
completed the interview, reference checks and provided authorization
for a police record check, rather than having to wait until the PRC is
completed. Investiture will still follow the completion of the
process, and at that time, only the epaulets will remain to be
presented. This will better integrate the new adults.
CO-ED REPORT ADOPTED
The report of the task group for the implementation of co-ed scouting
was adopted. As soon as we have an electronic copy, we will make it
available to those interested. The major recommendation adopted was
that "co-ed leadership is highly recommended for Beaver, Cub, Scout
and Venturer sections when they contain both male and female members."
MILLENNIUM STRUCTURE PROPOSAL
The notice of motion regarding the millennium structure was withdrawn,
and a new mandate was given to a new task group to draft a bylaw for a
governance model National Council level of the organization. This
draft bylaw is to be ready by September 1, 1999 and will be voted upon
at the November meetings of the National Council.
WAIVERS
There is a continuing concern that some Scouters are signing waivers
or "hold harmless agreements" that commit Scouting to accepting more
liability in an activity than is rightfully ours. Here's what needs
to be done: (1) plan ahead so that you don't arrive at the door of a
service provider without knowing what you will be asked to sign. (2)
If a waiver will be required, get a copy in advance and fax it to Rita
Moore or Bob Hallett at the National Office (613-224-3571). They will
confirm that it meets our requirements and will not unreasonably put
the organization at risk. The continuing increase in litigation in
this area is of significant concern to the national organization, and
we are all asked to be ever more vigilant in this area.
"SCOUTER'S PRIDE" LINE OF PRODUCTS
A new line of high-end products was introduced which will be of
significant interest to some of our members, either as gifts of
appreciation, or for personal collections. Products such as stained
glass replicas, leather portfolios, walking sticks, and others will be
available soon in the Scout Shop.
Scouts Canada,
Quebec Provincial Council,
2001 Trans Canada Hwy,
Dorval, QC H9P 1J1
TELEPHONE: (514) 683-3004 / (514) 334-3004 / 1-800-811-8784
FAX:(514) 683-4928