“1st Lakeshore youth enjoy a variety of Scouting adventures within Canada’s largest metropolis, including Colony and Pack sleepovers at the local museum and aquarium, marching in urban parades and putting orienteering skills into practice by navigating the city without smartphones. We’re in the concrete jungle of Toronto with limited green space, but we take the typical idea of Scouting and turn it into something applicable.”
Read moreStrengthened Scouting Relationships
2018 saw Scouts Canada strengthen Scouting relationships to improve engagement amongst volunteers and staff. We appreciate the feedback we received from our key stakeholders (youth, parents, Scouters and staff), indicating opportunities to improve in-person support, growth and training. A new Scouting Relationship Model aims to do just that.
Strengthened supports will see one dedicated staff member on each Council Key 3. Formerly known as Area Support Managers (ASMs), the Scouting Relationship Model introduces two new roles to the organization; Council Relationship Managers (CRMs) and Scouting Relationship Managers (SRMs) to build relationships within the Scouting community to ensure program quality, safety leadership and membership engagement. With CRMs and SRMs being mentored and coached by Regional Directors, we are in a better position to deliver a great Scouting program to youth across the country.
The 2018–2019 Scouting Year will see us continue to build on this model by introducing a competency framework for Scouters looking to gain new skills to deliver a quality program. We have heard feedback for further support and skill development, which is why you will see us implement a new Scouter Development model. This model will equip Scouters with the knowledge and skills to be successful by outlining learning milestones with steps required to reach them.
We recognize that Groups across the country need a variety of tools and support to succeed. A sustainable and standardized support model is also in development to provide tailored support to Groups, ensuring they receive the support they need to deliver the Mission.
Our goal is clear: to deliver on our Mission of developing well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world. Through a network of staff and volunteers and an updated support model, Scouts Canada is well-positioned to create a vibrant and life-changing experience for all youth. As a united team, Scouts Canada can bring to life our Vision of youth making meaningful contributions to creating a better world.
Mission Impact Nationwide
The 2017–2018 Scouting Year saw Groups across the country deliver quality programming that helped us achieve our Mission.
“By running the Canadian Path program, the youth have had the opportunity to experience new things through outdoor adventure while acquiring leadership, teamwork and critical thinking skills.”
So what exciting activities have the 2nd Antigonish Scouts been a part of?
“We spend a lot of time outdoors on local hikes, scavenger hunts and orienteering exercises. The kids have even been in the geology labs where they have looked at rocks under microscopes and learned about different kinds of rocks. They loved that.”
Read more“A key element of our program is to support the community by bringing our Vision of Canadian youth making meaningful contributions to creating a better world to life. For example, the Group regularly goes to Camp Kinagalawi to carry out clean-up projects. The youth pick up debris and big branches outside and clean the main hall for the beginning of the camp season. The youth then review their experience to celebrate what they have accomplished […] and figure out what can be improved for their next service project.”
Read more“Community service is a key aspect of our programming. It not only helps the community, but teaches youth how to make contributions to society as youth and adults. Maintaining a bee farm, organizing food drives and crafting Christmas cards has made an impact on the very grateful residents that the youth help.”
Read moreAn Engaged Online Scouting Community
Over the past year, Scouts Canada’s online channels reached new heights. Our membership is remarkably engaged and owns the Scouts Canada brand through user-generated content portraying real-life adventures. Scouting youth of all ages wrote stories and shared videos about how the program has positively impacted their lives. We also heard from alumni how the values they developed in Scouts have stayed with them as they built careers and started families. Our Scouters’ voices were also represented, sharing best practices on how to facilitate a quality program that engages youth and brings Scouts Canada’s Vision to life.
A modern Scouts.ca for a great Scouting experience
A revamped Scouts.ca was introduced this past year. The revitalized site showcases our vibrant Scouting community and provides youth, parents, Group Commissioners and Scouters with the information and resources they need for a great Scouting experience. A new “Scouter Resources” section provides constant support to the 20,000 volunteers who deliver Scouts Canada’s programs across the country. New parent tabs ensure youth have everything they need to embark on the adventure of Scouting.
#ScoutsDoStuff
Scouts Canada’s social media reached new heights this year, evolving into an engaged online community supporting program delivery and shouting the Scouting spirit. Over 60,000 posts from the Scouting community reached over 2.5 million people and generated almost 13 million impressions.
Scouting Life
Scouting Life is our online magazine where you can read about the great adventures youth share and the skills they develop along the way. 2017–2018 saw 50% of content generated by youth highlighting their outdoor triumphs and the impact Scouting has had on their development. With 25% of content from Scouters, Scouting Life also serves as a channel for members to share best practices on how to facilitate a great program.
An Interconnected Communications Network
This past Scouting Year saw the roll-out of Council newsletters designed to engage the local membership by promoting upcoming events, communicating important news and sharing stories of great Scouting adventures. Eight Councils distributed regular e-communications, with an average open rate of 40% speaking to our engaged membership nationwide.
Scouts.ca
Almost 3 Million Page Views
Over 500,000 Users
1 Million Sessions
Social Media
Over 60,000 Posts
Over 2.5 Million Reach
Almost 13 Million Impressions
Scouting Life
Over 600,000 Page Views
Over 500,000 Users