Central Escarpment Council Candidate Statements

Central Escarpment Council Elections

Candidate Statements

Note: Eric Ennis (Youth) has been acclaimed a Youth Voting Representative

Andy Dunn

Hello, my name is Andy and I’m a Scouter.

I began as a Cub Scout in 1972 (there was no Beaver Scout programme at the time) and worked my way up to Sixer and earned my five stars (there was no sixth star then either) before moving on to Scouts.

I greatly enjoyed my time in Scouting as a youth but took a break during my high school years as I got involved in other things.

About a month into my first year of University, a friend I’d met, when he learned I’d been a Scout, asked if I’d help him with his Cub Pack which was having some leadership challenges. He assured me it would only be an hour a week, so I readily agreed, and worked with Pack and Troop before helping set up one of the first Beaver Scout Colonies in the District.

Eventually I settled in Bolton, Ontario where I still live, and when my oldest son Matt (he’s a Rover now, a Scouter with Pack and Colony and our past Group Youth Commissioner) started Beavers, I joined 1st Bolton as a Colony Scouter. I’ve since worked with all our sections, was Akela for a few years, then Troop Scouter for eight years, and am presently Group Commissioner.

As a Scouter, since 1982, I’ve had a chance to join many great adventures and grow in my Scouting knowledge and commitment. I’m also a licensed Amateur Radio operator, so I got involved with JOTA (Jamboree on the Air) and JOTI (Jamboree on the Internet) and about six years ago the opportunity arose to take on the role of National JOTA-JOTI Coordinator for Scouts Canada. That has been a great way to get involved in International Scouting and to work with our International Programs team helping to provide great opportunities for our Scouting youth and volunteers around the world.

International Scouting led to other great opportunities, like working as part of the leadership committee for the SCOPE exchange between southern Ontario Scouts and greater Philadelphia area Scouting members from Scouts BSA, and as part of the senior management team of the Scout Brigade of Fort George, where we teach living history to Canadian and US Scouts every September.

Then came the chance to be involved in Jamborees. I took my Troop to CJ’13 in Alberta, and in 2017 had the opportunity to run a programme area at CJ’17 in Nova Scotia as part of the OOS Team. Last summer was simply amazing, as I was part of the programme staff of the World Jamboree in West Virginia.

Those who know me personally know that I love to share the words of our Founder, Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell, when he said “The most worth-while thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others” because I think that sums up Scouting for me. Whether you are a youth participant, a youth volunteer, or an adult volunteer, if you keep that one statement in mind throughout your life, you will come close to living the ideal of Scouting.

With all that has gone on in the past, and especially this year with COVID-19, Scouts Canada is greatly challenged and we still do not know where this path will lead us. For those of us who truly believe that Scouting is a model for how we should live our lives in harmony with the world, nations, nature and each other, this is the time we have to make the most important decisions to keep Scouting alive and vibrant and make it grow.

This year we face new challenges. Virtual Scouting is now a thing, and a year ago nobody would even respond to that phrase, let alone consider how we’d do it. They’d rather “keep the OUT in Scout” –and so would I – but these are unusual times.

We face challenges and change this year in how we do Scouting and how we keep Scouting from being swept aside by all that is happening in our “new normal” post-COVID world. This is the time we need to make big tough decisions, and move forward together. This is the time we need to ensure Scouting is still there tomorrow. The next year will be a challenge, but one we can meet head-on!

Scouting is important. Scouting is relevant. Scouting is vital to your well-being, my well-being, and the well-being of countless generations to come.

I pledge to represent that spirit of Scouting as your voting representative for Central Escarpment Council.

Bryan Hastie

My name is Bryan Hastie. I first joined Scouting as a Cub in 1977 and continued my adventures through Scouts, Venturers and Rovers, then became a Scouter in Troop in 1992. Currently, I serve as Group Commissioner for 10th Waterloo in the Grand River Area. During the past year, it has been my honour to represent you as one of Central Escarpment Council’s voting members and I would appreciate the opportunity to do so again.

I love Scouting and what it stands for and have witnessed the positive impact it can have on the lives of our youth. As we emerge from this unusual time, the steps we take in these next months will be critical for the continued viability of Scouting in Canada. I am very excited about some of the changes that have been proposed recently for the role of Council Voting Members and believe that I can be an effective advocate for CEC during what is sure to be a difficult and challenging year.

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope that you will consider supporting my bid to represent you at the 2020 Annual General Meeting.

Colin Ballantyne

By profession, Colin Ballantyne is a marketing director, overseeing large-scale web development projects – a job in which he must balance strict budgets with tight deadlines and multiple objectives. Like many people with a stress-filled career, Colin has found a hobby that helps him recharge after a tough day at the office. He is a volunteer with Scouts Canada.

Colin first got involved with Scouting as a youth in the 1970s. More than two decades later, he returned to his former troop, 1st Port Nelson Scouts in Burlington, Ontario, as a leader. Within two years, he progressed to Troop Scouter, acting as the lead contact and organizer for the Troop.

In addition to his group roles, Colin undertook to both organize and staff events including:

Burlington Area Co-op Camp 1999 - present
Burlington Area Canoe Camp 1998 - present
Burlington Area Competition Camp 2002 - 2019
Scoutcraft 1 & 2 1999-2002
BP Woodman Camp - 1999 - 2001
Burlington Area Winter Camp 1999 - 2008
Canadian Cub Jamboree (CCJ) - Camp Chief - 2020/21
World Jamboree 2019 - IST volunteer
Scouts Canada Member at large - CEC Voting Representative - 2018
Temporary Group Commissioner 7th Aldershot Scouts - 2019/2020
Canadian Jamboree:
- Youth Participant: 1981
- Contingent Scouter: 2001 & 2007
- Offer of Service Staff: 2013 & 2017

In 2002, Colin switched roles to become the Scouter for the 1st Port Nelson Venturer Company, many of whom he had worked within Scouts. As a Venturer Scouter, Colin provided guidance to the group, helping them to plan their own programs and events and encouraging them to explore various areas of interest as they plan for post-secondary education and careers.

When his daughter decided to join Scouts his role changed once again as he undertook the role of a Colony Scouter then moved up as she graduated sections to become a Pack Scouter, and back to his start as a Troop Scouter.

In 2011 his Scouting role expanded as Colin became the Group Commissioner for 1st Port Nelson Scouts and joined the Burlington Area Service team. Over the tenure of his GC role, Colin has orchestrated impressive 370% growth for the group re-activating the Colony and Pack sections in addition to the formation of a Rover Crew.

Through Scouting, Colin is able to share his knowledge and love of the outdoors, especially camping and canoeing. He enjoys spending time with youth, building their self-confidence and encouraging them to take on new challenges as they mature into young adults.

David Frederick

A results-oriented Scouter, with 27 years in various roles for Scouts Canada and 15 years as a youth member, delivering high quality program, advisory services, strategy and leadership. An articulate communicator able to present and influence decisions while considering priorities of the youth. A strategic thinker and enabler of change. Acts with integrity to the mission, values and principles of Scouts Canada and a sense of urgency to plan and execute initiatives leveraging internal resources. A successful experienced people manager and mentor, promoting growth for the youth and the organization, strong alliances and interaction for achieving optimal results. Independent and effective team player with an attention to detail.

Core competencies include:

Leadership
Strategic Planning
Change Management
Project Management
Program Management
Continuity and Sustainability

Experience

WORLD JAMBOREE CANADIAN CONTINGENT
2017-2019

Member of the Procurement Team/Transportation Team-Washington Program.
- Sourced and managed items for the World Jamboree Contingent kit.
- Managed the Washington Program for over 750 Participants. Set up the day programs for the Pre Jamboree experience. Set up and managed the wide game in central Washington DC. Managed the 750 Participants trip to the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Created unique experiences at the University of Maryland including the Strawberry Social and the Closing Dance.

CENTRAL ESCARPMENT COUNCIL COMMISIONER
2015-2018

Council Commissioner for CEC. Leading the Council team to provide direction for the 2^nd largest council in Canada of 5000 youth and Scouters.
Increased growth within the council. Managed the growth of Volunteer Recognition and percentage growth of Popcorn Sales.
Managed CEC concerns and issues.
CJ17 Volunteer managing the Halifax Excursions for over 4000 Participants

WORLD JAMBOREE CANADIAN CONTINGENT
2013-2015

Member of the Quartermaster team.
- Sourced, ordered, managed and shipped items for the World Jamboree Contingent kit.
- Managed Contingent Team concerns and issues and developed program to rectify issues in a timely manner.

TROOP SCOUTER 13^th BURLINGTON CEC
2011-2015

Contact Scouter for 13^th Burlington – Program Quality Award winner for 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
- Working with the Group Commissioner and Troop Councillors, in the past 4 years with the support of the parents, starting with 5 youth, created a troop of 26 youth and 6 Scouters. Implemented Youth lead program in 2011 with focus on youth planned events. The past four years included summer trips to Algonquin Park, CJ13, Haliburton Scout Reserve, Darien Lake, and Rock Climbing at Rattlesnake Point. Retention rate of 90% with focus on all parts of the Scouting program

SCOUTS CANADA TRAINER
1995-2020

Member and Lead on numerous Area, and Council Training courses.
- Lead Trainer on Woodbadge Part 2 Troop 2015.
- Trainer on Woodbadge Part 2 Pack for CEC 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008
- Trainer on Woodbadge Part 2 Troop 2000
- Lead and trainer on Woodbadge Part 1 Troop Oakville Area 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, Pack Part 1 2008, 2009

SCOUT BRIGADE OF FORT GEORGE
1995-2020

Camp Chief of CEC’s largest international annual event. Managed the administration including Finances, Registration, Recognition, Regalia, and Special events including parades and VIP’s.

BURLINGTON AREA COUNCIL – TROOP PROGRAM SUPPORT
2007-2011

Various projects for the Burlington Area Council. Support for new groups and Scouters providing program in Burlington.

TROOP COUNCILLOR 5th MEADOWVALE
2006-2007

Member of team to provide program and support for 18 youth attending the Canadian Jamboree 2007.

PACK COUNCILLOR 31^st BURLINGTON
2002-2007

Member of 31^st Pack team to provide program and support for 30 plus Cub youth in North Burlington.

CANADIAN JAMBOREE 2001 TRADING POST
2001

Member of team in retail services at the Canadian Jamboree.

OAKVILLE DISTRICT DEPUTY AREA COMMISSIONER TROOP PROGRAM SUPPORT
1997-2001

Various projects for the Oakville District

TROOP SCOUTER 1^st BRONTE
1995-2001

Contact Scouter for 1^st Bronte
- Implemented Youth lead program. Retention rate of 90% with focus on all parts of the Scouting program.

Affiliation & awards

Governor Generals Sovereign Medal for Volunteers 2018
Long Service Award
Medal of Merit
Bar to the Medal of Merit
Silver Acorn Award
Bar to the Silver Acorn
Member, Stoney Creek House Guard, Historical interpreter 2012-2020
Member, Museums Burlington 2013 – 2018
Civic Volunteer Award, Province of Ontario

Training

Commissioners Course 2010
Bushcraft 2008
Woodbadge Part 2 Pack 2007
Woodbadge Part 2 Troop 1997
St Johns First Aid CPR/C

Eric Durham

I first joined Scouts Canada as a Beaver at 15th Windsor in 1980. I continued through Cubs and Scouts there, earning the Chief Scout’s Award in 1989. I also participated as a Rover, with 73rd London (where I was a founding member) and 81st Hamilton.

As a Scouter, I’ve served groups in London and Toronto, but I’ve spent the bulk of my 24 years as a Scouter with 1st Waterloo. Over the course of that time, I’ve been a Scouter with Pack, Troop, Company and Crew and have volunteered as Treasurer, Registrar and Apple Day Coordinator. Most recently, I have assisted with the founding of the 38th Wilmot Beaver Scout Colony.

Currently, I serve as Communications Team Lead for Central Escarpment Council and as a member of the national Social Media Moderation team.

I live in Baden with my wife and three children. My daughter had her first year of Beavers this year and my wife had her first year as a Scouter, serving our daughter’s Colony. Our twins are too young to join yet, but soon.

Although I do have my own ideas about how Scouts Canada should operate, I realize that I am what I am asking to do is to represent Central Escarpment Council. As such, I am interested in hearing from my fellow Council members what are their concerns and priorities. I can be reached at eric.durham@scouts.ca.

Rob Ramsden

My name is Rob Ramsden; as a youth, I was a Cub, Scout, Venturer and Rover with 5^th Meadowvale in Mississauga. As an adult, I served as a Troop Scouter in North Bay where I attended university, and have now returned home and am currently a Venturer Advisor with 5^th Meadowvale.

Around the time that I started Venturers and was elected to be the company president, I found that I had a true love for the service and volunteering side of Scouting. My Venturer scouters were an excellent example of selfless adult leadership, and my fellow Venturers were fully committed to the movement. In all my years as a Venturer, I doubt there was a month when I didn’t attend a weekend-long event; it was more usual to spend every weekend in a month scouting, often providing service for larger camps and events.

As a Scouter I have served at both the Troop and Company levels, and helped out with other sections here and there, in Northern Ontario Council and here in Central Escarpment Council. As well as my section roles, I have been on staff and organizing committees for both large and small scouting events. One of the larger is the Scout Brigade of Fort George, where I have been on the service teams of both the fall and winter campaigns for over 10 years.

There is no doubt that my most eye-opening scouting experience was participating in one of the world’s largest scouting events, however. I was a member of the contingent management team for the Canadian Contingent to the 24^th World Jamboree this past summer. My role as Logistics Team Lead introduced me to a lot of the national-level networks and discussions that take place within Scouts Canada, WOSM and other National Scouting Organizations. I am hoping to be part of the contingent team that takes Canadian scouts to the next World Jamboree in South Korea in 2023, and experience it all again in a different light. The people I met and experiences I had at World Jam are a big part of the reason that I am looking to fill this voting role; every team I work with and role I fill lets me meet more people and have new experiences. I have every expectation the good will outweigh the bad in both of these categories.

I would also like to serve as a voting member at the Annual General Meeting because I am very interested in the internal workings of Scouts Canada. At times I have felt the frustration of not understanding why something is the way it is, and I have found that a lot of times engaging in the discussion does one of two things. One is that it can open your eyes to a situation that you did not fully understand and allow you to accept and explain it to others. The other is that it can make it clear to you how you might be able to contribute to a different solution in order to create positive change. I am especially interested in the latter!

I strongly believe that scouting history and traditions need to be preserved where possible, but that scouting also needs to adapt to new social norms and realities in order to survive and endure. Given the current pandemic, I am especially interested in being part of the discussion on how to bring scouting through this situation.

I encourage you to reach out and chat with me or those you chose to vote for if possible to let them know what you would like to see from scouting and Scouts Canada.

Elections: Central Escarpment Council Candidate Statements