Heather McCracken (Youth)
I have been a member of Scouting for the past eleven years, starting as a cub with 719 NE Properties Group. I am now a Rover and treasurer with 719 NE Properties Crew. I am also Council Youth Commissioner for Chinook Council. I have taken on many responsibilities and roles within Scouting, including Deputy Council Youth Commissioner, chair of the search committee for Council Commissioner, planning committee member for Southern Alberta Moot, pilot for Youth Leadership Training, and many more. I have been awarded my Chief Scout Award, Medal for Meritorious Conduct, and Bar to the Medal of Good Service. This past year, I was a representative of Scouts Canada at the Interamerican Leadership Training held in Ecuador.
As Council Youth Commissioner, I have faced many obstacles and challenges, but these have helped shape me into the person I am today. I believe strongly in Scouting not only because of the program, the community, and the international connections it provides, but also because of the youth leadership opportunities. In order to develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in our world, we must provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. I believe Scouting is more relevant today than ever, and that every youth who wants to learn new skills, go on adventures, and make new friends should have the opportunity to join Scouting.
One of my favorite memories of Scouting is, of course, the camps. One camp in particular stands out to me, and that is Wilderness Rendezvous. Over the course of a week-long camp in Saskatchewan, every year for five years, I learned skills such a lightweight backpacking, how to use a compass and read a map, how to cook trail food, and how to break your own trail. The camp program culminated with a five-day hike, including a 24 hour solo hike. Through that experience and many others like it, I have learned so much more than how to camp. I have learned perseverance, independence, responsibility, and dedication. This is the true value of Scouting – the development of youth into capable adults. With my experience and passion for Scouting, I think I am well-suited to be a voting member for the upcoming Scouts Canada AGM.