Jim Bryce

My name is Jim Bryce and I have been a member of Scouts Canada since I joined as a Cub many years-ago. In the coming years I was an activity leader, Scouter in Training, and Pack Scouter. I became more involved in the local Scouting scene when I became part of the Pack service team which led to the role of District Commissioner. When that role was completed I once again became part of the Pack service team. It was then that I decided to explore the idea of a summer camp program for Cub-aged youth.  I had noticed while servicing local Cub packs that most groups shut down when school closed for the summer. The summer was a perfect time for outdoor activities and learning new skills and I figured we should use this opportunity to have fun in the sun.

The following summer a one-week camp was held at Camp McLean. The camp was a fabulous success and became part of our yearly summer program. During this time I was asked to become the Assistant Regional Commissioner for Pack. One of my first tasks after talking to many Pack Scouters was to look at an event for the Cub section. After much discussion with Pack Scouters the Cuboree was born. This was to be a day event with activities for this age group. We had over 2,000 Cub Scouts plus Scouters attend our first Cuboree. This event is still going on currently.

The following year I looked into expanding the summer camp program to all groups in the Council. A committee of interested Scouters was formed and the summer program started with one week the following summer. The popularity of the summer program was high and for the next 3 years the camps went from one to four weeks of camping at Camp McLean.  Finally in the mid 90’s a fifth week was added to meet the needs of our membership. Today we still offer 5 - 1 week camps at Camp McLean.

When the role of Assistant Regional Commissioner was finished I was asked to become part of the Provincial Service Team as Assistant Provincial Commissioner for the Pack Section working with the Pack Assistant Regional Commissioners in the province. After 2 years I was asked by my local district if I would consider returning as their District Commissioner as there was a need. After mulling it over I decided to assist the local district and help rebuild the team. I worked in this role for 3 years.

I was involved in training over many years and was impressed with the dedication of our scouters and trainers. I worked specifically with Woodbadge 1 and 2 for Pack Scouters. Later I assisted with other training including service team.

During this time our Council Commissioner asked me to join the team as Deputy Council Commissioner Program.  After my stint on the Council Team I was asked to take on the role of Council Commissioner which I held for 4 years.  I continued to work with the next Commissioner as Deputy Council Commissioner Short Term Programs which included Summer Camp, Schools and Scouting Program & an After School Program.

Scouting has always been a big part of my life since I joined.  I have enjoyed everything that came along and all the awesome people I have met over the decades. There is a place for everyone from the jock, the artist, fisherman, or whatever your passion is. If you like the outdoors you will love all the programs.  There are amazing opportunities for youth and adults to learn new skills and have a lot of fun doing them.  The youth of all ages are awesome and are ready to soak up everything that is available to them through our activities. I have been very impressed with the teenagers that I have worked with over the years. They all have so much to offer and yes there are those who are exceptional and do more amazing things on their own.  Most youth still need our help and guidance (mentoring) when needed and that is always the biggest issue when to help and advice and when not too.

I feel I have lots of experience and I know we are trying hard to get younger people involved, which is great, but let’s not forget we who have experience can still be involved to give a well-rounded perspective.

Marshall Whittaker (Youth)

I am Marshall Whittaker, Fraser Valley's Council Youth Commissioner. I am a 20 year old youth member in Scouting as well, I am in a Scouting group, as well as a specialized group called 24^th MedVents. In my free time, I am currently becoming a heavy machinery mechanic going through the apprenticeship program. I love doing activities hands-on and always being active. For the voting role, I want to be there for the youth and to represent and put forward a youth perspective.

Samantha Seney (Youth)

Hello! My name is Samantha Seney and I am running as a youth voting representative this year for the Fraser Valley Council. I have been a member of scouts Canada since 2012, currently I am a Rover in Langley and a crew scouter in downtown Vancouver. I find that I am quite fortunate to have the opportunity to view the organization from a handful of different perspectives: working at the group level as a participant, scouter, and group committee, and also working with council as a youth spokesperson, trainer, and planning events for youth across the province. 

A lot of my work within Scouting focuses on service and support: supporting the youth and supporting other scouters. I work hard to ensure that everyone has everything they need to either take part in or deliver the program and I am always trying my best to make sure that everyone is having good time. Also, Youth having their voices heard is and being consulted about big picture decisions is important to me. I strive to make sure that all the youth, participants or volunteers are set up for success in what they do. I believe that Scouting offers so many amazing opportunities for learning and experiences that you cannot find anywhere else.

I hope that you vote for me as this years youth voting representative for the Fraser Valley and that given the opportunity I will make a difference.

Zachary Connor (Youth)

I have been an active member of Scouting since the womb. I’ve gotten the pleasure to meet Scouts from all over the world and many walks of life, from Indonesia, Guatemala, Mexico, Ecuador, and the United States. I am committed to the principles of Scouting and apply them in all aspects of my life. I will do my best to represent my cohorts at meetings. I was president for two terms in Venturers and I’ve been president in Rovers for two. I achieved my Queens Venturer Award and am currently working on my Rover Scout Award to reduce styrofoam use in the restaurant industry internationally. I have been a Venturer advisor for two Scouting years. I love lead campfires, not just for my own group, but for the Scouters Guild and I support youth in leading campfires as well. I fill in wherever I am needed for camps and I’m committed to advising youth in reaching far and achieving grand goals. I’m currently in college and set to graduate with an AAS transfer degree and honors from Whatcom Community College. I’ve also made the Dean's list. In college I took a business law class and I expect that to serve me well in understanding the legalese of official documents. I have participated in many section Scouting meetings, which I expect to help me understand the structure of higher-level Scout meetings. On occasion, I go with my grandfather to his board meetings, where I have engaged in the meeting and given advice from my experience. At Camp Mclean Cub camp as a Venturer I empowered myself and my peers to deep clean the kitchen, for the week I was there our kitchen was spotless. I would love to have the opportunity to represent my Council at National meetings.