SCOUTING
COMMUNITY

We are incredibly proud of our Scouting
community — youth, volunteers and staff — for
their leadership this year. Together, we were able
to provide Scouting youth with a safe and fun
program they have come to expect and enjoy.
When the pandemic hit, we demonstrated
resilience, adaptability, and determination as we
continued to Scout. We still found ways to
connect locally with Groups and nationally from
coast to coast to coast.

SCOUTER EXCELLENCE

Our youth would not have been able to continue Scouting through
spring and summer if it were not for our Scouters, who went above
and beyond to provide a meaningful virtual experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the amazing activities
our Scouters put together. Thank you!

1st Winona Scout watching their laptop screen and learning about beekeeping online.

1st Winona Scouts were able to get together to visit an apiary and learn about bees and beekeeping!

7th Whitby Scout watching their laptop and learning about megafauna online.

Beavers from 7th Whitby were visited by an Australian scientist to learn about MegaFauna!

Several images of Scouts learning about first aid skills online via Medvents.

Some Scouters even went as far as providing first aid skills training with Medvents.

A collection of images showing cubs from 10th Welland mastering new kitchen skills and cooking delicious meals.

Cubs from 10th Welland mastered new kitchen skills and cooked delicious meals for their families, thanks to their committed Scouters!

Recognizing Scouter Excellence

Each year, our Scouters collectively donate over two million hours of their time to ensuring that youth across Canada have access to great, safe Scouting experiences. This year, Scouts Canada was honoured to recognize many Scouters and youth for their contribution to well-rounded youth development.

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Commendations

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Silver Acorn and Bar
to the Silver Acorn

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Fortitude, Gallantry,
Jack Cornwall or
Meritorious Conduct

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Medals of Good
Service and Medal
of Merit awards

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Medal of the Maple

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Top Section Awards

OUR SCOUTING COMMUNITY

A young Scout watching virtual campfire activites on his laptop while sitting beside a live backyard fire.

NATIONAL VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE

On May 23, 2020, thousands of Scouts and Scouters from coast to coast to coast grabbed their camp blankets for Scouts Canada’s (first-ever!) virtual campfire, where they enjoyed skits, cheers and had a lot of fun.

RUBE GOLDBERG CONTEST

The pandemic did not stop BC-Yukon Council from hosting the Rube Goldberg Contest. Participating online, members put their creativity and STEM skills to the test, by building over 31 unbelievable contraptions using dominos, matchbox cars, catapults and much more.

Check out the winners’ submission:
Congratulations to Hailey & Natalie Bodman from the 5th Juan de Fuca.

Two girl Scouts pearing out of the door opening in their backyard tent.

4TH SPRUCE GROVE
BACKYARD CAMPOUT

Closed campgrounds, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, did not stop 4th Spruce Grove Scouts from embarking on a camping adventure. They simply brought the campground to their backyards! Gathering virtually, these youth made memories and enjoyed a night under the stars.

A STRONGER COMMUNITY FOR
ENHANCED MISSION IMPACT

THE SCOUTS CANADA
LEADERSHIP TEAM

The 2019-2020 year saw us introduce the Scouts Canada Leadership Team, an energized group of youth, volunteers and staff who are driven individuals with a strong passion for Scouts Canada’s Mission. Engaging with key internal stakeholders and supporting the direction of our strategic plan, the Leadership Team advises the National Key 3 through performance monitoring, priority setting and decision-making.

The Leadership Team will strengthen our ability to identify and respond to opportunities, leading to even greater Mission impact in the communities we serve.

Get to know our inspiring Leadership Team!
Multiple images of headshots of the leadership team.

ENSURING EVERY GROUP
RECEIVES SUPPORT

We recognize the vital role Groups play in delivering our Mission, which is why over the past few years our focus has shifted on providing Groups with the support they need. To ensure every Group receives support, Scouts Canada put in place the Group Commissioner Orientation program to help with the management of healthy Groups, a dedicated Relationship Manager for each Group, and the Group Support Centre, an online portal that offers accessible resources and tools.

A group of young scouts hiking a trail through a forested area, and the lead person is holding a walking stick.

The Core of Scouting — The Group

We continued our journey of supporting Groups in delivering the Mission.

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Groups have grown by
more than 10%.

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Groups have higher youth
membership than 2018-2019.

EVERY
GROUP

was assigned a Relationship
Manager, dedicated to helping Group
Commissioners succeed in their role.

Group Commissioner Orientation

2019-2020 saw us enter our second year of the Group Commissioner Orientation program. For new Group Commissioners the program provide the skills required to deliver a quality Scouting program, coach a team of engaged Scouters and effectively manage operations.

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Group Commissioners have
now graduated from the
Orientation program.

0%

of Scouts Canada youth are
represented by a Group
Commissioner Orientation graduate.

>0%

of Group Commissioners
would recommend Group
Commissioner Orientation.

THE GROUP SUPPORT MODEL
IN ACTION

THE 2ND TILSONBURG GROUP

“Knowing I have someone like Darlene, our relationship manager, behind me has helped me contribute positively to 2nd Tilsonburg Scouting and made me a better resource for the members within our Group. Although I am confident that I can handle this role, there is still so much information that I am sure I am not aware of. I want to do the very best I can for 2nd Tilsonburg. Knowing that I can reach out at any time for anything — it is very comforting, knowing she is there.”
A group of young Scouts inside a craft room holding up their creations made from plastic bottles and cardboard.

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NEW
BEAVERS

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NEW
CUBS

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NEW
VENTURERS

THE 1ST LEDUC

“This Group has found success through a shared leadership model that has its basis firmly rooted in strong relationships and is led by their GC, Scott Schram. Scott strives to ensure every member of the team is in a role that not only supports the development of the youth but also provides a sense of personal fulfilment to each Scouter. This approach was inspired by the Group Commissioner training he participated in March 2019 and by the direct support he received through his Relationship Manager. By working with his Relationship Manager, Scott implemented techniques learned at the GC Orientation course and helped his Group achieve amazing success. This team—from the youth, to the Scouters, to the parents—are committed to making the world a better place through the positive development of their youth. Every youth is given the opportunity to explore their strengths, challenge themselves, and push their boundaries through fun, safe adventures.”

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NEW
BEAVERS

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NEW
CUB

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NEW
SCOUTS

THE 8TH AJAX GROUP

“For 8th Ajax Scouts, the new Group Support Model has really helped us improve the quality of our Group. Having a dedicated Group Support Scouter has allowed me to provide better support to our Scouters and improve our overall Group health. This has helped us maintain a high level of Group quality, which is displayed by our high membership-return rate. Group Commissioners are essential to having a strong Group and partnering them with a Group Support Scouter gives us the opportunity to take our Groups to the next level.”
A group of young Scouts dressed for winter, posing outdoors while making a snow fort in the evening.

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NEW
BEAVERS

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NEW
CUB

0

NEW
SCOUTS

WORKING AT SCOUTS CANADA

Our 151 employees play a key role in achieving our Vision of youth,
making meaningful contributions to creating a better world. It is due to
the commitment of our staff that we are able to deliver programming in
almost every community across the country. They demonstrated
resilience and adaptability as the organization quickly pivoted to a virtual
workplace so we could continue to engage and support our members.

“I feel very fortunate to work and volunteer with such an impactful and longstanding organization. Not only do I get to fulfill my passion for building strong and resilient communities, but I am also able to see the joy and confidence grow in young people as they acquire new skills and abilities. Furthermore, I get to work with so many truly amazing people — youth, Scouters, and fellow employees alike. The passion, support, heart, and commitment that I encounter every day never ceases to amaze and inspire me to grow. Scouting really is a community, and I am proud to be part of it.” — Viki Fanous, Council Relationship Manager, Fraser Valley Council
“I truly love working for Scouts Canada. Every single day brings unique challenges and problems to solve. The opportunities for personal and professional growth are abundant and I get to engage with some of the most passionate and adventurous people. It’s wonderful to work to support a fantastic program that helps develop the youth who want to change the world.” — Mark Sokolowski, Scouting Relationship Manager — Group Support Centre
“With compassionate members, volunteers and employees, Scouts Canada maintains a very positive work environment. We encourage open communication and positive thinking, provide growth opportunities and great work-life balance. Employees are inspired and motivated to achieve the goals and objectives within a team.” — Jessica Li, Finance Team

An enhanced user experience

A new David Huestis Learning Centre

Scouts Canada is very excited to have partnered with D2L (Desire2Learn) to implement a new Brightspace Learning Management System — the new David Huestis Learning Centre. This personalized, mobile-friendly and intuitive platform for online learning will enhance Scouts Canada’s training of volunteers and staff, tracking competencies as they’re acquired through the Scouter Development Model.

This new innovative learning centre isn’t simply for your standard training either. Agile and innovative, it can be used for webinars and training sessions on top-of-mind matters — like the Back to Scouting 2020 session that saw almost 4,000 Scouters tune in.

Check it Out!
A man holding a tablet showing a website page titled David Huestis Learning Centre. Screen capture of the welcome page from the website David Huestis Learning Centre.

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Over 6,000 Scouters have leveraged this new tool including:

  • 2,539 to complete Wood Badge 1 for The Canadian Path.
  • 1,289 to complete Wood Badge 1 for Group Committee.
  • 210 to complete Wood Badge 1 for Group Commissioners.
“It actually works. It is responsive and easy to navigate. Valuable screen real estate isn’t wasted with pointless decorations. I don’t have to play ‘Where’s Waldo’ with hidden links to find additional information.”
“The Awards section gave me the clearest mindset of what is important, what I have completed and a clear indication of where I need to progress.”
“I like the clean look. It was easy to find additional training. I started going through theWood Badge for Group Committee and I found the data within two minutes of browsing the site.”