SCOUTING
COMMUNITY

The Scouting community runs deep. This year, more than ever, our Scouting community came together to keep Scouting.  Youth, volunteers and staff all stepped up to the task to continue to deliver an amazing and fun program despite all the challenges. Groups found ways to connect locally and nationally from coast to coast to coast demonstrating creativity and resiliency along the way.

SCOUTER EXCELLENCE

Who makes Scouting possible? Our volunteers! Our dedicated volunteers are
the heartbeat of our organization and they are what make Scouting possible.

Here are just a few of our over 12,000 amazing volunteers! Check out more on our website.

Alexis Parks (2nd Langley Mavericks, Fraser Valley Council, BC).

Alexis Parks(2nd Langley Mavericks, Fraser Valley Council, BC)

Read Alexis's Profile

Loretta Kasperski (1st Bancroft Scouting, White Pine Council, ON)

Loretta Kasperski(1st Bancroft Scouting, White Pine Council, ON)

Read Loretta's Profile

David Walker

David Walker(1st Blueberry, Northern Lights
Council)

Read David's Profile

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

50 Years = 0

55+ Years = 0

Years of Service Pins

OUR SCOUTING COMMUNITY

WILDERNESS RENDEZVOUS 49 – SASKATCHEWAN AND CHINOOK COUNCILS

WILDERNESS RENDEZVOUS 49 – SASKATCHEWAN AND CHINOOK COUNCILS

Scouters know a thing or two about planning, especially for planning a camp! Wilderness Rendezvous 49, held this past July in Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan, brought together over 40 Scouters to plan the annual 9-day camp for youth from both Saskatchewan and Chinook Councils. Planning started long before restrictions were lifted and the group of dedicated Scouters were determined to provide a safe experience for their youth. With protocols, daily temperature checks, regular sanitization and vigorous cleaning schedules – the team ensured all the participants we safe. The Scouters admit that it was probably the most challenging camping experience they’ve ever had, but it also turned out to be one of the best camps they ever had. Their hard work and commitment will ensure that next year’s 50th anniversary Wilderness Rendezvous camp will just as amazing.

1st ABBBOTTSFORD – FEBRUARY FAMILY CHALLENGE

1st ABBOTTSFORD – FEBRUARY FAMILY CHALLENGE

The 1st Abbotsford Scouts always looked forward to their annual family potluck dinner each February. But February 2021 was different. With indoor, in-person gatherings not permitted, the Scouters of 1st Abbotsford decided to try something new, they called it “Family Challenge.” They asked their Scouting families to work together within their own family to complete a set of challenges throughout the community and take and pictures along the way. Challenges included taking a picture with a necker on a statue, lashing together a tripod and enjoying an ice cream at Birchwood Dairy. In all over 20 families participated with over 70 participants. “It felt great to get back into planning mode,” said one Scouter. “It was amazing to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and have something Scouty to do!” said another family participant. The event helped reinvigorate families, demonstrated to the community that Scouting was still alive and well, and promoted the family aspect of Scouting.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

Giving our Scouters the resources and tools they need to run a great program for
their youth is critical. That’s where our Program Support team comes in and
ensure that all our volunteers have the programming materials, know-how
and support to ensures success (and fun!) Webinars, support resources,
workshops, skills nights and Mug-Ups – they’re all part of a great
Scouter experience.

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Attendees - Know-vember
2020 Virtual ScoutCon

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number of sessions offered during
Know-vember 2020 Virtual ScoutCon

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Attendees - Spring Virtual
ScoutCon 2021

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number of sessions offered
during Spring ScoutCon 2021

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Attendees – ScoutWeek 2021

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Attendees – Great 8
Challenge Sessions

GROUP COMMISSIONER EXCELLENCE

Our Group Commissioners rose to the challenge and prevailed amid the pandemic. Like never
before, Group Commissioners, Scouters, youth leaders and Group Support teams stepped up
to ensure all youth could benefit from Scouting. Whether virtual or in-person our 700 Group
Commissioners demonstrated resilience and dedication as they led their Groups in deliverying
a high-quality program.

163rd IIT (Islamic Institute of Toronto) – GTC, Central Region

163rd IIT (Islamic Institute of Toronto) – GTC, Central Region

Group Commissioner – Ashfaque Nalim
Supported by – SRM, Marlene Harris

“What contributed most towards the resilience of the Group was positive attitude towards change and having a supportive Group Committee, parents' group and Scouters that were up to the challenges we faced.” 

Two girls preserving nature by planting tree shoots.

1st Stratford - Nova Scotia Council, Eastern Region

Group Commissioner – Derwin Banks
Supported by – SRM, Darlene Maund

“I strongly believe that training and development of our Scouters is critical to our success and that the delivery of training opportunities to the Scouters needs to be a combination of online and in person events that allow our Scouters to exchange ideas with other Scouters.”

6th Erin Mills – CEC council – Central Region placeholder

6th Erin Mills – CEC council – Central Region

Group Commissioner – Brian O'Shaughnessy
Supported by – SRM, Bryan Meere

While the past year was challenging, we had great success engaging a core group of youth and Scouters by exploring new approaches. As is true anytime you try a new approach, there was a lot of trial and error. Some attempts fell flat, but we adapted to what the youth wanted and had some great meetings and the youth (and Scouters!) learned a lot along the way.”

INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL

Scouts Canada’s International efforts in the past year were focused on three key priorities:

  1. 1. Elevating Canada’s reputation and visibility within World Scouting
  2. 2. Engaging our youth in International Scouting
  3. 3. Enhancing the capacity of Scouts Canada’s International Team

Some International highlights from the past year:

  • 6 adults and 4 youth Participated in the 42nd World Scout Conference and 14th World Scout Youth Forum
  • Scouts Canada youth represented Canada at virtual events in the UAE, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
  • Showcased Scouts Canada’s work on youth safety and programming – Great 8 Challenge at the World Scout Conference
  • Presented a Canadian candidate (Steve Kent) for election to the World Scout Committee
  • Established the Contingent Management Team for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in 2023
  • Over $140,000 returned directly to groups
  • 8 staff and volunteers engaged with World Scouting working groups and networks
Girls and boys laying on the ground wearing Moot shades

LEADERSHIP TEAM

THE SCOUTS CANADA
LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Scouts Canada Leadership Team is 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.

WORKING AT SCOUTS CANADA

Our 139 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.

“Working alongside the volunteers and staff of Scouts Canada has been the most inspiring time in my life. The shared passion and commitment to our mission of creating well-rounded youth is an opportunity most people do not get to experience. I am grateful to my team and the support of all the departments - our efforts demonstrate that "teamwork makes the dream work.” — Alex Longo, Council Relationship Manager, Cascadia Council
“This has definitely been a challenging year for everyone as we have adapted to the ongoing impacts of COVID. I am very proud that Scouts Canada as an organization has continued to live the Scouting values. The ongoing efforts to support youth and volunteers through out these challenging and unprecedented times have demonstrated our resourcefulness and resilience when it is needed most. We truly have a great team starting from the leadership of the Board, Senior Leaders, Staff and dedicated Volunteers. I am extremely excited to see what the future holds as we begin a new year for all youth and the great adventures to come.” — Doug Smith, Operations Manager
“Working for Scouts Canada has allowed me to achieve my career goals while also contributing to a cause that I care deeply about. The professional development that I’ve received in the past few years would likely outclass many executive MBA programs. After more than a decade of employment I’m still as deeply committed to Scouts Canada and our mission as when I started.” — Eric Schmitt, Director, Scouting Experience
“Working for Scouts Canada is an amazing experience! I absolutely love partnering with our volunteers, our members, and staff to help facilitate a program where youth get an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy some pretty awesome adventures! In my 6 years with the organization, I have watched youth grow and develop into successful and brilliant young adults. I can’t think of a better job that I would want to do, or one that would be more rewarding than what I do here at Scouts Canada.” — Stacy Adair, Operations Manager