SCOUTS CANADA

September 16, 2002

DUNBAR/POINT GREY 25TH TROOP

To: New Scouts, Returning Scouts & Parents

Welcome to the 25th Dunbar Scout Group. This year, as in the past, we are fortunate to having a number of returning leaders as well as some new ones. We can always use some extra help from the other parents so please try to get involved in some of the activities as the opportunity presents itself. As well, if there are any parents interested in the non-uniformed administrative Group Committee, please contact us. You really can make a difference and the training and time commitment is not onerous. Everyone has talents that will help in our efforts to make a great Scout program. This includes parents having fun as well as the boys. Please refer to the parent resource section of the registration form or talk to a leader about ideas as to how you might be able to participate.

Meetings

We meet regularly from 7:00pm to 9:00pm(+) on Monday nights from early September to mid May at the Dunbar Heights United Church, 3525 West 24th Avenue, Vancouver. On occasion, following a weekend camp, the Monday night meeting is optional. These meetings are for camp debriefing and returning equipment and the boys usually play gym games. Scouts are encouraged to participate in camps and day trips but if they must miss an event they can come to these meetings for participation time.

Registration

If any scouts are not yet registered and/or have not paid please do so as soon as possible so that our records and insurance can be kept up to date. Boys will not be allowed to attend outings without being registered. Partially completed registration forms are on hand for returning members. New members will need to fill out a complete form.

Scout Camps

Boys/parents will be asked to fill in forms for camp consent, physical fitness and driving for each event. If there are changes to medical, contact or driver info please let us know so that the forms can be updated. An 'Parental Consent Form' will be given to the boys at a meeting before each event (and is available here on this web site) and should be completed and returned to the next following meeting so that rides and food can be arranged for each event. As well, a fee is required to defray costs associated with most outings. For all events please make cheques payable to "25th Dunbar Heights Scouts" unless otherwise noted.

We usually have 6-8 camps per year and information will be handed out at meetings a few weeks prior to each event. The Calendar & Event Schedule can be checked for upcoming camps and events. The first camp is usually on a weekend in late September or early October, the location to be announced at one of our first meetings and this camp will include Cubs, Scouts and Venturers. The Scouts are usually asked to bring along a bag dinner and drink to eat on the way to camp. For most camps all meals will be provided. Scouts will ussually be dropped off at their homes on Sunday afternoon between 3PM & 5PM (approx).

Additional parents will likely be required and encouraged to drive and to stay overnight. Please contact David Scherk or other leaders at the number(s) noted on the hand outs if you are able to participate.

Further planned camps will include another fall camp, (maybe Montague Harbour bike camp), a snow camp sleeping in Igloos, a lightweight back packing camp and our Bowen Island or Camp Byng camp in the spring . Section to section (Cubs to Scouts and Scouts to Venturers) linking activities and summer events will be announced as the year progresses

Other program activities will include indoor rock climbing, open fire cooking at Pacific Spirit Park, orienteering and of course the annual NiteHike.

Venturer program (age 14-17) is very active and we anticipate about 25 members in 2008/09. Program for Venturers could include sailing, camping, hiking, biking and a major expedition (Peru09) each summer.

Attendance and Dues

If the Scouts will be missing a meeting, please have them advise their Patrol Leader. Dues of $1.00 are collected at every meeting and are used for badges, outings, etc. A record is kept of who has paid and not paid and a phone call will be made to the parents if the Scout has not been paying his dues regularly.

Uniforms

The full Scout uniform will usually be worn on the first meeting of each month but always check the program schedule for details. Please make a note of these nights so that we can have the best possible showing of uniforms at those times.

The uniform is available at Scout House on Broadway and consists of a shirt, sash, woggle and belt. When fitting uniforms please remember that our boys grow quickly and may need their uniform for at least 3 years (get dad to try on the shirt and sash). If the cost of a uniform is a burden please notify a leader and special arrangement will be made. The scarf and insignia will be presented to new Scouts at an investiture ceremony early in the Scouting season.

On the other meeting nights, the Scouts (and Leaders) wear a special Scout t-shirt with the Dunbar 25th logo on it. We intend to continue this tradition. For the new Scouts, and for the old ones who may have lost or outgrown last year's t-shirt, new ones will be available through the Troop at a cost of $15.

Please label all items and you will greatly increase the chances of getting them back if they are lost.

Badges

The earning of badges is an important part of Scouting. The badge system and requirements are described in “The Scout Handbook” which is available at Scout House and all Scouts will need one. Some of the Cub Achievement badges can be worn by the new Scouts, please check with the Scout leaders prior to putting Cub badges on the Scout sash.

For all Scouts, a goal to strive for is the Chief Scout Award (formerly known as “Queen Scout”), which requires a good deal of work and commitment. Every year boys quallify for this award and we are very committed to assisting our senior Scouts in their pursuit of this award. As a benefit, the receipt of the Chief Scout Award gives high school credits as well.

In past years senior Scouts have been admitted to the 'Trek' program at Prince of Wales Secondary School, partly on their involvement and participation with our Troop. This Grade 10 program could be of interest to a number of the Scouts and we may be able to providing some information on it.

Please feel free to discuss any concerns with any of the leaders.