BCC: Northern Lights Council Volunteers / Bénévoles du Conseil de Northern Lights | | | |
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NLC News
Connecting Volunteers Across Northern Lights Council
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| From Campfires to Community | | |
As autumn arrives and Scouting activities move into full swing, we are reminded of the strength of our Scouting community. From first campfires and fall hikes to leadership development and community service projects, this season offers countless opportunities for growth and connection. This month's NLC News highlights initiatives, resources, and opportunities that can help support local success while keeping us connected as one movement. We are grateful for your dedication and look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year.
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- Useful Right Now
- Recognizing Our Colleagues
- [Article] Wood Badge II: Grow Your Skills as a Scouter
- [Article] Your NLC Leadership Team
- What's Coming Up
- Confirmed Events
- Pending Events
- Shout Out!
- Willa Holmes
- Help Needed
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| Quick wins, urgent updates, and key resources. "Useful Right Now" delivers the tools and deadlines you need to know about today. | | |
Recognizing Our Colleagues
The National part of Scouts Canada recently shared they are planning two Volunteer Recognition shipments during the upcoming Scouting year. The Fall shipment will reach Group Commissioners by early December 2026, and the Spring shipment will arrive by the end of May 2027.
Between planning weekly meetings, heading out on weekend campouts, and juggling busy personal lives, taking a moment to express gratitude can easily slip down the priority list. Yet, recognizing our dedicated Scouters is the heartbeat of a strong Scouting program. Pausing to celebrate the leadership, energy, and heart that Scouters invest in shaping young lives validates their selfless effort, boosts team morale, and reminds us that every great Scouting adventure begins with them.
To ensure correct shipments in this initial window, please submit your commendations and nominations by October 5, 2026 using the Support Centre portal at support.scouts.ca. You can also use the portal to ask questions about the Volunteer Recognition program or upcoming shipments.
Types of Awards
- Commendation-Based Awards: Medal for Good Service, Bar to the Medal for Good Service, Medal of Merit, Bar to the Medal of Merit, Silver Acorn, and Bar to the Silver Acorn.
- Nomination-Based Awards: Jack Cornwell Decoration, Award for Fortitude, Meritorious Conduct awards, Gallantry awards, and Medal of the Maple.
- Years of Service Awards: Fulfilling 10-Year Long Service Awards missed during the previous mailing due to a calculation error.
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[Article] Wood Badge II: Grow Your Skills as a Scouter | |
Have you completed Wood Badge I and wondered what comes next? Wood Badge II (WBII) is the next step in your Scouter development. Designed around The Canadian Path, WBII helps you build practical skills, gain confidence, and deliver safe, engaging, youth-led Scouting adventures.
As part of a global Scouting tradition, WBII connects you to a worldwide network of adult leaders committed to lifelong learning and service.
What is Wood Badge II?
Wood Badge II is not a single weekend course. Instead, it is a flexible, self-paced learning program built around Scouter Development Cards, allowing you to develop and demonstrate skills in areas like program planning, outdoor adventure, safety, and team leadership.
You progress through:
- Practical Experience: Applying skills directly in your Section role.
- Mentorship: Learning alongside experienced Scouters.
- Self-Directed Learning: Choosing focus areas that fit your personal growth goals.
- Reflection: Evaluating your impact and leadership growth.
Northern Lights Council is actively developing future workshops, learning sessions, and networking events to help Scouters progress through WBII. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities!
Why Take the Step?
Completing Wood Badge II equips you to:
- Empower Youth: Better support youth-led planning and decision-making.
- Boost Confidence: Expand your outdoor programming and risk management skills.
- Connect with Peers: Share ideas, advice, and support with experienced leaders.
- Transferable Skills: Gain leadership and facilitation tools valuable in your career and community life.
Ready to Get Started?
Review the Scouter Development Cards to assess your current skills and build your roadmap:
Have You Already Completed Wood Badge II?
If you’ve completed your WBII requirements but haven't registered your achievement with Northern Lights Council, let’s make it official!
Please complete the Wood Badge II For Canadian Path Completion Form and submit it to nlc-ck3@scouts.ca.
| | [Article] Your NLC Leadership Team | | Strong groups build strong youth—and to ensure your team has every resource it needs to succeed, NLC is proud to introduce our newly re-established leadership team. Composed of veteran Scouters with deep roots in every section, our team is dedicated to supporting Scouters, solving problems together, and helping your group deliver unforgettable adventures. Meet the team below! | |
Brenda Doroshuk (Event Support Scouter)
Twenty-six years strong and still inspiring! We are thrilled to see Brenda step into the role of Event Support Scouter. Brenda has long devoted her passion to our mission—nurturing well-rounded youth ready to take on the world. As she takes on this crucial role, her leadership will bring even more vision, strength, and spirit to our upcoming events.
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Corey Wren (Communications Support Scouter)
Scouter Corey has been a part of 59th Edmonton for 12 years. Starting from Beavers, he is now the contact Troop Scouter and occasional Vent advisor. He has held the Group Commissioner role prior to joining Scouts Canada as a staff member. He brings a passion for growing scouting, teaching and learning new skills, and meeting up with other scouters. He is a father of three, who are all involved in scouting as well. He has attended the 2023 Haarlem Jamboree and is going again in 2027. His role will contribute to a stronger, more connected Council.
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Chris Augstman (Training & Development Support Scouter)
A Scout through and through, Chris spent over 15 years rising from Beaver all the way to Rover. Today, Scouting is a true family affair—he serves as a Venturer Advisor and a Cub Leader alongside his father, his wife and daughter, marking three generations in a single pack! Chris now joins the NLC Leadership Team as Support Scouter for Volunteer Training and Development. Driven by a practical, hands-on approach, he’s focused on making skill development accessible, engaging, and achievable for every volunteer across the council. Have ideas or suggestions for training opportunities? Drop Chris a line!
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Jim Brown (Group Support Scouter)
With over 35 years of volunteer experience across five different councils, Jim brings an extraordinary depth of knowledge to his role as Group Support Scouter. Having served in every youth section at both the group and council levels, Jim loves connecting with others to share the lifelong benefits Scouting offers youth and their families. He looks forward to supporting fellow Scouters and helping groups deliver top-notch programs across the region.
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Dave Betts (Group Support Scouter)
With nearly 50 years of Scouting experience across the UK and Canada (since 2007), Dave brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Group Support Scouter. Having served in every section and led adult training with Northern Lights Council, Dave encourages all leaders to put youth at the center of planning their own adventures—after all, it’s their program! Believing that "a problem shared is a problem halved," Dave is ready to offer fresh perspectives to help groups deliver challenging, adventurous, and fun-filled experiences this year.
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Brian Wallace (Group Support Scouter)
From his early days as a youth Scout to becoming a leader in the mid-1980s, Brian brings a lifelong passion for Scouting to his role as Group Support Scouter. Experienced across all sections—including nearly 15 years as an Akela and his well-known leadership with the NLC Cub Bikeree—Brian is thrilled to support groups in thriving and reaching their full potential. Based in Edmonton with his wife, Samantha, Brian is ready and available to assist your group whenever needed.
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NLC Range Training
October 3 and 4, 2026
Scoutland Camp (map)
The cost for each course is $20.
The plan is to offer two courses on Saturday, October 3, 2026 (pelletry and tomahawk), and archery on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Each course is a one-day affair.
We normally require a minimum of six participants in a course to make it worthwhile to conduct.
If you are interested, contact Ray Dunn (redunn46@gmail.com)
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Jamboree on the Air/Internet
(JOTA/JOTI) & Permit Skills Camp
October 16 to 18, 2026
Devon Lions Campground (map)
For more information email nlcjota2025@gmail.com
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Scouting Essentials
October 18, 2026
Starting at 5:00 P.M. Mountain Time
Virtual (Registration Required)
Explore everything that is the Canadian Path. Giving you the confidence to run great weekly meetings, camps and beyond. Discover the routines that engage you and your youth to build great programming Scouting Essentials aims to help Scouters in their Program Delivery and Section Scouter role by using the Scouting Method to introduce key concepts of the Canadian Path to bridge theory and practice. Discover:
- Weekly Meeting Structure
- Create a Section Code of Conduct
- How to use Patrols
- Youth-Led Adventures
- Shared Leadership - Youth, Scouters and Families
- Balancing Your Program
- Learn where to find resources
- Run fun safe Scouting activities and so much more!
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Oil Kings Scout Night and Sleepover
February 27 and 28, 2027
Starting at 5:00 P.M.
Rogers Place (map)
10220 104 Ave NW, Edmonton
An annual event hosted at Rogers Place, featuring an Edmonton Oil Kings game, where thousands of local Scouts and families gather for a full evening of hockey, exclusive post-game activities, an event patch, and an optional overnight sleepover inside the arena.
For more information email Jennifer Leskow and Amy Churchill at
scouteramy203@gmail.com
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Sherwood Park Vehicle Rally
March 13, 2027
Beavers: 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Other Sections: 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Agora Hall, Strathcona County Community Centre (map)
401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
The Vehicle Rally brings youth together to design, build, and refine age-appropriate Beaver Buggies, Kub Kars, or Scout Trucks. Throughout the day, participants mix with other groups to make new friends and test their builds in an inclusive competition featuring multiple award levels.
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Turkey Shoot
April 24 and 25, 2027
Scoutland Camp (map)
An archery-focused event for Cub Scouts held at Scoutland rain, shine, or snow.
**Currently at capacity**
For more information, including adding your group to the wait list, email David Walker (walker.53227@gmail.com).
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Bikeree
May 08, 2027
9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
(Staggered starting times)
Beverly Heights Community Hall
4209 111 Ave NW, Edmonton (map)
Open to all Cub packs, this fun, skill-building event features bike inspections, safety talks, and riding challenges, along with snacks, crests, certificates, and grab bags for all participants.
**Volunteer mechanics and donations for grab bag items are needed.
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PENDING
Events listed in this section are in the planning stages, but do not have a confirmed date and time.
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Oilers Scout Night
Target: November/December 2026
Oilers Scout Night brings local Scouts and their families to Rogers Place for an Edmonton Oilers NHL game, offering discounted tickets, a limited-edition event patch, and special in-game recognition.
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NLC Ski and Snowboard Day
Target: January/February 2027
Hit the slopes with fellow Scouts, leaders, and families for an unforgettable day of winter adventure!
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Edmonton North Vehicle Rally
(previously the Garrison Rally)
Target: April 2027
The Vehicle Rally brings youth together to design, build, and refine age-appropriate Beaver Buggies, Kub Kars, or Scout Trucks. Throughout the day, participants mix with other groups to make new friends and test their builds in an inclusive competition featuring multiple award levels.
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Great Edmonton Scout Camp
Target: May 2027
A weekend campout for Scouts (11 to 14) that brings together groups for joint outdoor adventure and inter-troop camaraderie. The previous year's event was at Imrie Campground.
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Cuboree
Target: May 2027
A weekend campout for Cub Scouts that brings together packs from across NLC and beyond to experience large-scale outdoor camping, practice scoutcraft, and connect with the broader Scouting community. Last year was at Imrie Campground.
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Spring Thaw
Target: June 2027
A late spring/early summer outdoor weekend campout for Scout groups, traditionally hosted at a more rustic regional camp location in NLC.
| | PLANNING AND REGISTERING AN EVENT | | |
Are you planning a special camp, rally, or multi-group adventure? The Scouts Canada Event Management Playbook maps out your event's lifecycle, from the initial idea through post-event review, to ensure every experience is safe, youth-led, and manageable. Before diving into logistics, start at the Idea Stage by following the Event Assessment & Approval Procedure.
It is important to secure early sign-off from the Council Key 3 for low-risk events, or National Leadership for medium- and high-risk events.
If you need help navigating the procedure and documentation, or to notify us of a missing event on the confirmed or pending lists, email Brenda Doroshuk, NLC Event Support Scouter (brenda.doroshuk@scouts.ca) or nlc-ck3@scouts.ca.
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This section highlights the amazing volunteers and youth who go above and beyond to make Scouting incredible across Central and Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories.
Send "Shout Outs!" for future newsletters to nlc-ck3@scouts.ca.
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Celebrating a Legacy of Youth Leadership
As her term as Council Youth Commissioner (CYC) for the Northern Lights Council comes to an end, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate Willa Holmes. During her time in this role, Willa has been a dedicated voice and an inspiring leader for young people across our council. From supporting local troop activities to helping organize major adventures, her hands-on effort has created memorable experiences for Scouts of all ages.
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Empowering Youth and Building Skills
Throughout her tenure as CYC, Willa's leadership has highlighted what Scouting is all about: building real-world decision-making, team-building, and problem-solving skills. By consistently encouraging youth to take the lead in their own adventures, she has demonstrated the true value of youth leadership in every part of our program. Beyond our local groups, Willa has also been a proud representative of the Northern Lights Council at the national level, ensuring that the youth perspective was always at the forefront of our initiatives and campaigns.
Expressing Our Heartfelt Gratitude
On behalf of the entire Northern Lights Council—our youth members, parents, and volunteer Scouters—we offer our deepest thanks to Willa as she transitions out of the role. Thank you for your energy, advocacy, and commitment to making Scouting inclusive, engaging, and fun. While your time as Council Youth Commissioner is ending, the impact of your work will leave a lasting mark on our community and continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.
We wish you the absolute best in your next adventure!
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Ready, Set, Mush! Help Bring Back the NLC Amazing Race
After taking a hiatus in 2026 following successful editions at Imrie Campground, we are rallying the team to bring back the NLC Amazing Race!
This high-energy competition challenges Scouts to design and build Klondike derby-style sleds, haul gear across rugged terrain, and race through hands-on activity stations. To get this event back on the trail (location TBD), we need enthusiastic volunteers:
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Event Scouter-in-Charge: Step into event leadership with full confidence! The previous organizer will serve as an advisor to provide mentorship, guidance, and past templates, but you'll lead the planning and gather the planning committee.
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Station Chiefs & Facilitators: Run interactive challenge stations along the course (e.g., pioneering, fire craft, wilderness navigation, or first aid).
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Race-Day Crew: Assist with sled inspections, trail safety, scoring/timing, or first aid coverage.
Whether you want to guide the event behind the scenes or lend a hand for a single day, we’d love to have you on the team.
Ready to help us mush ahead?
Contact the CK3 at
nlc-ck3@scouts.ca by October 16, 2026!
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Photo Credit: Liam Morland
(https://scoutdocs.ca/Klondike/Klondike_sled_plans.php)
| | The Council Key 3 is an equal leadership partnership that collaboratively guides strategic direction, supports local volunteers, and drives safe, high-quality Scouting across NLC. | | | | |
