2021 Registration is Now Open for Returning Members: Highlights and Notes
The wait is over! It's time for 2021 registration. myscouts is working as intended and registrations from returning members have been coming through!
First off, a shoutout goes to 133rd Milliken Mills (32 youths renewed) and 4th Orangeville (23 youths renewed). Kudos to Ernest and team and Brenda team! This an excellent start.
Second, we hear the concern many groups have with regards to registration. Parents (and even Scouters) are a bit worried that trying to register this time again will lead to frustration. This is understandable. At present, myscouts is working just fine, so parents may be relieved to hear.
Here are some notes to consider that you may find useful for your Group in speaking with parents and potential new members:
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Full Year: The registration is one calendar year - from January 1 to December 31 2021. $230 covers 12 months of Scouting. $15 from every registration is directly reallocated back to the group on top of the group's fee. While we don't have a crystal ball, we do know the pandemic will not last forever, and we can still deliver Scouting adventures no matter what stage we are in. Think ahead to Spring, Summer, and next Fall.
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Virtual vs Outdoor Program: Both virtual and outdoor programs are perfectly fine. A superior program is one that engages our youth and is safe. An inferior program is one that bores our kids or unsafe.
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Real Meaning of Scouts: Scouting is not confined to a "building" - Scouting is how we do things (Our Mission: To help develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world). We have shown resiliency, resourcefulness and continue to be mission-driven.
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Mental Health: Scouting allows youth to interact with other kids and can provide consistency and routine.
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Financial Support: No One Left Behind fund (NOLB ) is available for our families who would not otherwise be able to participate due to financial difficulties. We ensure no child is denied a Scouting experience due to financial hardship.
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Adventure Highlight: Highlight several activities your Group/Section will be doing in Spring or Summer (if planned already)
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Stay Positive: Yes, we are in uncertain times right now. We don't even know what it will be like in Winter - however, remember to stay positive in front of our Scouters, youths, and parents. As Bear Grylls said, out of all the factors related to wilderness endurance, your brain can most impact your chances of survival in the wild (source)
Your Council Leadership Team (CLT) will be with you. Almost all CLT members (including all Council Key 3 members) are also Section or Group Scouters - going through the same registration routine as everyone in our Council.
As always, please do reach out to your GSS or SRM for assistance; they continue to be your go-to resource for support. Shining Waters Council is doing fantastic things across our communities for our youth. Let's keep the movement going!
