May 2022
Notices from Council
We'd like to take a moment to recognize and appreciate all the volunteers who contribute to our organization. To all those who take time out of their lives to enrich the programs we offer; thank you. We'd also like to share appreciation to staff who go above and beyond their duties and do even just a little bit more, your efforts definitely don't go unnoticed. Thank you to all you amazing volunteers.
Update Regarding Haliburton Scout Reserve 
 
Statement from the Properties Team regarding the temporary closure of the Haliburton (ON) Scout Reserve property this summer.  

As the Property Operations Team, we are committed to ensuring Haliburton Scout Reserve is both sustainable and supports quality outdoor programming for many years to come.
 
For the past 2 years, Haliburton has been unable to operate as a result of pandemic restrictions. Additionally, the property needs significant repairs and facility upgrades to be a viable, safe property for our youth to enjoy. As a result, we are disappointed to announce that Haliburton Scout Reserve will remain temporarily closed this summer.
 
Scouts Canada recognizes Haliburton Scout Reserve provides youth with great outdoor adventures with many unique experiences to offer. We want to ensure that the property is ready and safe to welcome back Scouting members.

Please note this is a decision made by the Properties Team, so any questions should be directed to them, not to the GTC team. Our Property Support Scouter is Doug Kelly.
Greetings and Guidance from Member Services

In this issue: Eligible Interviewers Respect in Sport – Re-certification Non-Members and Reports (example: Parent Helpers) Understanding Age-Groups (aka Sections
CHANGE TO POLICE RECORD CHECK PROCEDURE (for new Scouters only)

*Please note that PRC Applications sent via mail to the Central Ontario Service Centre (COSC) will no longer be accepted after March 31, 2022. 
Your Council Voting Representatives are hard at work. Please a few moments to read their update here:
Upcoming Council Events and Special Interest Clubs
Youth and Adult Award Recognition
Thank you to all attendees, and leftover recognition will be sent out as soon as possible!
LEVEL UP YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE IN 2022! 
 
You’ve done the local hikes camped at the local sites and now it’s time to level up your next adventure. 

Think big… Think challenging… Think next level! Think of that bucket list adventure you’ve always wanted to tackle. 

Now is your chance! 
 
WELCOME TO THE GRIZZLY DEN 
 
The Grizzly Den is a unique opportunity for Sections in Ontario to take their adventures to the next level.  

Generously supported by Hydro One, Sections will pitch their adventure ideas to the ‘Grizzlies’ – a group of seasoned Scouters and others – and the ‘Grizzlies’ will award Sections a dollar amount to put towards their amazing adventure! 
 
Through the Grizzly Den, groups have the opportunity to get a significant amount of funding for their planned adventure. Also, the process of applying is part of the soft-skills development that youth gain through the experience. Coming up with adventure ideas, working with their peers to figure out all the components needed to achieve their adventure; building, designing, and pitching their adventure proposal, and then, if successful – taking those plans and putting them into action. It all works towards fostering important life skills. 
 
Visit our website for more all the information you need to get started! 


We have extended the date for all submissions. They are now due May 20th.  

This will give the ‘Grizzlies’ more time to assist you in working on your Grizzly Den proposals. 

A reminder that Camp Adventureland will be open for Day Camp, LIT Training and Family Camp!
Let's Get Scouting!

Greater Toronto Council Summer Challenge 2022

Greater Toronto Council is excited to announce our Summer Challenge! It’s easy, fun and we would love to see what our youth are up to throughout the summer months. The Summer Challenge will start on May 15th, 2022 and will close on August 15th, 2022.
Here’s the low down:

Sections will choose an adventure from the phrase “GTC Scouts.” You need to choose an activity using at least 1 letter. Bonus points if you can include more than 3 letters in 1 activity!


A section must complete and submit 1 challenge per month. A minimum of 3 months must be completed and submitted to qualify for a chance to win bragging rights and a prize. There will be a prize for Colony, Pack, and our Senior Sections (Scouts, Company & Crew). And YES! We would love to see pictures of youth having fun!


There will be an on-line form to submit your Section’s monthly challenge.
Prizes

One Colony and one Pack section will win a Campfire hosted by the Program Support Team and Council Key 3 in September – complete with games, cheers, and roasting hotdogs and of course S’mores!

Senior Sections (Scouts, Company & Crew) will compete for the chance to camp on Snake Island for the weekend of September 9th to 11th, 2022. That is right – your Section will not have to pay for campsite fees and Saturday will be an opportunity to learn and practice some of their outdoor skills with the Program Support Team!

Below are some of the challenges to choose from. We challenge your youth to create their own adventures with the letters that spell out GTC SCOUTS!

Geocaching
Trail skills
Cooking
Shelters
Canoeing
Outdoor Skills
Urban hike
Tents
Sailing

As with all Scouts Canada activities, we believe safety comes first. Before beginning your Challenge quest, plan a youth-led or Scouter-guided safety moment and always explain the safe conduct of the activity and tools used.
Spring into Summer with Scouter Development
June 25-26, 2022
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

*Snake Island - Camp for the night or stay for the day (1:00 PM - 8:00 PM) 
 
The sun is shining, and the weather is sweet! Come network and connect with other Scouters for a day that explores Outdoor Adventure Skills and more. Worried about how to take your Cubs to camp? Learn how to include your youth in the planning and setting up of camp. Don’t know what activities to do with your Beavers? Discover new age-appropriate content for your activities. Are you having tarp troubles? Become familiar with the knots while having fun and build a shelter that will handle the summer rain. Want to be a way-finder whiz or create a far-out feast? We’ll unravel some of the mysteries of a map and compass. Join the Program Support Team for a day of Scouter Development that explores Outdoor Adventure Skills.
  
Who Should Attend?  
Ideal for new Colony and Pack Scouters and Scouters who are gearing up for Spring and Summer Adventures 
Potential Volunteers and Interested Parents are welcome! 
VOTING COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES
The Council Representative nomination and voting period is fast approaching.  Below is this year’s schedule.  Emails and reminder emails will be sent out to all members during each period (nomination and voting) to encourage participation and member engagement in the nomination and voting process.   
 
Nomination Period: April 5 – May 3, 2022 
Candidate Statements posted to website: May 16, 2022 
Election Period: May 17 – June 14, 2022 
Results Announcement: June 17, 2022 
Annual General Meeting scheduled for: November 19th, 2022 
MEET OUR CHIEF SCOUT, LES STROUD 
As you may be aware in December 2021 Survivorman Les Stroud was officially invested as Scouts Canada’s Chief Scout. The ultimate adventurer, Les brings expertise in outdoor survival skills with a genuine connection and respect for nature. Throughout the year, the Chief Scout meets with Scouters & youth at Group meetings, ScoutCons, camps and award ceremonies. 
  
If you would like to invite Les Stroud to attend an event in 2022, please fill in the form here. Only events taking place after June 1st will be considered to allow time for coordination. Depending on the Chief Scouts' travel schedule virtual attendance may be the only option. 
Uplifting Scouting Stories: Inclusion and Belonging! 
 
We know Scouters from around the country are doing amazing things to build a diverse and inclusive culture in their Group and begin their own local reconciliation journey. 
 
On May 26th, 7:00pm to 8:30pm EST, we’re hosting a virtual panel discussion to let some of these awesome Scouter share their stories and testimonials. (Zoom link coming soon) 
  
We are collecting your questions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in advance, in order to build the conversation around what matters most to you. The panel of your peers are looking forward to sharing the best practices they have acquired and answering your questions on how you can do it too!  To contribute your questions, click on link below and fill out the form. 
  
Watch for more event details, “Meet the Panelists” information, as well as an invitation to join the conversation soon. 
We Want YOU For The Following Council Positions...
Upcoming National Events
Your ultimate adventure begins in 2023 on the shores of South Korea! Sign up today to join our newsletter and receive the latest news and information on the Canadian Contingent to the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea! 
 
Please visit us at www.scouts.ca/wj23 for more information
And if you have any questions, please email us directly at
wj23canadiancontingent@scouts.ca

We would love to have you join us on the shores of South Korea in
2023! Join the Ultimate Adventure today!
Fundraisers
Scout Coffee is back! 

Follow those links to register your Groups and get started on your fundraising to embark on more amazing adventures!  

Scout Coffee has started (as a year-round campaign) - https://bit.ly/3m2fAv8 
Maple Syrup is back

Maple Syrup Fundraising information 2022 The sap for this fine 100% pure organic maple syrup was collected from trees within Woodland Trails Scout Camp and other local forests. Produced by Pefferlaw Creek Farms, this family-run Ontario farm has a rich tradition of maple syrup production. The brothers devote much of their time each spring to the passionate crafting of one of nature’s healthiest sweeteners.

Mmmmm... Maple Syrup Fundraiser Did you know that you can use Woodland Trails Maple Syrup as a fundraiser? You can order our maple syrup in either glass decanter style bottles or plastic jug style bottles. All bottles are 500ML.

NEW PRICING January 1, 2022
Description 500 ML Maple Syrup Decanter Style Glass Bottle
Price Per Bottle $8.40

Syrup comes in cases of 12 bottles per case, please order by the case, not individual bottles.
(Suggested Sell price per bottle for fundraising is $15.00)

If you would like to sell the plastic jugs instead of the glass bottles, you can choose that option at no extra cost, allow 2 weeks for your order to be completed if requesting the plastic Jugs

Please make cheque payable to “Pefferlaw Creek Farms”
Payment is required to receive the product

Please allow for up to 2 weeks for delivery.

For inquiries email gtc.fundraising@scouts.ca
Chilly Moose and Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada has teamed up with Chilly Moose (Canadian Cooler and Drinkware company) to offer a co-branded Chilly Moose & Scouts Canada tumbler! $10 from the sale of each tumbler will go directly to the No One Left Behind program. 

Be sure to let groups know about this year-long campaign and to get their tumbler today!  
VISIT OUR NEW GTC RESOURCE PAGES!
Greater Toronto Council has created many new resources to help you find information and resources about what is going on in our Council, City and across the Country.

Click below to visit us today and make sure to bookmark the pages!