Sent to: All Scouters and Rovers in Voyageur Council |
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Voyageur Council Trail Guide
October 9, 2021
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Around the World Has Begun!
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Hello Scouters,
Around the World has finally begun, and it's time to get going on some incredible fall adventures! We hope that you and your Sections will take part in this incredible program and take advantage of ongoing Scouter development sessions.
We also wanted to send out our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone across Voyageur Council: even though we're just starting October, our Council has already grown compared to last year! Right now, Voyageur Council is the largest Council in the country and that's all thanks to the incredible work, dedication, commitment, and Scouting spirit of all of our Scouters, youth, parents, and communities.
New Info this Week:
Explorer's Needed/Around the World update
Important "Let's Get OutCon" 2021 update
Bilingual/French Language Support Session for New Scouters
Council Properties update
Scout Popcorn and Scout Coffee update
Media Opportunity for Around the World
Scouts for Sustainability Webinar
Other Info below: Vaccine Policy reminders, Amateur Radio Operator Course, JOTA, Strategic Plan Update, 1st Voyageur Virtual Group, FireVent Open House, and more!
Have you checked out the News and Events section on scouts.ca? You can find great updates there along with new ideas, new resources, and much more! Click here to check it out!
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Around the World in 60 Days
It's Finally Here!
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The world is waiting, are you ready to rove around the world with Scouts Canada?
Over eight-weeks from October 4–November 28 2021, Scouting youth will visit eight different countries, develop new skills through fun challenges and support their communities and the planet by leading exciting Scouts for Sustainability activities.
Get started now on a new adventure-filled challenge that will connect youth with Scouts from around the globe as they work towards bettering their communities!
The Scouter’s Guide is your game plan for all of the activities.
Plan ahead, prepare your Section’s supply list in advance and have a blast!
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NEW: Parent Guide
There's a new Parent Guide, which can be downloaded here. It's a pared down version of the Scouter’s Guide and gives parents a sneak peek into what their child will be doing each week. It’s filled with resources and other activities parents can try at home with their kids. Spread the word to parents and encourage them to get involved as much as possible.
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Sessions for the Next Two Weeks
To register for any of the sessions taking place during the second and third week of September, please click on the links below:
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October 12: Week 3: Skills Night for Scouters (East) -- @8:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpc-qrrT0jE9I0tZmSi-su7jwks7vLielH
- This week we are stretching our Scouter skills beyond cooking food. Bring your mug, and let's have some fun learning about water and its impact on the food we eat. Surprisingly- fresh water is a non-renewable resource, so we must use it efficiently wherever possible. Let's take time to review how Scouting makes an impact on our local communities, and how we can further develop supporting others who experience food insecurity.
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October 12: Week 3: Skills Night for Scouters (West) -- @10:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqduCsrzorE9cGQoVBkTt2bOnSA7jju4tV
- This week we are stretching our Scouter skills beyond cooking food. Bring your mug, and let's have some fun learning about water and its impact on the food we eat. Surprisingly- fresh water is a non-renewable resource, so we must use it efficiently wherever possible. Let's take time to review how Scouting makes an impact on our local communities, and how we can further develop supporting others who experience food insecurity.
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October 13: Week 4: Skills Night for Scouters (West) -- @10:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkcuCvrDkvGtzQT2X7K7h4gxVz_n-mbdTN
- Proper lighting is important for keeping communities safe through the night with increased visibility for bikers, runners, drivers and more! But with too much lighting, our planet can become polluted with what's known as light pollution. Imagine a Scouting meeting or camp without lights and how a simple headlamp makes these activities so much easier! Discover how to Scout in the dark and rely on your other senses. You may even learn a thing or two that can reduce your light consumption in your day-to-day.
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October 13: Week 4: Skills Night for Scouters (West) -- @10:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldeqvqj0uGdy6oOywpIiJ0SR0pL0QIAgs
- Proper lighting is important for keeping communities safe through the night with increased visibility for bikers, runners, drivers and more! But with too much lighting, our planet can become polluted with what's known as light pollution. Imagine a Scouting meeting or camp without lights and how a simple headlamp makes these activities so much easier! Discover how to Scout in the dark and rely on your other senses. You may even learn a thing or two that can reduce your light consumption in your day-to-day.
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October 18: Week 4: Skills Night for Scouters (East) -- @8:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcu-sqjsrE9QScZ3LzhYWJPaziiEW0VVx
- Proper lighting is important for keeping communities safe through the night with increased visibility for bikers, runners, drivers and more! But with too much lighting, our planet can become polluted with what's known as light pollution. Imagine a Scouting meeting or camp without lights and how a simple headlamp makes these activities so much easier! Discover how to Scout in the dark and rely on your other senses. You may even learn a thing or two that can reduce your light consumption in your day-to-day.
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October 18: Week 4: Skills Night for Scouters (West) -- @10:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIod-mprj8tEtxTQ8quioCn2T_30EMtqg0K
- Proper lighting is important for keeping communities safe through the night with increased visibility for bikers, runners, drivers and more! But with too much lighting, our planet can become polluted with what's known as light pollution. Imagine a Scouting meeting or camp without lights and how a simple headlamp makes these activities so much easier! Discover how to Scout in the dark and rely on your other senses. You may even learn a thing or two that can reduce your light consumption in your day-to-day.
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October 19: Scouter Development Plans -- 8:00ompm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtf-qvrj4rHdVCyuNuGdicOcC5FcZ5Yc4K
- The Canadian Path Navigator is a go-to tool for consistently and confidently improving the elements of your sections, but did you also know that it's perfect for helping volunteers to plan ahead in their skills development to deliver awesome adventures? Let's chat about the awesome potential that our program planning holds when scouters want a fulfilling, customized experience in reaching higher within themselves to deliver a diverse program every time. The CP navigator is your gateway to individual, as well as, team improvement!
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October 20: Week 5: Skills Night for Scouters (East) -- @8:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqduCtpjsqE9Co02Za5Mir9JUp6hzOK-30
- Many of us already take action on Sustainable Development Goal #15 Life on Land. We plant Scoutrees or ScoutSeeds, track invasive pests and build animal habitats like bee hotels and bat houses. During this session, Scouters will acquire new games and identify how our choices for Scouting activities effect life on land and what actions you can take to improve the land. As Scouts, we operate within a bigger ecosystem- and it is important we all have the knowledge to protect the system we live within.
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October 20: Week 5: Skills Night for Scouters (West) -- @10:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYocOCvqTkiG9Zo4Gz34kcjJ4tembstAbqB
- Many of us already take action on Sustainable Development Goal #15 Life on Land. We plant Scoutrees or ScoutSeeds, track invasive pests and build animal habitats like bee hotels and bat houses. During this session, Scouters will acquire new games and identify how our choices for Scouting activities effect life on land and what actions you can take to improve the land. As Scouts, we operate within a bigger ecosystem- and it is important we all have the knowledge to protect the system we live within.
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October 24: Being a Scouter - the FUNdamentals -- @8:00pm ET
- https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctfu6rpjwjH9UUVM9qMoJXK-pnd0H-27Xm
- Many Scouters have joined Sections in the past few years and many more are being onboarded for this fall. If you are a Scouter in your 1st to 3rd year of Scouting, come and participate in a session designed to help bring understanding of what it means to be a Scouter and how to put theory and concepts into practice.
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French Language Support Session for New Scouters
Comprendre les notions de base du scoutisme tout en s’amusant’’
(Rencontre en français: Si vous connaissez un groupe ou des membres qui opèrent en français ou bilingues, n'hésitez pas à partager cette publication avec eux et d'autres groupes!)
De nombreux animateurs se sont joints à des groupes au cours des dernières années et beaucoup d'autres sont en train de s'intégrer pour cet automne. Si vous êtes un leader dans votre 1ère à 3ème année de Scoutisme, venez participer à une session conçue pour aider à comprendre ce que signifie être un leader et comment mettre la théorie et les concepts en pratique.
Date: le 14 octobre, 2021, 19h:30 HE
Pour cette rencontre l’inscription anticipée est requise (suivre le lien):
Suite à l’inscription, vous recevrez un courriel de confirmation contenant l’information pour rejoindre la rencontre le 14 octobre.
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Understand the basics of Scouting while having fun
(Meeting in French: If you know a group or members who operate in French or bilingual, please feel free to share this post with them and other groups!)
Many leaders have joined groups over the past few years and many more are integrating for this fall. If you are a leader in your 1st to 3rd year of Scouting, come and participate in a session designed to help understand what it means to be a leader and how to put theory and concepts into practice.
Date: October 14, 2021, 7:30 p.m. ET
For this meeting, early registration is required (follow the link):
Following registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information to join the meeting on October 14.
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Around the World Media Opportunity
We’re looking for dynamic Groups who are participating in the Around the World in 60 Days challenge, who would be interested in having media appear at their meeting to film the activity and perhaps conduct onsite interviews.
If your Group is interested in participating, please contact our public relations representative, Andrea McLoughlin at andrea@centricpr.ca.
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Scouts for Sustainability Webinar
Scouts Canada will be hosting a Youth Sustainability Leadership Panel on October 24th. This unique panel features three teenage sustainability leaders and will allow youth from across Canada to explore youth leadership, sustainable actions and opportunities to collectively explore the UN’s SDGs. It’s an excellent tie-in to our Around the World in 60 Days Challenge and a great chance for older sections to hear what their peers are doing to advance SDGs in their own communities.
The webinar is free and open to all youth, not just Scouting youth. Spread the word!
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"Let's Get OutCon" 2021 Update
October 24, 2021
We've got an exciting update to share: we're planning an in-person hybrid ScoutCon/OutCon which will take place on October 24, 2021 at the Cumberland Heritage Village!
More info coming soon in an exclusive Let's Get OutCon email to all Scouters
While there are still a whole host of details to work out (including cost, start and end times, and exact sessions), we wanted to share the news that we've confirmed a date and a location for Let's Get OutCon 2021. We're currently working out venue details (it will be outside with an attendance limit of 100 people) and we'll firm up the times, but we wanted to give everyone as much notice as possible.
The course will feature a Skills Fair, some joint sessions, and an opportunity to meet up with your fellow Scouters in person! The course content will be focused on offering less experienced Scouters new skills, tips, and tricks, but it will also be a great opportunity to refresh old skills and get back to outdoor, in person Scouting.
Because we're planning things in short order, we'll pass along more information as soon as we can! Please keep an eye out for more news so that you can register and join us!
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We can't wait to see you all again in person! |
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Amateur Radio Operator Course
Have you attended a JOTA, Jamboree On The Air, event? If you have then you should be familiar with the following expression, “CQ JOTA, CQ JOTA, CQ JOTA THIS IS “ some collection of letters and numbers. At the station on Baseline Rd we use VE3SHQ for our call sign. Unfortunately we won’t be on the air from the Museum station this year but you can still join us via Zoom. If you would like to participate in JOTA this year please send us an email to the address at the end of this article.
Andy Dunn lives in Southern Ontario but he coordinates the efforts of those that wish to set up stations for JOTA and when we told him we were getting ready to do another course this is what he had to say.
Amateur Radio is one of the oldest communication methods still in use today, and for a Scout, it is a challenging yet exciting way to meet new people all around the world. It's a fun mix of the oldest and latest technologies and an essential part of your "Be Prepared" toolkit.
We hope you will want to sign up this year for the course so that next year you can join us on the air either at VE3SHQ or set up a station on your own to introduce your fellow members of Scouting to other scouts around the world and a life time of learning.
Participants in this course will learn new STEM skills, such as basic electricity, introductory electronics and even a little astronomy. Students successfully completing this course by passing the Government of Canada exam will be granted a Federal Government Amateur Radio Licence that allows wireless voice and data communications far beyond what you can do with a Walkie Talkie. For participants in Scouting, this course contributes to skills needed for some community service projects, and things you need for Emergency Preparedness, Emergency Aid, and Citizen Scientist award badges. Being a licensed Amateur Radio also opens the door for several university scholarship applications.
The course cost is $80 for members of Scouting, $100 for others.
VE3SHQ is the call sign for the operational amateur radio station located at the National Office on Baseline Road. If you would like more information or to sign up for the course please send an email to VE3SHQ@scouts.ca.
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Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
October 15-17, 2021
COVID-19 continues to cause havoc with our planning so once again the Scouts Canada Amateur Radio Station (VE3SHQ) will not be able to participate in this important annual international Scouting event by operating from the museum station.
Last year the National Museum Radio Team used Zoom to successfully allow Scouts and Guides to participate in JOTA virtually and safely from their own homes. Zoom allowed us to virtually bring the youth to the radio so the youth, leaders and Radio Team could safely talk to other members of Scouting and fellow radio amateurs around the world.
We have decided to operate the same way again this year. The Radio Team members will operate from their home Amateur Radio Stations by passing the National Museum’s VE3SHQ/P call sign (i.e., P = portable) back and forth between their home stations as required.
This method will allow Youth to talk safely with other Scouts around the world from their own homes. If they don’t want to talk on the radio, they can watch and listen. All those who would like to participate should contact VE3SHQ@scouts.ca to register with the Radio Team’s Zoom operator, who will be responsible for queuing participants. Those who wish to participate must install the Zoom video conferencing client on their computers.
One member of our Radio Team will be on-air Friday evening, October 15th from 8:00 to 10:00 PM, but registration of Youth will only be scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day, with a break for lunch from 12:00 Noon to 12:30 PM.
Last year’s virtual event was very successful so we expect that this year will also be successful and lead to new and renewed friendships, not only amongst Scouts and Scouters in Voyageur Council, but also nationally and internationally. Registration for the event can be made by contacting VE3SHQ@scouts.ca. Your registration will be confirmed with the Zoom link for the event.
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Council Properties Update
No changes to Camp Status this week.
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Current Camp Status
Please note that all bookings must be made at least 72 hours in advance.
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- Camp Sheldrick:
- Open but Not Yet Available to Book (Coming soon.)
- Camp Legewade:
- Currently closed.
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National Strategic Plan Update
Scouts Canada's Board of Governors (BOG) is undertaking a new direction for the Strategic Plan and this fall will engage internal stakeholders to solicit feedback and introduce the proposed pillars of the plan.
An email was sent on Friday, Sept 24th to all members/parents requesting participation in a short survey and if they want to also participate in a focus group. The focus groups are currently scheduled for Oct 14, Oct 21, and Oct 28.
Please note that Scouts Canada is also working with a third-party consultant to conduct research on Scouts Canada’s senior section programming. They will be surveying volunteers/parents of all members to gain all perspectives. It will focus through 14+ (vent/rover). A small portion of our members will receive an email from Mission Research to participate in an online survey. It is anticipated that this survey email will go out in early October. Participation is voluntary only. Should you have any questions, please email: jennifer.thomas@scouts.ca
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2021-2022 Fundraising Update
Calling All Popcorn Lovers!
Satisfy your craving with Scout Popcorn and support your local Scouts. IT'S A TOTAL WIN-WIN! Buy Scout Popcorn here
Good Coffee for a Good Cause
Back by popular demand, Scout Coffee will be returning as a year-round campaign starting October 15. Follow this link to register your Group now and get started on some more great fall fundraising.
To find all the resources needed to fundraise and more info on Scout Coffee and Scout Popcorn, visit our Trello Fundraising board.
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1st Voyageur Virtual
1st Voyageur Virtual’s Beaver Colony remains open for youth who do not feel comfortable returning to in-person Scouting. If your Group knows of any Beavers who may be interested in continuing to participate in Scouting in a virtual capacity, please encourage their parents to register in this Section.
Additionally, if you have any Scouters who have not returned due to concerns with in-person Scouting but may be interested in running a virtual program, Relationship Manager Cassandra Campbell (cassandra.campbell@scouts.ca) would be happy to discuss how they can take part in supporting the Group!
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2022 FireVent Program Open House
October 13 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm and 8:00pm to 9:00pm
Do you have an interest in Fire Services? Are you interested in a Fire Service theme program? Are you up to the challenge?
Answer the Call!
***For youth aged 14 to 17***
The Ottawa Fire-Incendie Venturer Company is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, Octboer 13 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm and 8:00pm to 9:00pm at the Ottawa Fire Services Training Centre (898 Industrial Ave, Ottawa, ON).
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Scouts Canada National Museum
Although the Scouts Canada National Museum (SCNM) is closed due to Covid, donations of Scouting artifacts are still welcome. They can either be mailed to the National Museum at 1345 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON, K2C 0A7, or dropped off after making arrangements in advance with Eric Hansen, Facilities Manager. His phone number is 613-818-5375.
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First Aid
For Scouters in the province of Ontario, the WSIB (which governs first aid providers) has extended the certification of all individuals whose first aid expired or will expire during the pandemic to December 31, 2021.
This means that re-certification will not be necessary until this date, and Groups can continue to deliver in-person program on that basis. For more information about this COVID extension, please click here.
As restrictions continue to ease, the Council will look to coordinate first aid courses, and you can expect more information to be shared here at a later date. If you have any questions about first aid certifications or future courses, please reach out to me, Alex Gazaleh, Council First Aid Lead, at alex.gazaleh@scouts.ca.
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COVID Stage Information
All PHUs in Voyageur Council can currently operate under Stage 4 Scouting. Please see additional information below about the Scouting Stage of your public health unit.
Please see additional details below regarding COVID-19 vaccine policies from Scouts Canada as well as the Ontario and Quebec provincial governments.
PHU Stages
Please also note that any local limitations enacted by your Public Health Unit, including orders limited to specific towns, must be followed at all times.
- For Groups under all Ontario Public Health Units, all Ontario regions may operate under Stage 4 Scouting.
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As of July 16: Hard cap at 100 members outdoors and a hard limit of 25 members indoors. Camping overnight for all Sections is permitted. Canoeing is permitted. Scouts Canada requires camping to be conducted in cohorts (see the Stage 4 Standard for specific details, in accordance with Ontario regulations for organized camps). In line with our principles and acceptable risk tolerance, some other Stage 4 requirements are stricter than new provincial requirements, such as maintaining social distancing at all times. These additional restrictions remain in effect. Remember, in all cases, the most restrictive requirement applies.
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For additional clarity, the following is taken directly from the government of Ontario's Step 3 policies:
- Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place throughout Step Three.
- Everyone must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others (except for other members of their household or their caregivers):
- in indoor area of business or facility that is open to the public
- at an indoor organized public eve
- Everyone must wear a mask or face covering (indoors) that covers their mouth, nose and chin
- inside any business or place that is open
- at an indoor organized public event and within two metres of another individual
- at some outdoor public events or settings.
- Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are permitted up to 25 people.
- Outdoor organized public events and social gatherings are permitted up to 100 people with limited exceptions.
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Camps: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/2019_summer_day_camps_guidance.pdf
- All Voyageur Council Groups in the Outaouais/Gatineau region (QC) may operate under Stage 4 Scouting.
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Current restrictions: Hard cap at 50 youth members outdoors and 25 total members indoors per updated guidelines. Camping is allowed in accordance with Scouts Canada's Stage 4 guidelines. 2m social distancing must be maintained.
As a reminder to all Scouters, for your own safety and the safety of our youth and communities, you must follow public health guidelines at all times.
Remember, when in doubt, follow the most restrictive guideline.
The governments of Ontario and Quebec both recommend against travelling between provinces or between zones/regions at this time except for essential reasons.
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Modified Stage 4 Information |
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Groups under the following Public Health Units can operate under Stage 4 Scouting:
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Groups in Voyageur Council within the province of Quebec can operate under Stage 4 Scouting. This includes all Groups under:
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For Ontario Groups:
- Size of gatherings (current): 100 people maximum outdoors, 25 indoors
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Patrols: 8 youth maximum
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Sharing of equipment: permitted within Patrols only
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Camping: All Sections may camp overnight indoors or outdoors in Patrols only. Large buildings are not permitted. Tents or shelters preferred. Must follow Ontario regulations for organized camps.
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For Quebec Groups:
- Size of gatherings (current): 50 youth maximum outdoors, 25 total individuals indoors
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Patrols: 8 youth maximum
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Sharing of equipment: permitted within Patrols only
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Camping: All Sections may camp overnight indoors or outdoors in Patrols only. Large buildings are not permitted. Tents or shelters preferred.
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Vaccination Policies
The governments of Ontario and Quebec, as well as Scouts Canada, have announced vaccination policies which impact in-person programming. Please ensure you are familiar with these policies to ensure we can provide safe adventures for our youth.
Ontario Groups
As of September 22, 2021, Groups in Ontario must validate the full vaccination status of members participating in in-person, indoor activities. For more information about this policy and specific details on how to track vaccination status, please click the button below.
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Quebec Groups
As of September 1, 2021, Groups in Quebec must validate the full vaccination status of members participating in all in-person activities (indoors and outdoors). For more information about this policy and specific details on how to track vaccination status, please click on the button below.
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All Scouts Canada Groups
As of November 1, 2021, all Scouts Canada members must be fully vaccinated to participate in in-person activities. In early October, MyScouts will be updated to allow individuals to input their vaccination status, and additional details about exemption policies and procedures will be released as soon as they are available.
For more information on Scouts Canada's vaccination mandate, please click on the button below.
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Voyageur Council, Scouts Canada 1345 Baseline Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada K2C 0A7
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