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March 18, 2024
Hello fellow Scouters, I am saddened that there has been a rash of politically-based posting by fellow scouters within and without of CTSA. I would provide this wisdom from B-P himself: “The Scoutmaster who is a hero to his boys holds a powerful lever to their development but at the same time brings a great responsibility on himself. They are quick enough to see the smallest characteristic about him, whether it be a virtue or a vice.” As Scouters, everything we do is seen by the youth and the families to which we serve. To this extent, the things we say, be it in front of youth, in front of parents, or in social media, reflects on our organization, not on an individual. We are all entitled to feel enraged, or encouraged by our local, provincial and federal governments, but you must be thoughtful that expressing these feelings in a public way, where people know you are a member of Scouting can and often will become polarizing. As members of higher levels of the association, those of us in leadership positions over other volunteers, Deputy Commissioners and Directors, we must maintain a professional approach and image in all things we communicate. Canada is still many months away from a Federal election, and although some Provinces will be undertaking their own elections, I would state that, the Association cannot be seen as supporting a single political agenda. Quoting directly from our adopted PO&R, Section 1, Document 5: 1. The Association maintains neutrality on issues of politics, regardless of personal preference or persuasion. The Association cannot be seen to favour a specific political personality nor party policy. 2. The Association cannot be perceived by members, parents nor by the community to endorse a specific political party, candidate, or policy. As such this means that no images either still or video, of members of the Association, insignia of the association, nor audio of association are to be used in conjunction with political advertising or publicity. 3. Members of the Association cannot canvas for, promote or otherwise endorse members of a political party at the municipal, provincial or federal level while in identifiable Association uniform. In closing, I would ask all members to be informed of the political situation surrounding us, to be mindful that we are representing Scouting and work with impressionable families and youth. And that we follow the established policies of the CTSA in regards to our conduct.
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Members of CTSA
I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. While it seems winter has returned to Ontario after a nice two week break, spring is just around the corner and the days are getting longer again. As we continue our journey to serve our community through meaningful events and activities, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and commitment to our organization. Especially for groups that are kicking off new member initiatives like 'bring-a-friend' and local area flyer campaigns. As we strive for membership growth, it's crucial that we uphold the principles of accountability and diligence in our processes, particularly when it comes to welcoming visitors to our events. While expanding our reach is vital, it's equally important to ensure that all individuals who participate in our activities are properly accounted for under our insurance coverage. To this end, I would like to emphasize the importance of collecting complete paperwork for visitors who attend more than two events, whether they are meetings or outings. This paperwork includes necessary documentation to ensure that visitors are covered under our insurance policy during their participation in our events as well as our photo release form. This documentation and our membership form must be complete with payment prior to participation in any further Association activities or meetings. By diligently gathering this information, we can safeguard both our visitors and our organization in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, I encourage each of you to take the opportunity to engage with our visitors and explore the possibility of converting those who express interest in attending more than two events into full-fledged members of our organization. By inviting them to join us officially, we not only strengthen our membership base but also foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie within our community. Remember, each interaction is an opportunity to share the invaluable experiences and benefits of being part of our organization. Let's continue to extend a warm welcome to all who wish to join us in our endeavors, while ensuring that our processes reflect our commitment to excellence and inclusivity. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in supporting our mission. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Members of CTSA,
Welcome back to 2024. Over the last 2 months since the AGM, it may appear that things have been slower than usual. That is never truly the case.
We are moving into a new year with a new Council. I am excited to be part of CTSA, and I hope you all are as well. It is time to build our enthusiasm, to challenge our groups and to come out of the shadows. Even with the cold and grey months upon us, we need to encourage groups to get outdoors and participate in healthy and safe activities. Help groups to develop active and varied programs that are interesting to our youth and meet the aims and principles of the Association. Members of CTSA
Looking back at the last twelve months of our Association, we have seen so many changes, and we have seen so many achievements. This past week I was invited to participate in a Christmas campfire meeting which reminded me deeply of the impact we have on families, and how much we need to reach into our communities, not only to let them know we are there, but also to bring awareness to our youth of the needs in their home communities. One of our challenges for next year is further awareness in our communities of Traditional Scouting. I would challenge each group to participate in Food Drives, Community Clean Up, and other events of visibility in your community, and when possible in full uniform. This past year, we have run successful Timbercar and Jamboree events. We have trained new leaders delivering Wood Beads training in both Ontario and Alberta. We delivered an amazing one week summer camp program in Ontario, and have heard of other programs running across our different groups. We launched our Volunteer recognition program and have presented thirteen awards for distinguished scouting service, and there are more awards yet to come. Do not think lightly on the contributions you make in your local communities, and point out the good work of others. Our Association has grown greatly in 2023, and will continue to see growth in 2024 across the country as well as locally. That tells me we are doing the right things. We are bringing the right program that families in our communities want. We need to be proud of the programs we are delivering to our families There are many things to look forward to next year. Our National Council is changing, and that's not bad. I want to thank the continued work of many members of our Executive Council, especially Rod Smith, Kim Griffiths, Brother Mark, Cayla Cornish, Shane Durham, Alanna Riff, Lisa Vreman and Peter and Suelaine Poot, who have made sure that this council continued to grow for many years. To our newer members, Joy Ayela, Heather Bonsell, and John Simpson your contributions are appreciated and necessary. To the actions of Area Commissioners Lee Bouma and Bernie Stockermans and Resource Scouter Liz Habacher, your tasks are so important. I also want to specifically thank Amie Heaslip as our Corporate Secretary, but also as my partner, whom without her support I would be far less than I am today. Her challenges to what I do, and her support of this role is crucial to me. As we enter this holiday season, please take time to be with your families. Recharge yourselves during this break, and think of the amazing things we accomplished in 2023, and what we can do together in 2024. Also a reminder that this year I will be hosting a National Commissioner New Years Levee from 1pm until 4pm Eastern The link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84705504191?pwd=RkFVZ1lWdUhOeDJrSmZZcTZKcHlDdz09 From my daughters, myself and my family we wish you the safest and most merry Christmas season. The Merriest of Christmases, and Safest of Holidays Yours in Traditional Scouting, Scouter Ken, CTSA National Commissioner Association Representative to Volunteer Canada November 25, 2023 Members of CTSA Thank you all, I can’t thank you enough for trusting me to be your next National Commissioner. I am writing today from lands that the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg inhabited for thousands of years prior to European colonization. These lands are the traditional and treaty territories of the Nations covered under the Williams Treaties, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and the Chippewa Nations of Georgina Island, Beausoleil and Rama. We honour, recognize, and respect Indigenous Peoples as rights holders and stewards of the lands and waters on which we have the privilege to live. Change is never easy. The goal of our first 30 days is to make sure you know who your Deputy Commissioners are, and who I am as your National Commissioner. I will be hosting virtual meetings shortly. We will listen to your challenges and bring your concerns back to the Executive Council. In our next 60 days we will provide support through development of materials and skills to help in your success. We will be building a network of support and removing barriers that you have helped to identify. I will also be planning in-person visits early next year to as many groups as possible to get on-the ground feedback from you. In our first 6 months as your trusted leadership, we will develop the association program team to provide the best services both on paper and through in-person and virtual support for all sections, all ages and for all members of CTSA. By the beginning of our 2024/25 Scouting year, I hope that we have a clear message of our shared purpose, and that we all can be proud of the Association we belong to in every community. Yours in Traditional Scouting  Scouter Ken.
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National CommissionerOur National Commissioner as of November 25, 2023 is Kenneth (Ken) Weir. Archives
March 2024
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