End of year message

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
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From my daughters, myself and my family we wish you the safest and most merry Christmas season.
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The Merriest of Christmases, and Safest of Holidays
Yours in Traditional Scouting,
Scouter Ken,
CTSA National Commissioner
Association Representative to Volunteer Canada

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