Meeting Cancelled Tonight

Hey everyone.  Unfortunately due to the school being unavailable this evening we are needing to cancel the meeting.

Our next meeting will be on January 6th.  More information coming.

Ringtail

Final meeting of 2015

The 1st Alcona Beavers will meet one more time before Christmas this coming Wednesday the 16th of December.  At this meeting we intend to build some tree ornaments, play a few games and have our usual amount of fun.

During the Christmas Break, before we return on January 6th I will be working with the rest of the leaders, both veteran and new to solidify the rest of the year schedule and hopefully put the stages together for the group split.  I have some leads on new meeting places for colony "B" which I am following up on this week.
Part of me is sad to split the group but it is essential for the growth of the Beavers in the program and establishes a good foundation for the group going forward.

We are definitely looking for more external activities...and since this Winter season has kind of crept up on us like a whining lamb rather than a lion we need a good assortment of choices that are both indoors and outdoors in nature.  If you have an idea yourself or know someone who has some kind of business or skill that we could utilize, please forward them to me.  There are times when I realize that even though I've lived in the neighborhood for five years and had grandparents who lived in Sandy Cove acres for years beforehand, I really don't always know all of the cool opportunities that exist here.  I'd love to be educated so that I may educate others.

As always, never hesitate to contact me if you have concerns or comments.  I believe strongly in community and together we make this program run more efficiently.

Yours in Scouting,

Ringtail

Christmas Party and Section Update

The 1st Alcona group as a whole will be having our Christmas Party on Thursday, December 10th.  As a result, the regular meeting on Wednesday the 10th is cancelled (we don't have the school that night anyway).  Due to issues that occurred last year where the balance of Chips & Desserts far outweighed regular dinner dishes I am asking if everyone could consult the list I will be sending out via e-mail and sign up with me as to which dish you could provide.
If you could RSVP with me as well as to whether you can attend, that would be appreciated.

Also, I just wanted to open the curtain for a second and let you in on what is happening with the colony.  With 28 youth we have surpassed maximum capacity and it is beginning to become difficult to plan activities that will keep all of the youth properly motivated and entertained throughout the rest of the year.  Furthermore, we have a waiting list of other youth who want to join - which our area governance is frowning upon (they don't want anybody turned away).  So, I have begun discussions with our Group Commissioner and Area support staff to assist me with creating a second colony...whom we hope will meet at the same time in a different location.
Step One will be determining this new location, which we have begun.
Step Two will be working out the new leadership team, including a new section leader.
Step Three will be determining which youth move from colony A into B.  Your own input will be taken into account.

No matter what happens, I will continue to assist with planning for both sections, so it's not like the new section would be left high and dry.  This is for the good of all youth and is taking into account the tremendous amount of growth that has taken place in and around Alcona...and more is yet to come.

As always, I value your input here, and more information will be provided each step of the way.


Finally, I want to thank all of you who were able to attend the Santa Claus Parade, and most particularly a big thank you to Kole Hicks, who designed and built our new float, and Dan Ritchie for driving the truck.  Every person we have spoken to is incredibly impressed with the float, and we've even just received new sign-up requests as a result (going back to the last point). We've had some nice floats in the past, but none with the full billboard quality that this one presents.  We should have this for many more Santa Claus Parades to come.
The youth all seemed to have a good time and even received some treats to take home.





Yours in Scouting,

Ringtail

Remembrance Day

Ethan Bruder represented us at
the Legion on Sunday.

This week we will discuss Remembrance Day and do a craft.  I have a very simple craft that looks complicated at first but I was able to put one together in less than 5 minutes.  It's a neat little paper lantern that the boys and girls can take home.

I will bring the glue, crayons and some pairs of scissors but if I could ask for some extra pairs of scissors to be brought it will make the activity go much faster.  I have two templates...one with poppies pre-printed and one that is blank that the kids can draw on themselves.

Sorry for the delay in getting this post out but I've been under the weather...hoping to be back to at least partial strength by tomorrow evening.

Contact me if you have questions

Ringtail

Investiture and Remembrance Day

This week we will be investing our new youth into the program...providing
them with their neckerchiefs, woggles, tails and badges.  Due to the amount of youth in the colony this could potentially take up the entire meeting...some extra patience for the youngest ones especially may be necessary.  :)  Full uniform is requested.

During the ceremony each Beaver in turn will be asked to place one hand on our flag and raise the other in a Beaver salute.  They then will be asked to repeat after the officiating leader (likely Malek or myself) our Beaver promise:

"I promise to love god and help take care of the world".

We invite everyone to attend and take lots of pictures!

On Sunday the 8th of November we will be taking part in the Belle Ewart Legion Remembrance day ceremony.  We ask that the Beavers arrive by 10:30 at the latest to the Legion at the corner of Robinson St. and Ewart St.  The parade typically starts on Arnold St...we will walk together up there.  If you don't see us there...pop just up Emily St. or Goldie St where the line up begins.
Following the parade we are asking that the Beavers all stay together with the rest of the Scouts for the ceremony that follows.  Following the ceremony they will have snacks inside the Legion (normally hot dogs, juice and cookies).

Any questions, just reach out!

Ringtail

Warning about potential school job actions

As many of you may be aware, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, which is the governance body over St. Francis of Assisi has been involved with job action for a good part of this year.

As a result, we have been warned that the availability of the school could change at any time...possibly even with very little notice.

I will be watching the website and following their twitter account as often as possible so that if a cancellation does occur I can give you as much warning as possible...but I welcome you to do so yourselves as well.

The noted letter is here .

Their twitter account is at: @smcdsb

Depending on the weather, if a cancellation to the school does occur, we will do our best to replace our indoor activity with an outdoor one.  So, it will always be a good idea to bring along suitable clothing for outdoor wear...just in case.  As we say in Scouts...Be Prepared.

Ringtail

End of October Updates

Popcorn orders.  If you have any and have not provided your forms and money to me, please reach out ASAP.  The rest of the group leaders and myself will be aiming to put all of our orders together tomorrow night.

For our Halloween meeting this coming week we invite all the Beavers to dress up in their favourite costume for the meeting.  We ask though that if the costume involves a mask or a weapon to please leave those at home.  We are going to enjoy a family friendly movie together at the school, projected on the wall.  If you would like to bring some treats for the kids please be aware that we do have an egg and nut allergy in the group.  Going with wrapped products instead of fresh ones is likely safest if you are not certain of the contents...as that will allow Malek to inspect...but if you know how to make a fresh egg-free treat we would not turn it away!

Our investiture is planned for the following week.  Due to the large amount of youth (and hopefully some leaders!) we expect this will likely take the entire meeting.  We invite all parents to attend to cheer their youth on and take lots of pictures!

Apple Day - October 16-17th

Apple Day

Apple Day is a fundraising tradition that started right here in Canada.

 

This is annual event provides our Scouting youth with an opportunity to show their appreciation to the general public for their support throughout the year. Our youth distribute apples as a way of saying “Thank You” to the community. Donations are accepted in exchange, but apples are not sold.

 

Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by provided more outdoor Adventures for youth, camping equipment, training and many other endeavours.

 

Each Group has a designated area to canvass including neighbourhood stores and other public areas. This year 1st Alcona's Apple Day weekend is happening from October 16-17, 2015.

 

Please talk to your youths Section leader to sign up for a spot.

 

Ringtail

Kids making you climb walls?

At the Scouters club last night, a leader from 1st Alliston approached the other scouters with an amazing opportunity.  Rock and Chalk in Newmarket is offering a special price of $20.00 for 3 hours of Indoor Rock Climbing on February 20th, 2016.  They have wall sizes for all ages...even Beavers!  This price includes all rental supplies.  Normally they apparently charge $20/hour.
They are anticipating running two sessions during that day, with 150 people total per session (it's a large facility).  Even family members are welcome (though they will need to sign a separate waiver - all Scouting youth are covered).

Even at 300 maximum, I have a feeling that spacing will go fast.  Please let me know if you are interested.

Ringtail

WoodBadge 1

Woodbadge 1 Top Up on November 7th 9am-9pm at St. Georges Anglican Church, 9 Granville St, Barrie, ON   $30.00
Pre-Requisite is module 1 & 2 online

For our new leaders, though only module 1 is a requirement before you can be counted as ratio, the entire WoodBadge is required within one year to remain as a leader.  This is a wonderful opportunity to network with other leaders and really get the gist of what being a Scout Leader is all about.

This course is a hybrid.  Our trainers have recognized the advantages and disadvantages of online and in-person training.  In short, on line training is very helpful in covering the drier subjects, however it fails to adequately build the skill base of our scouters so that they can support a strong program.  Traditional residential, in-person training helps scouters develop the network of relationships in scouting, provide them with hands-on, practical skills they can bring back to the group, and increases retention of scouters (a.k.a. less likely to leave scouting!).  However the drier content limits the time available to do the more program-related training.  So, by relying on the online training to deliver modules 1 & 2, and focusing our in-person training to those aspects that will build their skills as scouters and make them want to stay in scouting, the trainers have come up with a great model for WB1 training!
With respect to the program itself, the training will have a strong emphasis on the Canadian Path; as we have to all adapt to it this year, this training is very timely and the more scouters you have trained on the Canadian Path, the easier it will be for your group to make the transition.
One of the fringe benefits of this is that the time required for the training is less than before (one day), and accordingly, the cost is much less as well.  Scouters who take this training will greatly benefit your group!  This applies to new scouters to a section, as well as scouters who completed their online training previously but do not have residential WB1 training.

Ringtail

Popcorn All Around

Since 1989, Canadian Scouts from all across the country have sold over $100 million of Scout Popcorn, with 60% of funds raised have gone directly back to local Scouting activities such as: summer camps, Jamborees, canoe trips, group excursions, and to help subsidize registration fees. Since the inception of the program, local Scouts have raised nearly $60 million dollars in support of their local activities making the Scouts Popcorn program one of the top fundraisers in Canada.

The fundraiser has a high return rate with 60% going back to support local Scouting. That translates to $60 million raised since the program's inception.
In 2013, Scouts Canada had sales of nearly $9.5 Million dollars that returned over $5.7 million dollars to local Scouting.

Local Scout groups decide how they will allocate their funds raised, such as supporting camping and international trips or purchasing camping equipment.

The 2011 top seller was an 11-year-old girl from British Columbia who sold $17,038, raising $10,223 for her Group and earning herself $1,022 in scholarship funds towards her post-secondary education.

Rewards can be seen at: http://www.scouts.ca/popcorn/rewards.html

Post-Secondary Scholarship Program

Through Scout Popcorn sales, Scouting youth have the opportunity to participate in a scholarship program and raise money for their post-secondary educations.

Scouts who sell $2,500 of popcorn in a single year will receive six per cent of their total sales for that year and each year going forward, to be invested into an account to be applied to future education expenses, including tuition, books, housing and other fees.

Through the scholarship program, $54,000 has been given out to 77 youth across Canada for their post-secondary education expenses.

There are currently 915 Scouts in the program.

Canadian Forces

Customers can also choose to send a gift of popcorn to Canadian Forces bases in Canada and overseas.

Gifts come in denominations of $30 and $50 and are delivered in bulk in the New Year.

Occasionally, people may wish to pay by cheque.  If so, please have them make those out to Scouts Canada.

Safety Information

• NEVER enter anyone's home
• NEVER sell after dark unless you are with an adult
• NEVER carry large amounts of cash with you
• NEVER give personal information
• NEVER sell in front of stores or malls without permission. A responsible adult must be present
• NEVER sell at stop lights or street corners
• NEVER go to dimly lit areas or places where you are not clearly visible
• ALWAYS walk on the sidewalk and driveway
• ALWAYS sell with another Scout or with an adult you know
• ALWAYS notify your parent or group leader of any strange activity immediately
• ALWAYS walk away from any dangerous or uncomfortable situations
• ALWAYS fundraise in areas you know
• Make a list of friends, family, relatives, and neighbors to contact instead of selling door-to-door.

Benefits

Popcorn sales have other life learning benefits too. In addition to raising money, youth develop valuable business skills and learn about financial responsibility, marketing strategy development and time management while also increasing their self-esteem and confidence in the process.

Youth also have fun as they engage in friendly competition, vying for the coveted top seller spots and the fantastic prizes.

Any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

Ringtail

Food Drive - Success!

This week, the 1st Alcona Scouting group worked together to raise food for the Innisfil Food Bank and are very pleased to report that between the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts we collected 850lb of food which was dropped off to the Innisfil Community Church on Thursday evening.  We want to thank all of the homeowners who graciously opened their doors and cupboards to us over the nights of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Overall it was a very positive experience for the boys and girls of the group who learned that much more about the importance of community involvement and how they can make a difference.

From l-r: Dylan Slade, James Austen and Riley McMullen from 1st Alcona Scouts sit with the pile of food the group has collected.

This meeting: Food Drive and more...

As we do not have access to the school this week, we will be out collecting food for the local food bank.  With Thanksgiving coming up we are aware that there are many families in the area who could use as much assistance as possible, so we will be going door to door collecting non-perishable food items.
As parking at St. Francis of Assisi may be at a premium, we will meet at the South East corner of the Nantyr Shores parking lot to set up teams, and head out from there.  I have been recommended to target MacLean Street, but if anybody who lives in the area has another recommendation please send it my way.  If every child in the group (pending 28) show up we should be able to do very well by dividing into 7 groups of four.  To this point, as our new leaders are not able to be counted as part of ratio I am asking if as many parents as possible will be available to walk with their children it would be greatly appreciated.  Please supply your child with a strong shopping bag - preferably not a plastic one - to collect the food stuffs.  Also, if anybody has any boxes to hold the food items I would appreciate it.  Finally, if I could get some volunteers to follow along the kids in their vehicles to collect the items I'd appreciate it.  One vehicle per team would be perfect.
The food will be delivered to the Innisfil Community Church along with the Cubs and Scouts collected food.  We raised 500lb of food last year with the Cubs alone...I see no reason why we shouldn't able to double that this year.

Popcorn paperwork is in, and I will be handing out the forms and envelopes.at the end of the meeting.  We have two wonderful parents who have stepped up to assist with coordinating the collection of money (thank you Mandy and Lori!).  We have a fairly short window to do the sales this year...it's looking like money will need to be collected on October 21th, and the products should be available by the first week of December.

For those of you who have already received their PRC forms from me, can you please let me know if you've gotten them into South Simcoe Police?  I have more now for those who have asked...please approach me so I can get them into your hands.  I need to ensure that the plans I have for the rest of the fall and winter will work with available leaders...and I need to know how many sets of badges, scarves and neckers I need to order for investiture in October (that's right, leaders need to be invested too!).  I will have a new leader discussion either prior/post the following meeting so that everybody understands what they still need to do and/or what is expected of them as leaders in 1st Alcona Beavers.

Any questions, do not hesitate to reach out.

Ringtail

Meeting #2: International Week of Peace

We’re back on Wedneday, September 23rd at St. Francis of Assisi.  This week we celebrate the Scouting “International Week of Peace" with some games, a craft and an interesting story that I dug up.

 Because we are short handed until our new leaders all have their PRC’s completed, could I ask for some help with the craft?  I have some child sized scissors, but if anybody has a pair to bring along and be willing to work with their child it would make for short work.  Very simple craft…cutting out a dove template and tapering some paper for wings.

We are very close to 30 members of the colony now…which means we need to have at least 6 leaders at all times.  If you have interest in being a leader, if you have not yet spoken to me about it and/or you have not received a PRC form yet, please let me know.  We could use your help.  Full time, Part Time, doesn’t matter…I just value your time.

Just as a note, next week we will not be in the school due to a school booking.  However, we already have our activity planned.  The Cubs will be going around on Tuesday near Holy Cross to collect food for the food bank, and we will be doing the same in and around St. Francis on Wednesday.  Hopefully between the two groups we will raise a decent amount of food just in time for Thanksgiving.  We definitely could use your help with that, by chaperoning your children.

Another note, especially for the newest members of the colony, similar to how the girl guides raise funds by selling cookies, Boy Scouts sell Popcorn.  I have not yet received our order form packages, but if you would like to look up details you can go to http://www.scouts.ca/popcorn/ .   This is a wonderful way for us to raise funds for the group, and the benefits for your own child are excellent.  I will blog details on this asap.

Final note, at last mention, we did not yet have anybody who had taken responsibility for the 1^st Alcona Group Popcorn Coordinator.  This is a role that does not require a PRC, collects the money/maintains the numbers and coordinates getting the popcorn back to the individual families through leaders such as myself.  Not a lot of work, just too much extra for myself and the Cubs and Scouts section leaders to take on ourselves.  Let me know if this is your cup of tea.

 

Yours in Scouting,

Ringtail

Some notes for Parents

Tonight is the night!  1st Alcona Beavers are back for the 2015-2016 Scouting year. 

There is a fantastic six page document on the Scouts Canada website that I highly recommend you download and read over.  It really fills in a lot of the questions that you may have about the program and about how you and your children fit into it.

I decided not to print it out as a small rainforest would suffer as a result.

You can find it here:

http://www.scouts.ca/ca/welcome-scouting-week

Much more content coming...

Ringtail

2015-2016 Registration Night

The 1st Alcona Scouting group will be having a registration night on Wednesday, September 9th from 7-9pm at the Innisfil Recreational Complex (7315 Yonge Street). Leaders from all three available sections will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Boys and Girls are both welcome into our programs.

Our Beaver Scout program (ages 5-7) opens the door for your child to discover the world. It is filled with a little bit of everything – outdoor activities, games, music and sports. Along the way, Beaver Scouts meet new friends, learn cooperation and teamwork while developing self-confidence and most importantly as their motto states "Sharing, sharing, sharing".

With the Cub motto of "Do Your Best" front and centre, Cub Scouts (ages 8-10) are encouraged to try new and more challenging activities. Learning important first aid skills, paddling a canoe for the first time, or leading a game at camp will open the door for Cubs to try other adventures they never thought possible.

Our Sea Scouts (ages 11-14) continue to develop their leadership and community service skills, while enjoying outdoor adventures like sailing, rock climbing and lots of camping. Their motto is "Be Prepared", which they use in working together with other young people to accomplish thrilling challenges.

Scouts Canada provides a safe environment for youth to develop into healthy, helpful and engaged citizens of the world. Our promise is to help youth develop the tools and strategies they will need for success. We are always looking for new leaders. Please reach out to our registrar Terry-Lynn if you have any questions or would like to participate (toybiz4u@yahoo.ca).

Final meeting of the year...BBQ & Campfire

Our final meeting of the 2014-2015 season is upon us.  On Wednesday evening, we will invade join Liam Angellotti at his house, as his mother Danielle has graciously offered their place once again.

The address is 1787 Killarney Beach Rd.

Beavers will be supplying burgers and buns and drinks.  If anybody would like to bring salads to make it a true pot-luck, please let me know.

Also, please RSVP so I can ensure we have the correct amount of supplies.

Here's the map:

Even though Camp-A-Lot was found to be a bit wetter and cold than anticipated, it sounds like the boys still had a lot of fun.  I had a quick opportunity to chat with some of the boys and the other leaders when I was picking up my son, and though they were a little sodden they all seemed in fairly good spirits...nothing a good coffee/tea/hot-chocolate/shower wouldn't solve.

If anybody has stories to share, please let me know and I'll get it on here.

This has been a great year for me as section leader.  I hope I was able to hold up to your expectations regarding communication and balancing each child's needs.  Remember that we need new leaders for the fall...so please give some consideration about coming on board.  We are in a great place as a group, with lots of wonderful things ahead and we welcome the opportunity to work with more of yo u in the coming year.

Ringtail

Rolling up to Camp-A-Lot

Ouch, get a chiropractor for this poor guy

We're now counting down the days both to Camp-A-Lot and the end of this year's Beaver programme.  At the upcoming meeting; our last regular meeting at the school, we will be decorating the groups Herald Staff that I am putting together from an 8' tall pole with a square piece of birch plywood...meaning it weighs next to nothing but is (hopefully) sturdy enough for the boys to take turns carrying it from activity to activity.  The boys will each be able to colour in a small medieval representation of themselves that they will be glued to the plywood and protected with a plastic coating.  This means that even if your child is not going to camp, well...they will still be there in their own way.

The Scouts are putting together a decoration scheme for our campsite that will enforce the Medieval theme.  Apparently there will even be a crown on our...er...throne (loo).

Drop-off at the Orangeville Fairgrounds is at 7pm in the area called Nottingham.  It's a very short walk to our campsite from there, which is E2.  Let us know if you need to come earlier or later than this time so we can have someone meet you.

  We will not be feeding anyone that night other than for a quick mug-up before bed so please ensure you've fed your child before drop-off. 

Pick-up will be 1pm on Sunday.


Here's a map to where you are going (give yourself just over an hour depending on traffic from Alcona):  Both 5th Line and Hockley Rd are nice drives.  Or you could take 89 west through Alliston to 10 and go south to Hockley Rd.  Just consider rush-hour traffic.

 

The Google Map is: https://www.google.ca/maps/place/247090+Side+Rd+5,+Mono,+ON+L9W+6K5/@43.9501039,-80.0786695,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x882b001515a5d40b:0x345a2fdd35d739ee!6m1!1e1?hl=en

 

 

I myself will not be at camp.  Tic-Tac will be our main contact during the event.

 

Any questions, please let me know.

 

Ringtail

Craft This Week

This week (May 20th) we will be back at St. Francis of Assisi for what should be the second last time for this Scouting year.  My plan is to do a spring craft, so if as many people as possible could bring an empty egg carton that would be wonderful.  I have 2 18-egg cartons that I'll be bringing, and that will make 6 caterpillars...so we need at least 7 more 12-egg cartons to have enough supplies for everyone.  The cardboard ones will work the best for this, but Styrofoam ones will work in a pinch (the clear plastic ones could be tricky to decorate).

I will shortly be sending out a packing list for Camp-A-Lot, and we will be focusing our final at-school meeting on May 27th about this event.  Even those who are not going to camp will have a good time and learn a lot about camping so hopefully they join us on next years camping events.

Any questions, please reach out to me anytime.

Ringtail

All at once you're lighter than air

On Wednesday, we will meet at Innisfil Beach Park where we will learn about flying kites, weather permitting!  We will be supplying each Beaver with a beginner level kite...and if parents wished to stay to enjoy this great activity with their child they would be more welcome!



Following this meeting, there will be only two more meetings leading up to Camp-A-Lot....and at least one will include a craft.  If I could ask, could everybody try to collect an empty egg carton, which, time permitting we will create a small caterpillar friend from?  If we don't get to it, these could always be donated to a local kindergarten class for cut and paste, or they could be used again in the fall.

The other craft I was planning, more specific to Camp-O-Lot will be a Pool Noodle Lance, which the boys who will be attending can bring with them as part of the group's honour guard.  We will be supplying everything for that.

Next to last, our last meeting will be on June 3rd....which is planned for a bonfire / BBQ event to celebrate the end of the Scouting Year.  Location TBD.  Could everybody plan to bring something small to share, and please keep in mind we do have an egg allergy in the group so be mindful of that.
We will supply hot dogs and buns.

Finally, I want to mention some good news.  The price of registration for next year is dropping to $175 as an early bird price, to fit a Canada wide Scouting mandate.  After July 1st the price will go up to $190...which is still cheaper than last year.  The registration section of Myscouts.ca for 2015-2016 is now online...and we've already had our first new Brown Tail register just today!  As part of that, we will be looking for new leaders as at least three of our current leaders will likely be leaving us for differently coloured pastures.  I don't want to see a repeat of this years situation where we struggled to keep ratio up for the first while so if you've been thinking of possibly coming on as a leader, either full or part time to help us out please let me know.

Yours in Scouting,

Ringtail

Pitch-In Day and Swim-Up Ceremony

We are slowly heading towards the end of this Scouting year, but still have some fun times ahead.  This week we do not have the gym as St. Francis of Assisi have an event occurring in the school at that time.  So, I figured we would get a jumpstart on the Innisfil Pitch-In Day and take a hike by the school - focusing on picking up and trash that can be found.  Please consider appropriate footwear, bring a small garbage bag and if you have any gardening gloves for your child to wear, that would be great.  I have already coordinated with the town that we can just leave the garbage at the side of the road.

I still highly encourage you and your family to be involved with the actual Pitch-In day on Saturday.  For Alcona, the meeting place is the Fire Hall at 780 Innisfil Beach Rd, by 9am.

Garbage bags, gloves and morning refreshments will be supplied along with Safety tips

Sign-up at your local Fire Station by 9:00 a.m.
  All high school students participating will receive 3 hours of community support hours.  Please bring your Community Involvement Activity Forms for signature by a Volunteer Firefighter, Mayor, Deputy Mayor and/or Town Representative “upon completion” in order to receive acknowledgment. 

An appreciation BBQ with Displays, Games for kids & face painting will be held on May 9, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.  The first 100 people will receive a Civic Pride Button!  Location: Centennial Park (corner of 7^th Line & 10 Sideroad - 2870 7th Line).


1st Alcona will have its Advancement
ceremony on May 14th at Holy Cross Catholic School.  For us, this will be for the White Tails specifically, symbolizing them "Swimming-up" to Cubs.  However, all members of the colony are certainly invited to come and cheer on their colony mates and learn a bit more about the Scouting program.






YiS,

Ringtail

Flight Week #1 and more!

Saturn, here I come!

This Wednesday we will be at St. Francis of Assisi, where we will run a craft activity.  Flight Week #1 will involve the boys building their own toy rocket.  As part of this, I ask if everyone could please send their child with a 500ml or 750ml water/pop plastic bottle, which we will use as the foundation of the toy.  I will have a large selection of construction paper that we will cut into the shapes needed...and from experience I think we will go with scotch tape vs glue to hold everything together.  We then still have lots of stickers and crayons that the boys can use to personalize them.

Another aspect of the craft that actually fits a Scouts Canada agenda is the concept of recycling.  From today to May 3rd, Scouts Canada are endorsing a Good Turn week...where we encourage all members of Scouting to be helpful to others - whether that be their friends, family or the community at large.  It also fits that Tree Planting is on May 3rd!!!


A reminder to the White Tails that they have one more Cub meeting that they may attend this session....this Tuesday the 28th at Holy Cross Catholic School.  6:45 - 8:15.  We only had one Beaver come to the last one, so it would be great if we can get more so they get to know you!  Last weeks hike was postponed, so they may be doing it this week....please bring options for outdoor OR indoor play depending on weather.  If you have specific questions about the evening, you can contact Sandra Slade at sanslade@rogers.com.


One more thing before I sign off.  Another major aspect of Scouts Canada that we need to endorse more is outdoors play...whether that be sports, hiking, camping or anything that will keep that great big ball in the sky shining good Vitamin D on your child's skin.  Many families don't actually have the supplies that could encourage the kids to play more so I will begin posting local deals that I'm hearing about to help you out.  If you have one for me that you'd like to share, please send it to me!

• Ethan's dad Craig contacted me about a deal at http://www.kingsdistribution.ca/ in Barrie, where they had an Coleman 8 person tent on sale for $100.00.  Supplies may be limited.
• There is a Mountain Warehouse at the Tangers Mall, and they are having a Summer Event sale on April 30th from 3pm-10pm.  They will have demos as well.  I already sent out an e-mail to everyone...but if it's been lost and you'd like to see it again, please let me know and I'll get that to you right away. 

Goofy Outfit night and more!

Wear your goofiest outfit at the meeting this week.  Mismatch the socks, wear plaid with a Hawaiian outfit...whatever you like.  Want to wear that Halloween costume one last time...go ahead!  It's a good night to be goofy!
We're at St. Francis of Assisi as usual - 6:45.


Our White Tails (3rd year Beavers) have some great weeks ahead of them.  They have been invited to join the Cubs at their regular meetings for the next two weeks.  For this Tuesday the 21st, the plan is to go on a hike...so please dress accordingly.  If there has been any rain (which is being forecast at the moment), I recommend boots or shoes that you don't care will get dirty.  The 28th will be a game name.  Please meet at Holy Cross at 6:45...and their meetings go to 8:15.

For those that will be participating in our Scout Trees programme, the May 3rd planting location for Innisfil is confirmed.  The site is along Lover's Creek off the 10th sideroad and south of Centennial Park.   (7140 10th sideroad S of 7th Line).  Parking and access to the site is in the field just north of the house which will be marked with the South Simcoe Streams Network volunteer work party day sign.  The time is between 1pm - 4pm, and from what I hear lunch will be provided.  Stay as long or as short as you feel.  I've ensured the last couple of meetings have focused a bit on what tree planting or plants in general are all about...so hopefully the Beavers will learn much from this. 

Any questions, please let me know!

Ringtail

Bird House Craft and White Tail Camp

Build me a house, please!

The meeting on April 8th will find us back at the school, where the plan is to build bird houses.  Our first source of bird house kits has fallen through but I will be aiming to deal with a secondary source tomorrow.  If that doesn't work then I will come up with an alternate craft program.  Volunteers would be appreciate to help the boys put kits together...please bring a hammer.

White Tail Camp is back on at a new location!



Camp Neekaunis

This camp will be for the third year Beavers to prepare them to join Cubs.  The camp will be at Camp Neekaunis, which is about fifteen minutes east of Midland. 

The dates are May 1st - May 2nd OR May 2nd - May 3rd.  The cost of the camp will be $35, which covers camp rental, food, badges and craft materials.  Arrival time is 7:15pm on the evening of whichever session is picked, and pick-up time is normally around noon the next day (exact time will be determined).

I need to know this week who is available either date so we can plan to go together.  Please discuss in advance.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

Ringtail

Next meeting - Easter

Weather depending, we will have an Easter Egg hunt this week outside of the school.  Malek will be checking the school grounds tomorrow to see if it's not too squishy.  Please have your Beaver dressed for outdoor play, and if you can send them with a basket or bag, that would be great.  Plan B will have us in the gym for some Easter activities.  No matter what, each Beaver will receive a loot bag at the end of the meeting to take home.

More information coming shortly regarding our May activities.

Ringtail

Return from March Break...

We reconvene our regular meeting schedule this coming Wednesday, the 25th of March at St. Francis of Assisi, where we will enjoy a night of storytelling and games.

The leaders all got together last week to discuss the rest of the year, and reconfigured some of our schedule based on the feedback we received from the Beavers in the group.  Every single meeting is now completely worked out and I will have a schedule to hand out at the next meeting.

Some important dates to consider.

If you have not yet paid me your deposit for any Beavers attending our Camp-A-Lot camp in May, please bring it this week.  It's a $25.00 deposit or $45.00 for the full amount, unless I've spoken to you in advance about the refund from Winter Brr.

Naughty Raccoon

The White Tail Beavers have been invited to join the Cubs at St. Francis Catholic School on April 21st and April 28th.  These two Tuesday meetings will give the elder Beavers an opportunity to see how the Cubs conduct a meeting and hopefully whet their appetites for the exciting opportunities next year will have for them.  There is still no word on a White Tail camp...unfortunately the camp we normally used has suffered a massive amount of damage from wildlife (sorry, my brother raccoons were naughty), and our backup camp has been damaged by the terrible winter we've experienced.  As soon as a backup-backup has been decided upon I will let you know.

We are planning one more camp for early May...a one-nighter this time in a location at Big Bay Point.  We will have the date for that locked down soon.

YiS,

Ringtail

No Beavers This Week

This is just a reminder that due to March Break, there will be no Beaver meeting this week.  We'll see all of you next week, hopefully with some cool stories of what the boys did did over the break.

Ringtail

Winter Brr wrap-up and more

Most of the boys from 1st Alcona attended Winter Brr on Saturday, March 7th, and had a lot of fun playing in the snow.  They worked as a team to pull Rusty around in our specially decorated toboggan, and had an opportunity to meet two members from the Barrie Colts, who came out to help with hockey.  The texture of the snow was not completely cooperating with building snow forts, so that activity was replaced with a hybrid version of snow Soccer.  They also managed to work their ways inside for a snack and some hot chocolate to listen to me telling a fun story about a Bear, a Moose and a Beaver having a canoeing adventure called Up The Creek by Nicholas Oldland (highly recommended for your bookshelf).  It was a great day!

If you have not yet given me your boys sizes for T-Shirt orders, please drop me a note or come see me at the meeting on Wednesday.  These are being specially printed for our group (Scouts, Cubs and Beavers) with the 1st Alcona logo...and will be great as an addition to our uniform for group activities.  Our section is absorbing the $10.00 fee for this.

Camp-A-Lot is fast approaching (May 29-31), and I need to get a $25.00 non-refundable deposit (Total is $45.00) for those boys who will be attending the camp.  I also need final numbers this meeting to satisfy our Council's attendance records.  Please take the time to inform me Yes or No if you have not done so already via e-mail or in person.  I normally have a spot in the sign-in sheet for your convenience.

Finally, if you have not done so already, give a hearty welcome to Rusty and Chip, our two newest leaders.  Rusty has been with us for a few months but certain technology issues were stopping him from being official.  Well, they both are official now and we are delighted to have them with us helping out.

This meeting will be our last before March Break, and will be in the school.

Any questions, please let me know.

Ringtail

Winter Brr

For those Beavers who will be joining us at Winter Brr on Saturday, March 7th, here is what you need to know:

The location is at: Westside Lutheran Church, which is located at the corner of Ferndale Dr. and Livingstone St. W.  Best route would be to take 400 to Dunlop - go west, and then go north on Ferndale.

It is vital to be there for 12 SHARP so we can get organized.  They will give us our armbands by 12:30 and then opening ceremonies will start at 12:45.

They are asking the Beavers to all know this little song...it's easy.  If you could just show them this in advance, that's great...otherwise I will run them all through the song before we start.

Tune: "I’m a Little Teapot"

l’m a Little Beaver, short & stout (crouch)
Here is my tail, (exaggerate pulling a tail)
Here is my snout (big gesture to touch nose)
When you pull my tail (exaggerate pulling tail outwards)
Hear me shout
I'm a Little Beaver, now cut that out

 

The first activity will be the Leader Pull, which all groups will participate in together

 

We will then split into a rotating schedule, where our activities include:

 

Hockey (possibly refereed by actual Barrie Colts players)

Long Ski's

Storytime (run by yours truly)

 

Closing ceremonies should start at 3:05, and pick-up is listed for between 3:30pm and 4pm.  Each child will receive a special Winter Brr 2015 Mug and Patch for participating.

 

Any further questions, please let me know!

Ringtail

 

 

 

Beaver Buggy Races and Winter Brrr.

On Wednesday the 18th of February we will be racing our Beaver Buggies at St. Francis of Assisi.  Please ensure your child brings their completed Beaver Buggy....we don't want them to miss out.

We will also be collecting money for Winter Brr. 

Here are the details:

Date: Saturday March 7, 2015

Location: Westside Lutheran Church (corner Ferndale Dr/Livingstone Barrie)

Please arrive at 12:00...we will be starting at 12:30 and need time to get the kids orientated.  

We should be wrapped by 4:00pm

Cost: $10/Beaver (includes Crest and take home Mug)

Bring an Item for the Food Bank - Fill a Truck!

Any questions, just let me know!

Ringtail

Tobagganing Night

Our Feb 4th meeting will be held at Innisfil Beach Park where our Beavers will enjoy a Tobogganing night.  Please ensure that your child is dressed in layers and pay particular attention to the weather forecast just in case of a freak change in weather.  It's expected to be somewhere between -4 and -10 degrees Celsius with a small windchill which is quite balmy compared to what it's been lately but you never know.  As we say in Scouts..."Be Prepared".

Yours in Scouting,

Ringtail

Next meeting: No Toboganning due to weather..back indoors...

Since mother nature is not quite cooperating with us, we will have our January 28th meeting back indoors at St. Francis of Assisi.  If all goes well, we will retry for an outdoor meeting on the following week.

I have the rest of the popcorn orders and will be handing them out at the meeting, along with crests for those who participated.  We raised quite a few dollars that will go towards other events in the year.  Great work!


We have been invited to join the 14th Barrie group and hopefully a bunch of our groups for a Mini Winter Brr on Saturday, March 7th (1- 4pm).  I would like to get some numbers from you as to who would be available at that time.  The location is at Westside Lutheran Church in Barrie (corner of Ferndale Dr. and Livingstone St.).

We will also be participating in the council-wide camp "Camp-A-Lot" from May 29th - May 31st.  It will be hosted at the Orangeville Fair Grounds (247090 Side Road 5).  Please let me know if you are planning on having your child attend.  A deposit of $25.00 is required.  We will be looking for a couple volunteers across all of our sections (Scouts, Cubs, Beavers) to help our Treasurer Bonny plan out our menu and grocery plan.  If you have some time to offer, please let me know!

YiS,

Ringtail

Next Meeting: Mind Your P's and Q's.

We are back at St. Francis of Assisi on Wednesday, January 21st for our "Mind Your P's and Q's" themed meeting.  6:45pm.


I'm working on organizing some options for a Winter event for our group and hope to have plans ready for that soon.  I'm also hoping for some good snow so we can do a toboggan night in Alcona.  Though we often hope for the snow to stay away...let's look forward to a little bit so we aren't all just trying to slide down ice.

Thank You!

Ringtail