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