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Summer Fun!

Just like summer weekends, this edition of the Woggle is jam-packed!  Need some ideas to keep the summer fun going? Be sure to check out the “School’s Out for Summer” bingo card — it’s full of great activity ideas like building a bee hotel, or making armpit fudge. Yum! Also make sure to visit the What’s New section — there’s a lot going on and you won’t want to miss a thing.

Please tell us what you think! Share your thoughts and ideas about this edition of the Woggle and if there’s anything you would like to see in future editions. You can also complete the quick poll at the bottom of the newsletter to let us know how we’re doing.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

The warm weather is finally here and that also means the start of tick season.  Scouts Canada is proud to partner with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to raise awareness of tick and Lyme disease this spring. 

 

Did you know:

  • Ticks can be the size of a poppy seed?
  • Ticks can be found throughout Canada?
  • Lyme disease is spread through infected blacklegged ticks?
  • More than 40 different types of ticks live in Canada but only 2 types can spread the bacteria that causes Lyme disease in people (blacklegged ticks and western blacklegged ticks)

It’s important to identify and understand the risk of tick bites, how to prevent them and how to remove a tick if you are bit. 

 

Western Black-legged (Ixodes pacificus)

Black-legged tick, commonly known as the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)

Early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease may include: 

  • Rash, sometimes shaped like a bull's eye
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle and joint aches
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Consult your health care provider right away if you develop symptoms of Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick or if you visited a known ‘at risk’ area for Lyme disease. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the greater the chance of a successful treatment. 

If you saved the tick that bit you, bring it to your medical appointment. Tell your doctor: 

  • How long you estimate that the tick was attached to you
  • Where you were when you were bitten by the tick 

 

Here are just some ways to help prevent tick bites this summer:

  • Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants to spot ticks more easily
  • Tuck your shirt into your pants, and pull your socks over your pant legs
  • Use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin on your skin and clothing (always follow the directions on the label)
  • Walk on cleared paths or walkways
  • Do a daily full-body check for ticks on yourself and your children, especially in the hair, under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs and around the waist

As part of this campaign, Scouts Canada and PHAC have developed a comprehensive program designed to help Scouting youth and their families:

  • Understand the risk of tick bites and Lyme disease
  • Recognize ticks and the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease
  • Increase awareness around climate change and how this can affect tick populations and geographic distribution
  • Connect ticks and Lyme disease to the Earth & Science Personal Achievement Badges (PAB) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
  • Provide resources for further learning, bite prevention and safety tips
  • Enjoy the outdoors safely this summer!

 

Resources

Learn more about tick and Lyme disease by checking out these great resources.  

For even more information on ticks and Lyme disease, visit PHAC’s website at http://www.canada.ca/Lymedisease

Scouters can find a Tick and Lyme disease module on the David Heustis Learning Center and can learn in-depth information on ticks, Lyme disease and prevention.  

What's New

Welcome Back Campers!

Registration for Summer Day Camps is open at three of Scouts Canada’s properties: Woodland Trails (ON), Camp Samac (ON) and Camp Mclean (BC). Day programs generally start the first week of July and wrap up the last week of August — but be sure to check out each camp’s webpage for exact details as weeks are selling out fast!  All three properties offer an amazing assortment of on-site amenities and activities including, swimming, paddling options (excluding Woodland Trails), outdoor adventure skills like shelter-building, hiking and orienteering, sports activities, arts & crafts and more! 

Also Woodland Trails is offering Family Weekend Camp — getaway with the family at a Scouts Canada property — all the details are online!

Scouts for Sustainability & Chilly Moose Contest

Three (3) Grand Prizes of $1,200 worth of Chilly Moose gear is up for grabs!

Take your environmental impact to the next level! We might not be able to change the world on our own, but we can certainly make a positive difference when we work together. 

With the help of our partner, Chilly Moose, we want to encourage more Scouting sections to incorporate the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) into their weekly programming. 

By submitting your activities and projects, your section will be eligible to win one of our Chilly Moose grand prizes. In addition, each section that submits will also be entered into a draw for more prizes!

Check out the Take Action page to find out how to participate and learn more!

Grizzly Den — Submissions close on May 20th!

If your Section is considering submitting to the Ontario Grizzly Den, the deadline is May 20th so don’t delay!  The Grizzly Den is a unique opportunity for Sections in Ontario to take their adventures to the next level.  Generously supported by Hydro One, Sections will pitch their adventure ideas to the ‘Grizzlies’ — a group of seasoned Scouters and others — and the ‘Grizzlies’ will award Sections a dollar amount to put towards their amazing adventure. 

All Councils in Ontario will have access to funds based on participation levels. This program will only be available to Councils in Ontario as it is solely supported by Hydro One, an Ontario-focused company. 

Summer Camp Job Openings

The summer season is fast-approaching and many of our properties are opening up to welcome back Scouting groups and summer day camp program participants. As such, we want to spread the word far and wide that there are many open positions still available for jobs at our camps this summer.

Positions are available at: Adventureland / Woodland Trails (ON), Camp Samac (ON) and Camp McLean (BC). Most positions are 18+, but there are some that are 16+ so spread the word! 

Job Openings at Scouts Canada

As a Scouter, you’re already passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth, but what if it was your full-time job? Scouts Canada has a number of open opportunities and offers a fun, adventurous, flexible and fast-paced work environment. Personal growth is extremely important to us which is why we offer skills and professional development opportunities as well as a comprehensive benefits and dental package for most positions. 

Find out more about all the open positions by visiting the Careers page.

Fall Challenge — More Details Coming Soon!

A new adventure awaits!

Embark on a fantastical quest with Scouts Canada this fall as we journey through the upcoming Forces of Nature Challenge. Take your imagination to the next level with 5 weeks of challenges (October 3 to November 7) and a whole lot of fun.

Keep an eye out for the Scouter’s Guide in August! 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Reconciliation Inspiring the Conversation

We know Scouters from around the country are doing amazing things to build a diverse and inclusive culture in their Group and begin their own local reconciliation journey.

On May 26th, 7:00pm to 8:30pm EST, we’re hosting a virtual panel discussion to let some of these awesome Scouter share their stories and testimonials.

We are collecting your questions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in advance, in order to build the conversation around what matters most to you. The panel of your peers are looking forward to sharing the best practices they have acquired and answering your questions on how you can do it too! To contribute your questions, click on our question collection link within the Zoom registration form. 

 

REGISTER TODAY

Webinar for Youth: Trauma Informed Indigenous Awareness for Youth

Facilitated by Kayla Bernard, Mi'kmaw recreation therapist and youth worker, where she shares some best practices and dos and don'ts for engaging youth in reconciliation. There will also be opportunity for questions and conversation.

Click below to register for this free webinar training.

Monday May 23 - 7:30PM ET

Tuesday May 24 - 5:30PM ET

 

2022 Read for Reconciliation Challenge

For National Indigenous History Month, Raven Reads (@raven_reads) is excited to announce their 2022 Read for Reconciliation reading challenge. Starting June 1, readers from across Canada will share their pictures and stories about the books they are reading to show their support for reconciliation.

How it Works: Book enthusiasts share a post on social media showing any book(s) that they have recently enjoyed that is written by an Indigenous author. Participants are encouraged to use the hashtag #ReadForReconciliation for their chance to be entered into a draw at the end of June. Happy Reading!

Scouts Canada Scholarships — Deadline to apply is June 19.

Applications for the Scouts Canada Scholarship Program are now open! If you or someone you know are planning to attend a post-secondary institution in the 2022-2023 school year and are currently an active and registered member of Scouts Canada, our Scholarship Program might be able to financially help you in your endeavors! 

We see the Scholarship Program as a stepping-stone toward evolving the lives of today’s youth into the well-rounded, motivated adults of tomorrow. Scholarships are awarded to Scouting youth who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, and a desire to create a better world.

Deadline for submission is June 19, 2022.

To learn more about scholarships are available — visit the Scouts Canada Scholarship page. Good luck! 

Creating space for 2SLGBTQIA+ you can save lives

Join us for two dates in June for a conversation with International Day of Pink to learn about creating inclusion for gender & sexually diverse folks in our community. Participants will walk away with an understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ language and terminology; best practices in daily situations; and innovative ways to create inclusive and respectful spaces. 

Creating space for 2SLGBTQIA+ (Option 1 of 2)

Jun 6, 2022 19:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

REGISTRATION LINK

Creating space for 2SLGBTQIA+ (Option 2 of 2)

Jun 6, 2022 19:00 Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

REGISTRATION LINK

 

Coming Soon — Raven Reads Boxes!

Following our Scouts Canada’s Listening Sessions, we have heard the need for resources to support the learning journey we are all on around Reconciliation and healing relationships with Indigenous peoples in Canada. We are excited to be teaming up with the Raven Reads to provide curated resources for each of your Sections. This is an opportunity to support Indigenous-led businesses and authors! 

Pre-Order Registration Information Coming Soon!

Planning your Summer Cycle

Even though school is out for summer, it doesn’t mean that your Scouting has to stop!

Why not try some of these activities either with your section, with friends or with your family. It is really fun to meet up with your section for a couple of meetings during the Summer.

You could use this as a bingo, and you could challenge the other youth in your section to see how many things they can do. You could work towards an ice cream day for everyone that participated.

Have fun and we look forward to seeing how many cool activities you did over the summer.

 

GET YOUR BINGO CARD

Top Tips for Planning Your Best Summer Program Ever!

  • The fun doesn’t have to stop in June! Find ways to meet during the summer too – plan daytime activities on weekends and invite families to join in the fun!
  • Involve the youth in picking some activities they enjoyed from the spring or fall, or even some new activities to try! Try to meet every two weeks in the summer and try out an activity.
  • Create a challenge for your youth to try during the summer months – can they hike 25km throughout the summer? Bike 50km? Spot 10 different species of bird? Keep track of the challenge and share what you achieved the next time you meet!
  • What are other factors to take into consideration when planning a summer event? Don’t forget to consider things like the UV index and air quality.
  • Doing a project related to sustainability? Add it to our Take Action map for your chance to win Chilly Moose products for your group!
  • Track the nature you see this summer and create a nature journal!
  • What are your plans for fall? Are there any skills that will be helpful for your fall programming? Learn a new skill like a new campfire recipe, how to portage a canoe or even how to bear bag!

Air Quality Health Index Tool

According to Natural Resources Canada, “2021 was one of Canada’s busiest fire seasons in recent years.” Even if not local to the fires, Scouts Canada members felt some of the effects even from far away provinces; those near and far from the fires saw the skies turn muddy, and felt the pollutants in the air.

Just being outside sometimes posed risk when the air quality was negatively affected by fires or pollution. In response to the risk, Scouts Canada has developed the new Air Quality Health Index tool which uses the Government of Canada’s Observed Air Quality Index and Air Quality Guidelines as two primary resources for making informed decisions determining if an activity is safe to continue, or if rescheduling or reduction of camping/Scouting programs and activities is recommended.

Scouts Canada is an invitation to youth to be outside more, test themselves with progressive challenges, while remaining within their capabilities to stay safe. Remember to consider Air Quality when conducting outdoor activities.

Around the Campfire

Fired Up About Safety

Read our five fire safety tips for the summer camping. 

  • When making a fire outside of a fire pit, make sure to do it on a durable surface, like rock or a fire box.
  • Consider what might be underneath your fire area – if roots catch on fire, they can spread fire underground and cause incredible damage.
  • Look above too – it can be fun to create a large fire, but it can also be dangerous. If there are branches above, rogue sparks might catch the branches.
  • Remember your fire bucket! Have a way to extinguish your fire beside your fire pit – the lake 100m away is not close enough. Have something you can use to extinguish a fire immediately.
  • Set fire expectations and boundaries, even with older youth. Camping is exciting and making a fire is a highlight for many campers. However, it is still good to remind everyone about being safe around the fire and not getting too close unless you are adding to the fire or cooking on it.

Scout Seeds by the Numbers

The third year of Scouts Seeds was another amazing success!  Over 291 Groups/Sections participated with Groups profits totaling over $24,000 with the NOLB program also receiving over $14,000.

Top Council: Chinook

Top Group: 1st Mount Brydges Group

Top Youth: Taryn – from 1st Mount Bryges

#ScoutsDoStuff

See Scouting groups across the country embracing the spring weather and getting out to Scout! 

Tag @scoutscanada in your #ScoutsDoStuff pics for your chance to be featured in our next edition of The Woggle. 

Program Partners

Scouts Canada partners with numerous like-minded organizations, including these three highlighted below.   

 

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace Canada is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting outdoor ethics and the seven Leave No Trace principles with the goal of encouraging Canadians to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors while protecting Canada's natural and cultural heritage.

The 7 Principles are:

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surface
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate To Other Visitors

Leave No Trace run courses on the 7 principles and also to be a Trainer or Master Educator. Learn more at leavenotrace.ca.

Seeds to Saplings

Seeds to Saplings is an educational program that empowers children to understand and improve the ecosystems around them. By participating in our program, youth learn how to collect local native seeds, grow them into saplings, and plant them locally.

Look out for the new Seed to Sapling activity to coming to the Activity Finder soon! 

https://www.seedstosaplings.ca

The Concerned Kids

The Concerned Kids educates elementary school-aged children about serious and sensitive subject matter, faced on a daily basis. Through the uniquely engaging art of interactive puppetry, young students are empowered to make kinder and informed choices, thus helping our schools and communities to become a safer place to live, learn and play.

Look out for a new activity coming to the Activity Finder soon!

https://www.theconcernedkids.com

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Mark your Calendars

JUNE 

Pride Month

Indigenous History Month 

June 3 — World Bicycle Day 

June 5 — World Environment Day 

June 4 — Trails Day 

June 8 — World Ocean Day 

June 19 — Father’s Day 

June 20 — World Refugee Day 

June 21 — Indigenous Peoples Day 

June 21 — Summer Solstice 

June 27 — Canadian Multiculturalism Day 

 

JULY 

July 1 — Canada Day 

July 28 — Nature Conservation Day 

 

AUGUST 

August 1 — Necker Day 

August 1 — National Mountain Climbing Day 

August 9 — World Indigenous Peoples’ Day 

August 12 — International Youth Day 

August 26 — Women’s Equality Day 

Coming up in the Next Edition of The Woggle

All the details on the Forces of Nature Youth Challenge!

Great fall Campfire Cooking ideas!

Rev up your fall program with great Scouter sessions!

 

Ideas? Questions? Comments?

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Media inquiries, please contact Anissa Stambouli: anissa.stambouli@scouts.ca

Scouts Canada Charity Number: 107761694RR0028

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