Hello Scouters and families,

Welcome to a new Scouting year at the 3rd Ottawa, it is a year of change and growth for the 3rd.  Our Group Committee and some of our leadership teams are seeing some changes, however with lots of continuity to maintain our excellent programs.

Our registration night will be Sept.5, 2012 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm at Westminster Presbyterian, and everyone should note that our Beaver and Cub sections are once again quite full; this is a testament to our excellent program.  Our Scouts have room only because so many of them are now of Venturer age; and there is a plan to have a Venturer Company once again at the 3rd this year – this is great news!

I have accepted the role of Group Commissioner, taking over from Stephen McFaul who has ably and professionally provided support to the 3rd for several years.  Stephen’s unwavering support and quiet work in the background has made our group run like clockwork during his tenure, and our relationship with headquarters consistent and clear; his calm approach to everything is one I would like to emulate – I would like to thank, and I know all of the leaders join me in thanking Stephen for his excellent service to the 3rd Ottawa.

At the same time, I will be stepping down from a decade at the helm of the Cub section.  I could not be more pleased to have David Fortier stepping into the Akela position, and look forward to his leadership and fun style at Cubs.  David has served the 3rd in both Cubs and Scouts, and brings lots of experience and energy to the role, along with a patience I admire – he’ll be a great Akela.

Wes Rodney and Mike Seufert will continue their outstanding programs in Beavers and Scouts, respectively, and will be aided by new leaders as well as existing ones.  Mike will also be helping out in Cubs.  Our leadership teams in all Sections remain strong and everyone brings new experiences and expertise to the group.  It looks like a great year ahead!

Yours in Scouting,

Tim Welch