For decades you have seen the Beaver, Cub and Scout groups providing apples to the community as a “thank you” for supporting Scouting in the community (and accepting donations if you would like).  We are really happy to be the oldest continually operating Scouting group in Ottawa, having been a part of the Westboro area since 1914.

On Sept. 28, 2013 our youth will be at the main parking lot entrance to the Real Canadian Superstore on Richmond Road, polishing and providing apples – come on over and say hello to some of the youth and enjoy a wonderful crisp apple as you shop.

Apple Day is a traditional fundraising event that started right here in Canada. This is an annual event that 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.

We look forward to seeing you!

We are pleased to announce that Dave Fortier, the Akela of our Cub Pack at the 3rd Ottawa, received a Certificate of Commendation this week at our monthly Group Committee meeting, along with a very nice letter from the Governor General (the Patron Scouter of Scouts Canada).  Dave works tirelessly to put on a great Cub program, along with his experienced Cub leadership team.  Our pack remains a sellout every year for the past 5+ years.

In real life, Dave is a Director at PiP Animation, an award-winning local animation studio, and is highly active at Churchill School, the Rideau Canoe Club, and much more.  We are proud of Dave’s work at the 3rd Ottawa and know that our youth are having a great Cub Scout experience.

Once again, the Scouting year is gearing up.  2012 was a big year for the 3rd Ottawa – lots of fun events and camps, culminating for the Scouts in a summer adventure at Camp Haliburton where they took part in everything Scouting from canoeing, hiking and swimming to archery and riflery! What a great way to cap off an amazing year.  The Beavers and Cubs both had some incredible events over the year as well, and the group enjoyed our new Beaver Buggy / Cub Car / Scout Truck track for the first time at area events.

This year holds a lot of promise – a warm fall, area campsites in good shape (not too dry so campfires are ok), and enough water in our waterways to ensure some fun after a hike.  This is a great time to be in the Scouting movement – we have grown for three years in a row and so many new youth are realizing that having fun and adventure happens when you aren’t staring at a digital screen – no matter how high a resolution it is.

For the leaders in Scouting, we are enjoying renewed training programs and components meant to help us be better leaders, help us guide your youth in their adventure, have safe but challenging adventures, and of course, keep all of our youth members safe.  Many training programs are now wholly mandatory before anyone can be with a youth member of Scouts Canada – these include interviews, Police Record Checks, Child and Youth Safety, the famous Woodbadge leadership training program, and more.  Everyone at the 3rd Ottawa is dedicated to ensuring our youth have fun and adventure in a safe and welcoming environment.

What a great year for Scouting!

As we near the end of the 2012-2013 Scouting season, now is a particularly busy time for leaders in all sections as camps, outdoor adventures, swim-up and other key activities take place – all guided by the efforts of dedicated volunteers.

Tonight, two of the 3rd Ottawa section volunteers were the first recognized under the new Outstanding Service Awards (OSA) program launched by Scouts Canada this year.  The new program aims to recognize high quality programs and the volunteers who enable them more regularly and under more fair processes.  As part of the OSA, for example, length of service was removed as a measure to receive an award; this enables good volunteers of any length of service to participate.  The program is driven by feedback from the Scouting community, parents and youth involved in the Scouting program.

Mike Seufert, a Troop leader, and Wesley Rodney, or “Turtle” a Beaver leader, were both awarded the Certificate of Commendation for Service to Scouting, along with a certificate and a special badge to wear on their uniforms.  Mike has worked tirelessly in the Cub and Scout sections to drive quality programs and give the youth the adventure promised in the Scouting program; his energy and enthusiasm for the programs shine through, working with the team of Troop leaders to do everything from long hikes to trips to Germany.  Wesley works to provide an unparalleled Beaver program for our youngest members, who enjoy his boundless energy and drive to provide quality programs – along with the entire team of Beaver leaders (he would want us to say that!)

Congratulations to Mike, Wesley, and all of our Colony, Pack and Troop leaders who provide such amazing programs to our youth at the 3rd Ottawa.  You inspire us all!

Sincerely Yours in Scouting,

Tim Welch
Group Commissioner
3rd Ottawa