In February a delegation of 60 youth members, volunteers and staff made the trek to Parliament Hill to meet with Honourable Members, Ministers and Senators. One hundred people attended the reception and took part in 25 meetings in the first official Parliament Hill event hosted by Scouts Canada and L’association des Scouts du Canada. The Scouts Day on Hill was a rekindling of the longestablished Scouts Canada/Group-groupe d’amitie parlementaire de Scouts Canada parliamentary friendship. Many of the current group members from the House of Commons and Senate have roots in Scouting, but that is not a requirement of membership. Some have children in the organization and others are just interested in what we do. The group’s aim is to offer a way for Parliamentarians to stay connected to the organization, to learn about what it is doing for youth in Canada, to help by sharing information on upcoming legislation and offering ways for our young people to get involved in the political process. The Scouting delegation comprised of 40 Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts as well as 20 volunteers and staff members. They were from Ottawa-Gatineau, Kingston, Peterborough, Dorval and Montreal. There were an equal number of males and females. Cold and canoes February in Ottawa is cold, but the date was chosen to coincide with Lord Baden-Powell’s birthday. Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts pitched several tents on the snowy lawn of the Parliament Buildings to showcase what we do and share information on Scouting for any interested visitors. Yes, it may have been out of season, but a canoe was featured outside of the main tent, flanked by flags. Dialogue established Who were our former Scouts? Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Interim Leader of the Liberal Party, Bob Rae, the Speaker for the Senate Noël A. Kinsella and Senator Consiglio Di Nino, just to name a few. During our meetings, we also heard many exciting stories from MPs and Senators about their wonderful and exciting stories of their time in our organization. And why did MPs and senators want to meet with Scouts? It’s very likely because many of them were in the program as youth, were shaped by the Scouting Movement and have continued the ideals of moral commitment, social harmony, fairness and public service. The meetings were a terrific two-way dialogue with Parliamentarians recalling wonderful and exciting stories from their past experiences and our current Scouting members
explaining our current programs and activities. The Scouts Day on the Hill is currently a National program but an expansion to the provincial legislative houses and assemblies is a natural progression. Chief Commissioner Steve Kent said, “This event represents a first step in our efforts to reconnect with governments. We also want to better enable Scouting Groups across the country to reach out to their local governments. In the coming months you will see new tools and resources to help you do just that.” Already active Youth interest in the democratic process is firmly established in Scouting. The Queen’s Venturer Award requirements are part of the development of responsible citizens ready to assume responsibilities. An excerpt from the QVA requirements is as follows:
“ Investigate the structure and services of three levels of government. Attend meetings where possible. Explain how government works, how individuals can become involved and how people can make changes.” A success worth repeating “Many Senators and MPs approached me throughout the day,” continued Commissioner Kent, “to applaud the work of our volunteer leaders, who serve as outstanding role models to help our young Canadians achieve their true potential.” Scouts Day on the Hill was a successful project this year and there are plans for a return in 2013. In the new Scouting season let’s continue and grow our involvement with all levels of government across the country. What can you do? Visit your local city councilor, provincial representative or MP and tell them about Scouting and what you are doing in their community. Invite them to a Scouting event or meeting and have them share their experiences with the youth. And then tell us about it. Send your experience along with photos to scoutinglife@scouts.ca and you may see yourself in a future issue of Scouting Life!
ScoutingLife.ca Fall 2012
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