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What Scouting and the Build a Home Challenge Means to Me
Scouts Canada Participants
I have participated in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and now the 1st Lorette Venturer Company. To me, Scouting is all about making new friends and having fun and also about community service. Recently I have been in the bush making a ski trail for our community of Lorette. In the past years, the 1st Lorette Scout group has done riverbank stabilization which is cutting deadfall in the river or making a snowmobile path. That helps people that go snowmobiling, walking on the river and makes the river look nice in the summer. People in the community say “Hey this 1st Lorette Scout group is really helping our community!”
A big project that the 1st Lorette Venture Company will participate in is going down to Vicente Guerrero, Mexico with another Venture company to build three houses for three less fortunate families, through Hero Holiday. I am really excited to go! It makes me feel good that I am going to help people in need! Scouting is really an eye opener for me and has been a life changing experience! I am glad that my parents introduced me to the Scouting world! My Scouting experience is changing from helping people in the community to the world we live in!
Adam Hacault, Venturer (10 years youth)
To me, Scouting is a way to socialize, learn and make friends. The Scout program also teaches you to help others. I'm in this program because I want to learn and help out in society as much as I can and learn to have the confidence to do so. My main goal in joining Scouting was to have a challenge and to learn how to reach my goals using teamwork. I will meet some new people and I'm going to have to adjust to not knowing everyone.
Right now my group and I are raising money to help people out in Mexico. These are people who have nothing, or close to nothing. We're building houses. We will also be making friendships and happiness, and as I said before, not just for them but for us too because we helped. I want to build these houses. I'm not doing this because my leader told me to. I'm doing this for their benefit and mine.
Shannon Mahaffy, Venturer (6 years youth)
Scouting has helped me in different ways. I have met a lot of people that I now call my friends. I now know more and I get to go to some really cool places. I love showing my friends my uniform and telling them stories of going to all the different camps and activities I’ve done with my Scout group. Two of my cousins have even met the Governor General.
I wanted to go on this trip to Mexico to see a new place and help out those less fortunate than me.
David de Graaf, Venturer (6 years youth)
I would like to go to Mexico for the chance to do something different. Most people go for vacation, but I want to build houses for families in need. For me, this is a new experience, a chance to do something good for someone I don't know for no other reason than the fact that I can, and a chance to learn about how people live in a different part of the world. This is why I want to participate in the Mexico Challenge.
Leo Boulet, Venturer (10 years youth)
Scouting has been in my life since I was 5 years old. I’m 13 now, this is my 8th year in the Scouting program. I want to continue being in the Scouting program and continue when I am a dad because kids are the future and Scouting promotes good values and leadership skills, and makes the world a better place. In the Scouting program, I get to meet new people who become friends. Scouts is a place where you can develop new skills that you never thought was possible to accomplish, but it is possible. Nothing is impossible in my opinion, you just have to work at it and be determined and your dreams will come true. There are two sides of Scouting, the uniform formal events as well as adventures such as camping. My favorite part of Scouting is the camping because you get to go to parks and learn new things.
Going to Mexico will be a real eye opener for me because it will be a new place for me to go. It will be different than Canada in many ways. It is going to be fun to get to know the families and to see what their lives are like compared to ours. This is what Scouting and the Mexico adventure mean to me.
Tyler Hacault, Scout (8 years youth)
For the 8 years, I’ve been in Scouts, I always wanted to do something like this. I mean traveling with my group (and other groups) and doing something to help others. Also, I’ve always wanted to see how a house is built. I think this will be a good experience for everyone, and it will encourage others to do some good. If everyone does some good, then everyone will get some good back.
Emily Anderson, Scout (8 years youth)
I have only been in the Scouting program for 8 years, but the memories I have created will last my whole life. Scouts has taught me to work as a team with others to accomplish something and it’s helped me learn to branch out more and make new friends. It’s cured my shyness in front of large groups and most importantly, it’s taught me to always, always, ALWAYS prepared! I’ve made so many friends in Scouts and I hope to continue Scouting for as long as possible. Now that I’ve moved to Venturers, my views on things have totally shifted. Now, instead of how much fun I’ll have at camp, I think of how much fun it will be running the camp.
When I was first asked about the Mexico trip, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about whether or not I would be able to do it. But now that I’ve made it this far, I can’t wait to go to Mexico. This whole experience has helped me to understand just how much work the leaders and coordinators have to put in to organize a camp and how important it is to have volunteers to help. The work we put into organizing this trip will be for a good cause and I really look forward to going! The houses we build will be for a good cause, which makes me proud to be doing all this.
Sean Vincent, Venturer (8 years youth)
Scouting to me is a chance to get closer to nature and reach out to our community. Scouting is fun because you get to meet new people who share the same dreams of some day making our world a better place.
The Mexico trip I think will be a great experience for me to really reach out to the world and help people who do not have the luxuries we take advantage of today. I think that the Mexico trip will
just be an all around great experience for me to really grow as a young adult.
Cam Wiebe, Venturer (6 years youth)
To me, Scouting is an opportunity to do new things. Eight years ago when I agreed to start Beavers, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Through Beavers, Cubs, and now coming into Venturers, I have learned how to make friends, tie knots (not well but good enough), do first aid, and of course put up tents. Just after I finished Cubs, I found out I could not continue Scouting due to other activities. Over the next few years, I was sad about all of the activities and camps I missed. I am so happy to be back.
This trip was introduced to me by my brother, Sean, through his Scouting group. At first, I wasn’t sure it was such a good idea (a bunch of teenage kids running around in Mexico), but once I learned more about it, I really got into it. When my parents finally told me that we where all going, I was thrilled. The moment I realized I was going to get to come back to the Scouting community, I was overjoyed. Whether it’s chatting with my new friends, catching up with my old friends, or just discussing the newest fundraiser I can’t wait!
Julia Vincent, Venturer (5 years youth)
Venturers has allowed me to be with a wonderful and supporting group of people who genuinely care about each other and who have a great sense of humor. With Venturers, I have been put in situations that would not usually be possible and that test my limits without much risk of failure. I am comfortable with giving it my all in Venturers. I never have to worry that others will think badly of me if I fail but rather that they will help me to fix my mistakes. Because of Venturers, I have experienced a greater sense of community and a boost to my self-esteem. As a Venturer, I have never ceased to be amazed at what we are capable of doing. As a very youth-oriented group, we are able to teach ourselves skills that we will need later in life in a very safe environment where failure has consequences but is equally treated as a learning experience. Everyone in the group brings their own style and viewpoint to any issue. When all of us come together, the result is a very strong company that is able to go where no Scout has gone before. The experiences that I have gained while working with these people has made me a changed person; allowing me to do what I never thought that I would have the confidence to do. As a longtime Scout and Venturer, the importance of serving the community has been made a big part of my life. With Venturers, we take things to the next level. Getting the chance to go to Mexico to build houses is amazing for me. Not only do I get the chance to be immersed in Mexican culture for 2 weeks, interacting with the locals and such, but I also get the valuable experience of building a house that can help me later in my life while changing someone else's. By building these houses, we change lives and change ourselves into better human beings. The knowledge that we are doing that is more valuable than anyone can imagine.
Jean-Marc, Venturer (7 years youth)
Thirteen years of Scouting in Canda have taught me an appreciation for nature, the community and myself. I found that with the right group of people and enough effort, there is nothing you can’t do when we put our minds to it.
The Mexico Challenge is an opportunity to use what I’ve learnt in Scouting to benefit less fortunate youth and families. Our community isn’t just at home but the entire world and this is trip is one very small way to give back to that greater global community.
Evan Mensforth, Venturer (13 years youth)
Scouting to me is a way of making new friends. Developing a skill set that you might not be able to get anywhere else. Surviving against the elements by yourself. Learning how to tie about 300 different knots when you only really use about 2 of them. Going camping in your backyard, a camp ground in the Whiteshell, maybe even Quebec to celebrate 100 years of Scouting are experiences that you can only have as a member of Scouts. No matter what anyone’s reasons are, I think everyone should take the time to experience Scouts.
Thomas Stuart-Dant, Venturer (13 years youth)
I began my Scouting in Cubs and I am now in Venturers. In my years of Scouting, I have learned how to act like a leader, be respectful to others, and learnt life skills such as personal finance, safety, first aid, and cooking. Within my groups, I have also learned how to plan activities, do chores together, solve problems and get jobs done as a group while respecting the individuality of each member. I have had many camping experiences - working and participating in Wilderness Challenge, Alloway, and CJ’07. I have been volunteering for multiple places around my community, and it has grown ever since I have been in Scouts, Venturers, and the Mexico Challenge. I am ready to help build houses for families in Mexico as I feel I’ve been working towards something that big right from the start.
Jennifer Forsythe, Venturer (7 years youth)
I have been a member of Scouts Canada for over 5 years, around 4 of which I have spent in my current Company, 1st John De Graff. I cannot even begin to tell you how much being a part of my company has changed me as an individual. I have been on so many adventures with my Company, such as hiking the Chilkoot Trail, and participating in a number of other camps closer to home, that I never would have experienced if I weren't a member of Scouts Canada. It has allowed me to grow as an individual through experiencing new people and places, and presenting challenges for me to overcome. I have made friends and memories that will never be forgotten.
Mexico Challenge presents just that, another challenge for me to overcome. The physical and mental strain that traveling to another country and immersing one's self in another culture is immense. Traveling to Mexico and building homes for poor families there will be an experience that few people can claim to have shared. It will help me better understand the true state of the world, and I will then know that I have done at least something to help make this world a better place.
Jeremy, Rover (6 years youth)
Scouting to means to me the opportunity and chance to grow and learn as an individual. In the past 13 years of my Scouting experience, Scouting has given me the chance to do things that I wouldn’t normally do. With our Scouting group, we do many things that other people suggest that I would not normally think of to do and pushes my boundaries. Scouting also means the opportunity to learn about the natural world around me and to learn how to live in it and to survive.
The trip to Mexico means to me the chance to help others gain basic things that they would not be able to get if they were not given a helping hand. This trip to Mexico will be a life altering opportunity to help me to see firsthand the conditions that people live in. They have very little to no chance to improve their living conditions and live in a place where there is no social assistance for them to get a step ahead. A trip like this will be an eye opening experience into the life of people who don’t have the opportunities like me living here in Canada.
Aaron Wiebe, Rover (13 years youth)
I have been though Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and now I'm a Rover, Venturer Advisor and a Cub leader. Though all of the programs, I have made many friends and met a lot of new and interesting people. As well, I have learnt many lessons from sharing when I was a Beaver to planning a trip to hike the Chilkoot trail in the Yukon and Alaska to planning a trip to Mexico to build houses. Over the years, we have done service work of helping run Scout camps, all sections camps, or doing work on the Centennial Trail (part of the Transcanada Trail).
The trip we are planning now is to go to Vicente Guerrero, Mexico to build 3 houses for 3 different families. This trip means a lot to me because it has given me the chance to work with other Venturer Companies we are going with as well as learning new skills like how to run fundraisers, or basic building skills that I've learnt from the time I spent at Habitat for Humanity. Over, all my life would have been very different without Scouting and I am thankful for the chance to be part of such an amazing organization. I hope that I will be able to share the lessons and experiences I have had with others.
Andrew Brabant, Rover/Leader/Advisor (15 years, youth and adult and counting)
As a leader, I am committed to supporting our youth, sharing experiences and both teaching and learning life skills from their many activities. I find that as a Leader in the Scouting movement, it is my way to promote youth of today in becoming healthy, happy citizens and responsible, resourceful members of society. The youth of today continue to inspire me. Scouting guides our youth to reach beyond their expectations. There is no better feeling than watching our youth not only achieve their goals but exceeding them, and seeing them accomplish so much more. I recognize the pride felt by the youth, the feeling of accomplishment, as they reach out to help people in our community and from all walks of life.
The trip to Mexico is the top goal as to what the youth and leaders have been trying to achieve. Each and every one of us will always remember what it feels like to help these people.
Sandra Dufour, Cub & Scout Leader, Group Secretary (6 years Girl Guide youth, 12 years adult in Girl Guides and Scouts Canada)
Our future lies in our children and the youth in our communities. I am committed to spending time with our youth as they grow and learn of the world around them. Scouting has an excellent support program for the youth to learn in a comfortable environment and develop personal skills to help prepare them for their lives.
The Build a Home Challenge will provide a new and unique experience for our youth, one that most do not have an opportunity to participate in. It is viewed by most as a life changing experience. I do appreciate the community support in this endeavor for the Venturers.
Gilbert Hacault, Venturer Advisor (8 years, adult)
People are our most valuable resource. I am deeply committed to Scouting and our young people. Scouting youth continually inspire me with their maturity, dedication, enthusiasm, ingenuity, sense of humor, compassion and courage. From hiking rain drenched “lightweight” backpacks; managing complicated accounting programs; dicing mountains of vegetables including tear jerking onions for homeless people; providing leadership and caring for members with disabilities, together these youth continually triumph over life’s challenges. Scouts Canada’s progressive programs allow our youth to explore and fulfill their individual potentials in a safe environment and to lead contributing lives in our community and the world beyond. I am grateful for the opportunity to share in their journey, to make lifelong friends and to experience great personal growth as well. Due to the incredible opportunities Scouting provides, my energy remains dedicated to our youth.
Our Mexico Challenge is special to me in so many ways – particularly because as a leader in Girl Guides many years ago, our Girl Guide Company raised enough funds to build a house in Mexico. Now the journey will be a full circle in that I will be part of the build and get to meet the family. For my Scouting “kids” and their parents, I am excited to watch them learn and grow in the values of long term planning and commitment towards a goal, and giving so selflessly of their time to help people they don’t know. All our lives (including our supporters at home) will be enriched by this experience. Through presentations we have and will provide after we return and by sharing our program at the national level of Scouting, we hope to inspire and facilitate others to become a changing force in assisting those living in poverty both in Canada and other parts of the world. I am hopeful our fundraising efforts will allow all of our youth to participate in the life changing experience that the Build a Home Challenge provides. As Canadians and Scouters, we can and are making a difference.
Cindy Bell, Venturer/Rover Advisor (4 years youth, 20 years adult in both Scouts and Girl Guides)
As a Scouter, I’ve had the pleasure of serving with as section leader for Cub and Scout sections as well as Group Commissioner with the 3rd Winnipeg (3rd Wpg) Scout Group. The 3rd Wpg, established in 1909, is one of the longest standing Scout groups in Canada. We believe, as our Motto states, in “Putting the OUT in Scouting”. In recent years, the group has participated in activities such as SCUBA diving, rock climbing, wall climbing, camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, sleigh rides, archery, hunter safety, and community service activities to name just a few. Scouting means helping others (most specifically youth) to find their limits and to take a step beyond them, while fostering an appreciation for the abilities and rights of others and the environment. There is no better feeling than helping a child succeed and their expression when they do.
To me, Scout Build a Home Challenge provides an opportunity to take what we do as Scouts in our local community to the next level. To extend those skills and beliefs beyond our local community and our borders to provide a helping hand to those in need to live a better life.
Craig Mensforth, Cub/Scout Leader (3 years youth, 13 years adult)
A big project that the 1st Lorette Venture Company will participate in is going down to Vicente Guerrero, Mexico with another Venture company to build three houses for three less fortunate families, through Hero Holiday. I am really excited to go! It makes me feel good that I am going to help people in need! Scouting is really an eye opener for me and has been a life changing experience! I am glad that my parents introduced me to the Scouting world! My Scouting experience is changing from helping people in the community to the world we live in!
Adam Hacault, Venturer (10 years youth)
To me, Scouting is a way to socialize, learn and make friends. The Scout program also teaches you to help others. I'm in this program because I want to learn and help out in society as much as I can and learn to have the confidence to do so. My main goal in joining Scouting was to have a challenge and to learn how to reach my goals using teamwork. I will meet some new people and I'm going to have to adjust to not knowing everyone.
Right now my group and I are raising money to help people out in Mexico. These are people who have nothing, or close to nothing. We're building houses. We will also be making friendships and happiness, and as I said before, not just for them but for us too because we helped. I want to build these houses. I'm not doing this because my leader told me to. I'm doing this for their benefit and mine.
Shannon Mahaffy, Venturer (6 years youth)
Scouting has helped me in different ways. I have met a lot of people that I now call my friends. I now know more and I get to go to some really cool places. I love showing my friends my uniform and telling them stories of going to all the different camps and activities I’ve done with my Scout group. Two of my cousins have even met the Governor General.
I wanted to go on this trip to Mexico to see a new place and help out those less fortunate than me.
David de Graaf, Venturer (6 years youth)
I would like to go to Mexico for the chance to do something different. Most people go for vacation, but I want to build houses for families in need. For me, this is a new experience, a chance to do something good for someone I don't know for no other reason than the fact that I can, and a chance to learn about how people live in a different part of the world. This is why I want to participate in the Mexico Challenge.
Leo Boulet, Venturer (10 years youth)
Scouting has been in my life since I was 5 years old. I’m 13 now, this is my 8th year in the Scouting program. I want to continue being in the Scouting program and continue when I am a dad because kids are the future and Scouting promotes good values and leadership skills, and makes the world a better place. In the Scouting program, I get to meet new people who become friends. Scouts is a place where you can develop new skills that you never thought was possible to accomplish, but it is possible. Nothing is impossible in my opinion, you just have to work at it and be determined and your dreams will come true. There are two sides of Scouting, the uniform formal events as well as adventures such as camping. My favorite part of Scouting is the camping because you get to go to parks and learn new things.
Going to Mexico will be a real eye opener for me because it will be a new place for me to go. It will be different than Canada in many ways. It is going to be fun to get to know the families and to see what their lives are like compared to ours. This is what Scouting and the Mexico adventure mean to me.
Tyler Hacault, Scout (8 years youth)
For the 8 years, I’ve been in Scouts, I always wanted to do something like this. I mean traveling with my group (and other groups) and doing something to help others. Also, I’ve always wanted to see how a house is built. I think this will be a good experience for everyone, and it will encourage others to do some good. If everyone does some good, then everyone will get some good back.
Emily Anderson, Scout (8 years youth)
I have only been in the Scouting program for 8 years, but the memories I have created will last my whole life. Scouts has taught me to work as a team with others to accomplish something and it’s helped me learn to branch out more and make new friends. It’s cured my shyness in front of large groups and most importantly, it’s taught me to always, always, ALWAYS prepared! I’ve made so many friends in Scouts and I hope to continue Scouting for as long as possible. Now that I’ve moved to Venturers, my views on things have totally shifted. Now, instead of how much fun I’ll have at camp, I think of how much fun it will be running the camp.
When I was first asked about the Mexico trip, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about whether or not I would be able to do it. But now that I’ve made it this far, I can’t wait to go to Mexico. This whole experience has helped me to understand just how much work the leaders and coordinators have to put in to organize a camp and how important it is to have volunteers to help. The work we put into organizing this trip will be for a good cause and I really look forward to going! The houses we build will be for a good cause, which makes me proud to be doing all this.
Sean Vincent, Venturer (8 years youth)
Scouting to me is a chance to get closer to nature and reach out to our community. Scouting is fun because you get to meet new people who share the same dreams of some day making our world a better place.
The Mexico trip I think will be a great experience for me to really reach out to the world and help people who do not have the luxuries we take advantage of today. I think that the Mexico trip will
just be an all around great experience for me to really grow as a young adult.
Cam Wiebe, Venturer (6 years youth)
To me, Scouting is an opportunity to do new things. Eight years ago when I agreed to start Beavers, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. Through Beavers, Cubs, and now coming into Venturers, I have learned how to make friends, tie knots (not well but good enough), do first aid, and of course put up tents. Just after I finished Cubs, I found out I could not continue Scouting due to other activities. Over the next few years, I was sad about all of the activities and camps I missed. I am so happy to be back.
This trip was introduced to me by my brother, Sean, through his Scouting group. At first, I wasn’t sure it was such a good idea (a bunch of teenage kids running around in Mexico), but once I learned more about it, I really got into it. When my parents finally told me that we where all going, I was thrilled. The moment I realized I was going to get to come back to the Scouting community, I was overjoyed. Whether it’s chatting with my new friends, catching up with my old friends, or just discussing the newest fundraiser I can’t wait!
Julia Vincent, Venturer (5 years youth)
Venturers has allowed me to be with a wonderful and supporting group of people who genuinely care about each other and who have a great sense of humor. With Venturers, I have been put in situations that would not usually be possible and that test my limits without much risk of failure. I am comfortable with giving it my all in Venturers. I never have to worry that others will think badly of me if I fail but rather that they will help me to fix my mistakes. Because of Venturers, I have experienced a greater sense of community and a boost to my self-esteem. As a Venturer, I have never ceased to be amazed at what we are capable of doing. As a very youth-oriented group, we are able to teach ourselves skills that we will need later in life in a very safe environment where failure has consequences but is equally treated as a learning experience. Everyone in the group brings their own style and viewpoint to any issue. When all of us come together, the result is a very strong company that is able to go where no Scout has gone before. The experiences that I have gained while working with these people has made me a changed person; allowing me to do what I never thought that I would have the confidence to do. As a longtime Scout and Venturer, the importance of serving the community has been made a big part of my life. With Venturers, we take things to the next level. Getting the chance to go to Mexico to build houses is amazing for me. Not only do I get the chance to be immersed in Mexican culture for 2 weeks, interacting with the locals and such, but I also get the valuable experience of building a house that can help me later in my life while changing someone else's. By building these houses, we change lives and change ourselves into better human beings. The knowledge that we are doing that is more valuable than anyone can imagine.
Jean-Marc, Venturer (7 years youth)
Thirteen years of Scouting in Canda have taught me an appreciation for nature, the community and myself. I found that with the right group of people and enough effort, there is nothing you can’t do when we put our minds to it.
The Mexico Challenge is an opportunity to use what I’ve learnt in Scouting to benefit less fortunate youth and families. Our community isn’t just at home but the entire world and this is trip is one very small way to give back to that greater global community.
Evan Mensforth, Venturer (13 years youth)
Scouting to me is a way of making new friends. Developing a skill set that you might not be able to get anywhere else. Surviving against the elements by yourself. Learning how to tie about 300 different knots when you only really use about 2 of them. Going camping in your backyard, a camp ground in the Whiteshell, maybe even Quebec to celebrate 100 years of Scouting are experiences that you can only have as a member of Scouts. No matter what anyone’s reasons are, I think everyone should take the time to experience Scouts.
Thomas Stuart-Dant, Venturer (13 years youth)
I began my Scouting in Cubs and I am now in Venturers. In my years of Scouting, I have learned how to act like a leader, be respectful to others, and learnt life skills such as personal finance, safety, first aid, and cooking. Within my groups, I have also learned how to plan activities, do chores together, solve problems and get jobs done as a group while respecting the individuality of each member. I have had many camping experiences - working and participating in Wilderness Challenge, Alloway, and CJ’07. I have been volunteering for multiple places around my community, and it has grown ever since I have been in Scouts, Venturers, and the Mexico Challenge. I am ready to help build houses for families in Mexico as I feel I’ve been working towards something that big right from the start.
Jennifer Forsythe, Venturer (7 years youth)
I have been a member of Scouts Canada for over 5 years, around 4 of which I have spent in my current Company, 1st John De Graff. I cannot even begin to tell you how much being a part of my company has changed me as an individual. I have been on so many adventures with my Company, such as hiking the Chilkoot Trail, and participating in a number of other camps closer to home, that I never would have experienced if I weren't a member of Scouts Canada. It has allowed me to grow as an individual through experiencing new people and places, and presenting challenges for me to overcome. I have made friends and memories that will never be forgotten.
Mexico Challenge presents just that, another challenge for me to overcome. The physical and mental strain that traveling to another country and immersing one's self in another culture is immense. Traveling to Mexico and building homes for poor families there will be an experience that few people can claim to have shared. It will help me better understand the true state of the world, and I will then know that I have done at least something to help make this world a better place.
Jeremy, Rover (6 years youth)
Scouting to means to me the opportunity and chance to grow and learn as an individual. In the past 13 years of my Scouting experience, Scouting has given me the chance to do things that I wouldn’t normally do. With our Scouting group, we do many things that other people suggest that I would not normally think of to do and pushes my boundaries. Scouting also means the opportunity to learn about the natural world around me and to learn how to live in it and to survive.
The trip to Mexico means to me the chance to help others gain basic things that they would not be able to get if they were not given a helping hand. This trip to Mexico will be a life altering opportunity to help me to see firsthand the conditions that people live in. They have very little to no chance to improve their living conditions and live in a place where there is no social assistance for them to get a step ahead. A trip like this will be an eye opening experience into the life of people who don’t have the opportunities like me living here in Canada.
Aaron Wiebe, Rover (13 years youth)
I have been though Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers, and now I'm a Rover, Venturer Advisor and a Cub leader. Though all of the programs, I have made many friends and met a lot of new and interesting people. As well, I have learnt many lessons from sharing when I was a Beaver to planning a trip to hike the Chilkoot trail in the Yukon and Alaska to planning a trip to Mexico to build houses. Over the years, we have done service work of helping run Scout camps, all sections camps, or doing work on the Centennial Trail (part of the Transcanada Trail).
The trip we are planning now is to go to Vicente Guerrero, Mexico to build 3 houses for 3 different families. This trip means a lot to me because it has given me the chance to work with other Venturer Companies we are going with as well as learning new skills like how to run fundraisers, or basic building skills that I've learnt from the time I spent at Habitat for Humanity. Over, all my life would have been very different without Scouting and I am thankful for the chance to be part of such an amazing organization. I hope that I will be able to share the lessons and experiences I have had with others.
Andrew Brabant, Rover/Leader/Advisor (15 years, youth and adult and counting)
As a leader, I am committed to supporting our youth, sharing experiences and both teaching and learning life skills from their many activities. I find that as a Leader in the Scouting movement, it is my way to promote youth of today in becoming healthy, happy citizens and responsible, resourceful members of society. The youth of today continue to inspire me. Scouting guides our youth to reach beyond their expectations. There is no better feeling than watching our youth not only achieve their goals but exceeding them, and seeing them accomplish so much more. I recognize the pride felt by the youth, the feeling of accomplishment, as they reach out to help people in our community and from all walks of life.
The trip to Mexico is the top goal as to what the youth and leaders have been trying to achieve. Each and every one of us will always remember what it feels like to help these people.
Sandra Dufour, Cub & Scout Leader, Group Secretary (6 years Girl Guide youth, 12 years adult in Girl Guides and Scouts Canada)
Our future lies in our children and the youth in our communities. I am committed to spending time with our youth as they grow and learn of the world around them. Scouting has an excellent support program for the youth to learn in a comfortable environment and develop personal skills to help prepare them for their lives.
The Build a Home Challenge will provide a new and unique experience for our youth, one that most do not have an opportunity to participate in. It is viewed by most as a life changing experience. I do appreciate the community support in this endeavor for the Venturers.
Gilbert Hacault, Venturer Advisor (8 years, adult)
People are our most valuable resource. I am deeply committed to Scouting and our young people. Scouting youth continually inspire me with their maturity, dedication, enthusiasm, ingenuity, sense of humor, compassion and courage. From hiking rain drenched “lightweight” backpacks; managing complicated accounting programs; dicing mountains of vegetables including tear jerking onions for homeless people; providing leadership and caring for members with disabilities, together these youth continually triumph over life’s challenges. Scouts Canada’s progressive programs allow our youth to explore and fulfill their individual potentials in a safe environment and to lead contributing lives in our community and the world beyond. I am grateful for the opportunity to share in their journey, to make lifelong friends and to experience great personal growth as well. Due to the incredible opportunities Scouting provides, my energy remains dedicated to our youth.
Our Mexico Challenge is special to me in so many ways – particularly because as a leader in Girl Guides many years ago, our Girl Guide Company raised enough funds to build a house in Mexico. Now the journey will be a full circle in that I will be part of the build and get to meet the family. For my Scouting “kids” and their parents, I am excited to watch them learn and grow in the values of long term planning and commitment towards a goal, and giving so selflessly of their time to help people they don’t know. All our lives (including our supporters at home) will be enriched by this experience. Through presentations we have and will provide after we return and by sharing our program at the national level of Scouting, we hope to inspire and facilitate others to become a changing force in assisting those living in poverty both in Canada and other parts of the world. I am hopeful our fundraising efforts will allow all of our youth to participate in the life changing experience that the Build a Home Challenge provides. As Canadians and Scouters, we can and are making a difference.
Cindy Bell, Venturer/Rover Advisor (4 years youth, 20 years adult in both Scouts and Girl Guides)
As a Scouter, I’ve had the pleasure of serving with as section leader for Cub and Scout sections as well as Group Commissioner with the 3rd Winnipeg (3rd Wpg) Scout Group. The 3rd Wpg, established in 1909, is one of the longest standing Scout groups in Canada. We believe, as our Motto states, in “Putting the OUT in Scouting”. In recent years, the group has participated in activities such as SCUBA diving, rock climbing, wall climbing, camping, fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking, sleigh rides, archery, hunter safety, and community service activities to name just a few. Scouting means helping others (most specifically youth) to find their limits and to take a step beyond them, while fostering an appreciation for the abilities and rights of others and the environment. There is no better feeling than helping a child succeed and their expression when they do.
To me, Scout Build a Home Challenge provides an opportunity to take what we do as Scouts in our local community to the next level. To extend those skills and beliefs beyond our local community and our borders to provide a helping hand to those in need to live a better life.
Craig Mensforth, Cub/Scout Leader (3 years youth, 13 years adult)
Accompanying Participant Parents
Hi Bruce Wiebe here and this is my reason for participating in the Scouts Build a Home Challenge.
I believe in all the Scouting motto's after having been involved with Scouting in various capacities over the last 12 or so years. Beaver's motto is sharing, sharing , sharing and I think that coming from a wealthy country like Canada, we have a responsibility to share some of what we are fortunate enough to have here in Canada. Cub’s motto is do your best and I think this is great step in doing our best to help someone less fortunate. Scout’s motto is be prepared and this trip give us a lot to be prepared for. Venturer’s motto is challenge and clearly raising the large some of money needed for this trip presents us with a large challenge. Rovers are the group of young men and women dedicated to service and what greater service than building home for families that would otherwise not have this opportunity. These are my reasons for participating in the Scouts Build a Home Challenge.
Sincerely
Bruce Wiebe, Parent Volunteer (Adult volunteer 12 years)
The Mexico Challenge is an exciting opportunity to be part of something that is life changing for another family. To be able to do this with my family (two sons, husband and myself), I believe will make us closer as a family when we see how much of a difference we are making for a family who has struggled for everything they have already. I expect this to be an eye opening experience and hopefully something that will leave us with the need to continue to help others here at home.
Sharon Wiebe, Parent Volunteer
As a child, both my Father and Grandfather were Scout leaders. When I became a parent, it was natural for me to enroll my boys in Scouts. My son, Adam, was enrolled as a Beaver in 2000. My husband and I just dropped off and picked up our son from the meetings. When Adam was in his second year of Beavers, I got more involved helped with crafts and reading stories at different meetings. My first Beaver family camp was spring 2002. That fall our second son, Tyler, was enrolled into Beavers. When they needed a leader, I volunteered my husband, Gilbert, who is still a leader today. Gilbert was a Cub leader and involved with the Scout section helping at winter camps and summer camps which included going to Banff in 2006 and to Churchill 2009. Gilbert started a Venturer Group and is the Venturer Advisor with the 1stLorette Scouts. My involvement with our Scouting group has been behind the scenes, helping with crafts at Beavers and Cubs, looking after shopping for camps when Gilbert was taking his group of Cubs on a weekend excursion.
When the opportunity for our 1stLorette Venturer Company to participate in the Mexico Challenge, I thought that it was just another “Scout trip”. With each passing fundraiser and more involvement at meetings, I realized that I needed to be a part of this amazing journey to Mexico, to help others that have so little. I have never been invested as a Scout but I have felt that I have been part of a big family of Scouters that wear their Scout uniform with pride.
Liz Hacault, Scouting Mom (9 years)
I've always viewed the Scouting movement as one of the best organizations in the world because of the values they instill in young people. The mottos of the various sections say a lot about Scouting. Collectively, the Beaver motto of “Sharing, Sharing, Sharing”, the Cub motto or “Do Your Best”, the Scouts motto of “Be Prepared”, the Venturer motto of “Challenge”, and the Rover motto of “Service” represent a rock solid foundation for a valuable and productive life. It's also notable that they all come into play for the Scouts Canada Build a Home Challenge.
I look forward to the Scouts Canada Build a Home Challenge for the opportunities it provides. The chance to visit a region of Mexico I wouldn't otherwise see and to meet local people away from resorts and tourist destinations. The chance to contribute something more substantial than just money; the opportunity to work alongside a family to help them improve their lives; the opportunity to participate with a group of truly dedicated people; and most importantly, the opportunity to share this entire adventure with my family.
Glen Vincent, Parent Volunteer
Eight years ago we enrolled our son and daughter in Beavers not realizing at the time that Scouting would eventually embrace our whole family. Over the years they’ve grown more than just in height and weight as they earned badges. They’ve learned to be responsible, independent and socially aware as they learned about the world around them. Joining them on hikes, camps, carnivals, craft/garage sales, flyer deliveries and community service events, I’ve been able to see my kids in a whole new light through their leaders’ eyes. I’m constantly amazed at the dedication and commitment that the leaders show and can honestly say that without exception, the people I’ve met through Scouting are some of the nicest people I know. Introducing them to Scouting has been an enriching experience for us all.
When I first heard about the Build a Home Challenge, the first thing I said was …”Wow, what a great idea, I want to go too!” When this became a reality, I knew that the journey wouldn’t begin with a bus ride to Mexico in 2011 but with a year and a half of working side by side with this fantastic group of people. I’ve heard that “The biggest challenge facing our time is that we are raising a world of passive bystanders” (Craig Keilburger, Free the Children). This is our opportunity to make a REAL impact in the life of a family and sharing this with my family is a gift. The more I find out about Hero Holiday and the people involved, the more I respect the work they do and look forward to being part of the solution. I expected that this would change the life of our Mexican families but I didn’t realize that it would change our lives as much as it has already. Yvonne Vincent, Parent Volunteer
I believe in all the Scouting motto's after having been involved with Scouting in various capacities over the last 12 or so years. Beaver's motto is sharing, sharing , sharing and I think that coming from a wealthy country like Canada, we have a responsibility to share some of what we are fortunate enough to have here in Canada. Cub’s motto is do your best and I think this is great step in doing our best to help someone less fortunate. Scout’s motto is be prepared and this trip give us a lot to be prepared for. Venturer’s motto is challenge and clearly raising the large some of money needed for this trip presents us with a large challenge. Rovers are the group of young men and women dedicated to service and what greater service than building home for families that would otherwise not have this opportunity. These are my reasons for participating in the Scouts Build a Home Challenge.
Sincerely
Bruce Wiebe, Parent Volunteer (Adult volunteer 12 years)
The Mexico Challenge is an exciting opportunity to be part of something that is life changing for another family. To be able to do this with my family (two sons, husband and myself), I believe will make us closer as a family when we see how much of a difference we are making for a family who has struggled for everything they have already. I expect this to be an eye opening experience and hopefully something that will leave us with the need to continue to help others here at home.
Sharon Wiebe, Parent Volunteer
As a child, both my Father and Grandfather were Scout leaders. When I became a parent, it was natural for me to enroll my boys in Scouts. My son, Adam, was enrolled as a Beaver in 2000. My husband and I just dropped off and picked up our son from the meetings. When Adam was in his second year of Beavers, I got more involved helped with crafts and reading stories at different meetings. My first Beaver family camp was spring 2002. That fall our second son, Tyler, was enrolled into Beavers. When they needed a leader, I volunteered my husband, Gilbert, who is still a leader today. Gilbert was a Cub leader and involved with the Scout section helping at winter camps and summer camps which included going to Banff in 2006 and to Churchill 2009. Gilbert started a Venturer Group and is the Venturer Advisor with the 1stLorette Scouts. My involvement with our Scouting group has been behind the scenes, helping with crafts at Beavers and Cubs, looking after shopping for camps when Gilbert was taking his group of Cubs on a weekend excursion.
When the opportunity for our 1stLorette Venturer Company to participate in the Mexico Challenge, I thought that it was just another “Scout trip”. With each passing fundraiser and more involvement at meetings, I realized that I needed to be a part of this amazing journey to Mexico, to help others that have so little. I have never been invested as a Scout but I have felt that I have been part of a big family of Scouters that wear their Scout uniform with pride.
Liz Hacault, Scouting Mom (9 years)
I've always viewed the Scouting movement as one of the best organizations in the world because of the values they instill in young people. The mottos of the various sections say a lot about Scouting. Collectively, the Beaver motto of “Sharing, Sharing, Sharing”, the Cub motto or “Do Your Best”, the Scouts motto of “Be Prepared”, the Venturer motto of “Challenge”, and the Rover motto of “Service” represent a rock solid foundation for a valuable and productive life. It's also notable that they all come into play for the Scouts Canada Build a Home Challenge.
I look forward to the Scouts Canada Build a Home Challenge for the opportunities it provides. The chance to visit a region of Mexico I wouldn't otherwise see and to meet local people away from resorts and tourist destinations. The chance to contribute something more substantial than just money; the opportunity to work alongside a family to help them improve their lives; the opportunity to participate with a group of truly dedicated people; and most importantly, the opportunity to share this entire adventure with my family.
Glen Vincent, Parent Volunteer
Eight years ago we enrolled our son and daughter in Beavers not realizing at the time that Scouting would eventually embrace our whole family. Over the years they’ve grown more than just in height and weight as they earned badges. They’ve learned to be responsible, independent and socially aware as they learned about the world around them. Joining them on hikes, camps, carnivals, craft/garage sales, flyer deliveries and community service events, I’ve been able to see my kids in a whole new light through their leaders’ eyes. I’m constantly amazed at the dedication and commitment that the leaders show and can honestly say that without exception, the people I’ve met through Scouting are some of the nicest people I know. Introducing them to Scouting has been an enriching experience for us all.
When I first heard about the Build a Home Challenge, the first thing I said was …”Wow, what a great idea, I want to go too!” When this became a reality, I knew that the journey wouldn’t begin with a bus ride to Mexico in 2011 but with a year and a half of working side by side with this fantastic group of people. I’ve heard that “The biggest challenge facing our time is that we are raising a world of passive bystanders” (Craig Keilburger, Free the Children). This is our opportunity to make a REAL impact in the life of a family and sharing this with my family is a gift. The more I find out about Hero Holiday and the people involved, the more I respect the work they do and look forward to being part of the solution. I expected that this would change the life of our Mexican families but I didn’t realize that it would change our lives as much as it has already. Yvonne Vincent, Parent Volunteer
Returning Participants
Our family has had the privilege of attending a 10 day house build in Vicente Guerrero Baja California Mexico in February 2008 with Hero Holiday. A friend of ours had a brother and sister working with the Hero Holiday/Absolute Development group and once we heard about the work they do, we knew as a family we had to be a part of this experience. We went with a group of 14 friends. My husband, Shane, and I took our 2 children, Tyler age 10 and Jessica age 6 to this experience of a lifetime. We built a home for a family of 4. They lived in tarps prior to our arrival. The first day we met them, we stayed and talked via interpreter for approximately half an hour. We left there knowing that tomorrow would bring a new beginning for them. That night it poured rain and all we could think about was Alberta, Augustine, Rafael and Carolina trying to sleep in their tarps. We learned the next morning as we arrived in the mud and rain filled yard that they had slept under garbage bags trying to keep dry. Both Tyler and Jessica could not believe there were children the same age in the world who lived like this. Over the next week, our children became friends with Rafael and Carolina and learned that they did not attend school. Tyler and Jessica took their own money and paid for Carolina and Rafael to attend school that September. At the dedication ceremony where we turned over the keys to our family, I have never seen such graciousness. Our Mexican family, with the help of their neighbors and friends, made us a lunch to thank us. We had a sharing time where we all spoke of our experience that week. We learned we were enabling this family to gain a hand up in the community. Tyler observed during the week that the Mexican families we met were so happy..."even if they have nothing.....it goes to show that we have too much and I know people in Canada are not that happy all the time; perhaps if we had less we would be happier". I personally felt so at peace there. The people are beautiful and kind and full of spirit and virtually do not have anything. They cannot believe that people from Canada would come to assist them when their own government does not assist. I only wish I had the opportunity to experience a Hero Holiday in my youth years....I am thankful that as an adult I can be a part of it and expose my children to the experience but there is a little part of me that would have LOVED to have done this as a teenager. We took our kids out of school to attend this Hero Holiday build. We were away for 2 weeks and they learned more there about human life, compassion, love, and the real world than they could ever learn in a classroom.
Since 2008, we continued to raise money for Hero Holidays work and decided to spend the summer of 2009 working there, We took our 10 week summer and drove down to Vicente Guerrero with our 12 foot pop up tent trailer to volunteer our services with Hero Holiday for the summer. While there, we worked with the youth that arrived from all over Canada and assisted in building 6 homes, a school and a hospital. We also raised over $2,000 prior to leaving Winnipeg and used that money to assist other families we met while living and working there. It was without a doubt the MOST valuable experience we have ever had has a family. We met and lived in this community for 10 weeks and were embraced as if we were families. When we returned to Mexico, we were very excited to visit with Augustine, Alberta, Rafael and Carolina. We drove over to their home as a phone call is not an option. We arrived at their front door....the house from the outside looked immaculate. They heard us drive up and looked out to see who had arrived. They recognized us immediately and came running out to hug us. They showed us around their yard which now had a garden, chickens and a pig...all items they could use as a means of revenue. As well, we learned that now that Augustine was healthier (he no longer had to fight the elements of weather to survive), he had a job doing construction almost daily where as in the past he only had casual jobs when he was well. Both kids were still in school and were doing well. This is the pure example of a hand up and not a hand out. They took what was given to them and continued to thrive. They had continued to furnish the inside of their home. They had added a few chairs, some shelves and some additional kitchen items. We spent quite a bit of time visiting them in the 10 weeks. We left that summer knowing this was not our last time in this community. We blogged our entire summer and in it we wrote about the daily experiences, joy and emotion we felt in doing and seeing all what we saw and did. If you would like to view it please go to http://theleightons.shawwebspace.ca/
As it turns out it is not our last time there!! We are fortunate to be joining the group of Scouts in July 2011 in their trip to Mexico and cannot wait to return to the community we love. We look forward to seeing them and their continued success in July of 2011. Both Tyler and Jessica have asked..."Can we spend the whole summer there again and help?" This is what Mexico means to us.
Kim, Shane, Tyler and Jessica Leighton
In February of 2008, I was privileged to be part of a mission to build a house in the small community of Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico. On that trip there 14 of us, 11 adults and 3 children.
This trip was truly an adventure, and something that has had a dramatic effect on me. Although I researched the area we would be building in before I left, I can honestly say that I was overwhelmed when I met “our family”, and saw the extreme poverty they were living in. It is said that “pictures don’t tell the whole story” and that was definitely true in this case. Seeing an entire family living in a space smaller than one of the bedrooms in my own modest home was unbelievable. To see that the “home” where this lovely family was living was made of cardboard, pieces of plastic and a piece of an old trailer, was unbelievable to say the least. It was all I could do to keep “our family” from seeing the tears in my eyes. As we got to know our family better (through our interpreter), we learned that the father walked out to the highway each day hoping to be picked up by a bus. That bus would take him to the strawberry fields where he would work all day for $8.00. That was a good day for him. Upon hearing this news, it dawned on me how easily we in Canada spend $8.00, probably without really even thinking about it. Our mom and her two children worked with us each day as we built their house. When the dad wasn’t able to pick strawberries he was working with us as well. Although the children in our group and the children in our Mexican family could not verbally communicate, it was awesome to see how quickly they became friends. They worked together on the house and they played at lunchtime. Each day as the neighbourhood children would see our bus coming down the road, they would run to greet us. This was so exciting for them to see the work that we were doing. We encouraged the kids to come and help us with some of the smaller tasks, and they were thrilled.
On the last day of the build, when all the work had been completed on the house, we had a dedication ceremony. Each one of our group was encouraged to speak to the family through our interpreter. Our family was then asked to tell us what this new home and our coming to help had meant to them. Our dad said that “you have come to help us, now you must come back and help the others.” Again through tears, we made a pledge to try and return “to help the others”.
There really are no words to adequately describe what this experience has meant to me personally. Although it was only one home for one family, it has no doubt made a world of difference to them. In addition, I believe it has given hope to others in their community, that maybe someone will come to help them too. The trip we are taking next summer will be different, in the fact that this is a much bigger group and there will be Scouters, parents and leaders coming along. We plan on building three houses this time and I know that this experience will have a profound effect, particularly on the Scouters. It is my hope that they will be touched by this experience so profoundly that one day it may be some of them leading a mission group back to Vicente Guerrero. I have been very fortunate to be included in this trip with these awesome kids who have worked so hard to raise money for this mission. I guarantee this will be a life changing experience for them, and a wonderful opportunity for me to return to a place that I hold dear to my heart. We that have so much need to help those that do not.
Kendra Jackson, Previous Participant - 2008
Since 2008, we continued to raise money for Hero Holidays work and decided to spend the summer of 2009 working there, We took our 10 week summer and drove down to Vicente Guerrero with our 12 foot pop up tent trailer to volunteer our services with Hero Holiday for the summer. While there, we worked with the youth that arrived from all over Canada and assisted in building 6 homes, a school and a hospital. We also raised over $2,000 prior to leaving Winnipeg and used that money to assist other families we met while living and working there. It was without a doubt the MOST valuable experience we have ever had has a family. We met and lived in this community for 10 weeks and were embraced as if we were families. When we returned to Mexico, we were very excited to visit with Augustine, Alberta, Rafael and Carolina. We drove over to their home as a phone call is not an option. We arrived at their front door....the house from the outside looked immaculate. They heard us drive up and looked out to see who had arrived. They recognized us immediately and came running out to hug us. They showed us around their yard which now had a garden, chickens and a pig...all items they could use as a means of revenue. As well, we learned that now that Augustine was healthier (he no longer had to fight the elements of weather to survive), he had a job doing construction almost daily where as in the past he only had casual jobs when he was well. Both kids were still in school and were doing well. This is the pure example of a hand up and not a hand out. They took what was given to them and continued to thrive. They had continued to furnish the inside of their home. They had added a few chairs, some shelves and some additional kitchen items. We spent quite a bit of time visiting them in the 10 weeks. We left that summer knowing this was not our last time in this community. We blogged our entire summer and in it we wrote about the daily experiences, joy and emotion we felt in doing and seeing all what we saw and did. If you would like to view it please go to http://theleightons.shawwebspace.ca/
As it turns out it is not our last time there!! We are fortunate to be joining the group of Scouts in July 2011 in their trip to Mexico and cannot wait to return to the community we love. We look forward to seeing them and their continued success in July of 2011. Both Tyler and Jessica have asked..."Can we spend the whole summer there again and help?" This is what Mexico means to us.
Kim, Shane, Tyler and Jessica Leighton
In February of 2008, I was privileged to be part of a mission to build a house in the small community of Vicente Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico. On that trip there 14 of us, 11 adults and 3 children.
This trip was truly an adventure, and something that has had a dramatic effect on me. Although I researched the area we would be building in before I left, I can honestly say that I was overwhelmed when I met “our family”, and saw the extreme poverty they were living in. It is said that “pictures don’t tell the whole story” and that was definitely true in this case. Seeing an entire family living in a space smaller than one of the bedrooms in my own modest home was unbelievable. To see that the “home” where this lovely family was living was made of cardboard, pieces of plastic and a piece of an old trailer, was unbelievable to say the least. It was all I could do to keep “our family” from seeing the tears in my eyes. As we got to know our family better (through our interpreter), we learned that the father walked out to the highway each day hoping to be picked up by a bus. That bus would take him to the strawberry fields where he would work all day for $8.00. That was a good day for him. Upon hearing this news, it dawned on me how easily we in Canada spend $8.00, probably without really even thinking about it. Our mom and her two children worked with us each day as we built their house. When the dad wasn’t able to pick strawberries he was working with us as well. Although the children in our group and the children in our Mexican family could not verbally communicate, it was awesome to see how quickly they became friends. They worked together on the house and they played at lunchtime. Each day as the neighbourhood children would see our bus coming down the road, they would run to greet us. This was so exciting for them to see the work that we were doing. We encouraged the kids to come and help us with some of the smaller tasks, and they were thrilled.
On the last day of the build, when all the work had been completed on the house, we had a dedication ceremony. Each one of our group was encouraged to speak to the family through our interpreter. Our family was then asked to tell us what this new home and our coming to help had meant to them. Our dad said that “you have come to help us, now you must come back and help the others.” Again through tears, we made a pledge to try and return “to help the others”.
There really are no words to adequately describe what this experience has meant to me personally. Although it was only one home for one family, it has no doubt made a world of difference to them. In addition, I believe it has given hope to others in their community, that maybe someone will come to help them too. The trip we are taking next summer will be different, in the fact that this is a much bigger group and there will be Scouters, parents and leaders coming along. We plan on building three houses this time and I know that this experience will have a profound effect, particularly on the Scouters. It is my hope that they will be touched by this experience so profoundly that one day it may be some of them leading a mission group back to Vicente Guerrero. I have been very fortunate to be included in this trip with these awesome kids who have worked so hard to raise money for this mission. I guarantee this will be a life changing experience for them, and a wonderful opportunity for me to return to a place that I hold dear to my heart. We that have so much need to help those that do not.
Kendra Jackson, Previous Participant - 2008
Parents of Participating Youth
As a Cub leader and the parent of two Scouting youth, I've found a great deal of meaning in Scouts. I've always valued community service and a sense of something greater than yourself. The community that exists around Scouting is strong and vibrant. The emphasis, of course, is on helping kids learn, grow, and meet life head on. On the way to that goal, Scouting also gives the same benefit to the leaders and volunteers. As a leader, I've watched kids go through their 3 year stint with Cubs and enjoyed watching them meet challenges head on. The shy young boys and girls turn into interesting, engaged, and constructive tweens in those 3 years. It has given me great satisfaction to be part of that process for "my" Cubs. I've enjoyed watching them meet the challenges of Klondike. I've shared with them the magic of Ice Cap campfires. I've organized many activities and outings where part of the fun for me is seeing what catches each child's imagination. I've tried to give them a sense of my own passion for service beyond self in our community and around the world. It has been an honour to get to know many of them along the way.
As a parent, I've watched my daughters face the challenges that Scouts have to offer. Week long canoe trips, skiing, camping, wall climbing, swimming, and trips to Churchill. I've watched them grow into truly wonderful teenagers who have a good sense of themselves and what's right and good in the world. I've watched them face a variety of challenges in Cubs, Scouts, and Venturers, including that of being girls in an organization dominated by boys and they've come through with a sense of confidence and ability that will take them a long way in their lives. The Mexico Challenge is a huge part of that experience.
Blair Mahaffy, Cub Leader (5 years)
Our son, David de Graaf, started in Beavers in 2005, after two years he moved into Cubs, then Scouts and now is in Venturers. The years he has spent with these groups have been great. The leaders are dedicated to the group. They put in a lot of time, energy and planning for the weekly meeting and extra for all the wonderful camps, hikes, tours and other activities. You can see that they really enjoy their time with the kids and are having as much fun as the kids. I (Kristine) had the pleasure of being a leader for a time during David’s last year as a Beaver. Scouts has been a opportunity for David to see, do and learn many new things that we may not have done with him. He has been able to travel to places we would not have gone as a family. The camping trips have shown him wonderful places and taught him many life skills. David has made many friends with the people in these groups and the leaders. This year he wanted to be a junior leader with Scouts because he knew one the leaders was not returning this year. He has been enjoying it.
In 2011, the Venturers are going to Mexico to built 3 homes for needy families. The planning, fundraising and groups working together has been amazing. The groups are also helping out locally by volunteering in our own city to those in need. This is a life changing opportunity for those groups going, the families in Mexico, and the people who have supported and heard about the trip. All around this is a win-win situation for all. Again, this shows the amazing leaders with we have for our groups. We are excited for David to be able to take this trip. Scouts is a wonderful program and we are so thankful it is available.
Rob & Kristine de Graaf
Our son, Randall, has been involved in Scouting since he was 5 years old as a Beaver. He is now 18 years old and is still a member of Scouting as a Rover. As a family, we believe in the values that Scouting holds true. Over the years, we have watched our son grow into a young man with compassion, a love for the world around him, a drive for adventure and a great sense of community responsibility both near and far.
The upcoming Mexico 2011 trip will be helping Randall fulfill the latter. This experience will be invaluable for him in his future as he prepares for a career in medicine.
Sharon and Richard Romanow
As a parent, I've watched my daughters face the challenges that Scouts have to offer. Week long canoe trips, skiing, camping, wall climbing, swimming, and trips to Churchill. I've watched them grow into truly wonderful teenagers who have a good sense of themselves and what's right and good in the world. I've watched them face a variety of challenges in Cubs, Scouts, and Venturers, including that of being girls in an organization dominated by boys and they've come through with a sense of confidence and ability that will take them a long way in their lives. The Mexico Challenge is a huge part of that experience.
Blair Mahaffy, Cub Leader (5 years)
Our son, David de Graaf, started in Beavers in 2005, after two years he moved into Cubs, then Scouts and now is in Venturers. The years he has spent with these groups have been great. The leaders are dedicated to the group. They put in a lot of time, energy and planning for the weekly meeting and extra for all the wonderful camps, hikes, tours and other activities. You can see that they really enjoy their time with the kids and are having as much fun as the kids. I (Kristine) had the pleasure of being a leader for a time during David’s last year as a Beaver. Scouts has been a opportunity for David to see, do and learn many new things that we may not have done with him. He has been able to travel to places we would not have gone as a family. The camping trips have shown him wonderful places and taught him many life skills. David has made many friends with the people in these groups and the leaders. This year he wanted to be a junior leader with Scouts because he knew one the leaders was not returning this year. He has been enjoying it.
In 2011, the Venturers are going to Mexico to built 3 homes for needy families. The planning, fundraising and groups working together has been amazing. The groups are also helping out locally by volunteering in our own city to those in need. This is a life changing opportunity for those groups going, the families in Mexico, and the people who have supported and heard about the trip. All around this is a win-win situation for all. Again, this shows the amazing leaders with we have for our groups. We are excited for David to be able to take this trip. Scouts is a wonderful program and we are so thankful it is available.
Rob & Kristine de Graaf
Our son, Randall, has been involved in Scouting since he was 5 years old as a Beaver. He is now 18 years old and is still a member of Scouting as a Rover. As a family, we believe in the values that Scouting holds true. Over the years, we have watched our son grow into a young man with compassion, a love for the world around him, a drive for adventure and a great sense of community responsibility both near and far.
The upcoming Mexico 2011 trip will be helping Randall fulfill the latter. This experience will be invaluable for him in his future as he prepares for a career in medicine.
Sharon and Richard Romanow