Scouts Canada designates $1 million to accelerate its mission for Canadian
youth

OTTAWA , Nov. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - At Scouts Canada's national conference held in downtown Regina this weekend, Chief Commissioner Steve Kent announced a fully-funded one million dollar fund earmarked to further the organization's goal to help develop Canadian youth through its programs of leadership, fun, healthy active living and adventure.

"Nearly 100,000 Canadian youth are members of Scouts Canada because they have fun in our programs. At the same time they learn citizenship, strong leadership skills, and how to be stewards of the environment," said Kent. "This funding will accelerate our growth and enable even more young Canadian boys and girls to benefit from the Scouting Movement."

The Chief Commissioner announced that the $1 million fund will be used to support initiatives of a special task force on growth. Details on these initiatives can be found at www.scoutingnow.org.

Scouts Canada's programs have touched the lives of 18 million Canadians over the past 100 years. The values taught through its programs are ingrained in Canadian society, and have contributed to the development of some our most noted citizens including Astronaut Steve MacLean, News Anchors Peter Mansbridge and Kevin Newman , and Prime Ministers Stephen Harper , Brian Mulroney , and Pierre Trudeau to name a few.

"Values like doing your best, making the world a better place, and helping others are timeless," added Mr. Kent , "and programs that ingrain good citizenship, opportunities to develop leadership, and to be prepared for the challenges of life are vital for Canadian youth. Yet opportunities to do these things are hard for parents to find."

Scouts Canada delivers this in fun filled and adventure based programs open to all Canadian youth from every background. Programs like "leave no trace camping" help foster and promote environmental stewardship, leadership, and healthy active living. Scouts Canada members volunteer thousands of community service hours across the country, helping prepare families for emergencies, learn first aid and life saving skills, and live a mission to leave the world a better place -- all of which are critical success factors for Canada's future leaders.

For more than 100 years Scouts Canada has developed and changed to meet the needs of Canadian society and Canadian youth and is as relevant today as it has been in the past.

Scouts Canada , the country's leading youth organization, offers fun and exciting outdoor adventure for boys, girls and youth aged 5-26 in communities across Canada . Close to 100,000 young people enjoy Scouts Canada's programs, which are provided by thousands of caring and dedicated volunteers. We are members of the World Organization of Scouts Movement which has grown to 28 million members in 217 countries and territories.

For further information: Lisa Nowlan, Director of Communications, Scouts Canada at [phone] (cell) or [phone] or by e-mail: [email protected]