handbook on voyageur council recognition proceduresvoy.scouts.ca/sites/default/files/files/vc...

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HANDBOOK

ON

VOYAGEUR COUNCIL

RECOGNITION PROCEDURES

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RECORD OF AMENDMENTS

Amendment

Number

Amendment Amendment Date

Original Initial publication of the Handbook

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Title 1

Amendment Record 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction 5

References 5

SECTION I – SCOUTS CANADA’S NATIONAL RECOGNITIOIN GUIDE (Version 1) 6

Table of Contents 6

1. Introduction 6

2. Scouts Canada Recognition Chart 6

3. Outstanding Service Awards 7

a. Overview

b. Thank a Scouter Today

c. Using the Outstanding Service Awards Process to Say “Thanks”

d. Points to Ponder when Completing a Submission

4. Nationally Adjudicated Awards 10

a. The Silver Wolf

b. The Silver Fox

c. Awards for Valour

d. Youth Awards

5. Milestone Recognition Program 13

6. Informal Recognition and Outside Agency Awards 14

7. Sponsor Appreciation Awards 15

8. Say Thanks! 15

9. Index: Dictionary of Terminology 15

SECTION II – VOYAGEUR COUNCIL RECOGNITION PROGRAM 17

Listing of the Voyageur Council Honours and Awards 17

Order/Bar to the Order of the Caribou

Council Youth Award

Council Legacy Award

Area/Group Recognition Awards

Nomination Process for the Order of the Caribou and Bar to the Order

of the Caribou 18

Nomination Process for the Council Youth Award 18

Nomination Process for the Council Legacy Award 19

General Guidelines for Preparing/Handling Recognition Awards 19

Nominating Procedures for Scouts Canada’s National Recognition Awards 21

The “New” OSA Nominating Procedures 21

The Voyageur Council “Grandfather” Procedure for the 2012-2013 Scouting Year 23

Council Warrant of Appoint Procedures 24

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Council Long Service Award Procedure 24

Council Milestone Recognition Procedure 25

Preparation of Recognition Materials by the ENOSSC 25

Recognition Adjudication Within Voyageur Council 27

Program Standards Recognition Within Voyageur Council 28

Adult Development and Training Recognition Within Voyageur Council 28

Designated ENOSSC Support Staff 28

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Recognition Awards 28

SECTION III – WHO’S WHO IN THE VOYAGEUR COUNCIL RECOGNITION WORLD 29

The Voyageur Council Recognition Team 29

The Voyageur Council Youth Recognition Team 29

Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition 30

Deputy Council Youth Commissioner for Recognition 31

Deputy Area Commissioner for Recognition 32

Deputy Area Youth Commissioner for Recognition 33

ENOSSC Recognition Clerk 33

GLOSSARY 35

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INTRODUCTION

Recognition within Voyageur Council for the 2012 – 2013 Scouting Year will be carried out using the

National Scouts Canada’s Recognition Program as described in Section I of this Handbook, the Voyageur

Council Recognition Program and Area and Group Recognition Programs.

This handbook has been developed in an attempt to standardize the procedures used within Voyageur

Council to ensure that its members receive any deserved recognition in a fair and timely manner.

The handbook, once approved by the Council Management Committee, will be made available to the

Council Key 3, the members of the Council Management Advisory Committee (CMAC), the members of

the Voyageur Council Recognition Committee and the Recognition Clerk at the Eastern and Northern

Ontario Scouting Service Centre.

The handbook will be reviewed, at least once annually to ensure that it is kept current with the Scouts

Canada National and Voyageur Council Recognition programs. If necessary, changes will be

incorporated into the handbook as soon as practicable after any change is made to these programs and

related procedures.

REFERENCES

A. Scouts Canada’s Bylaw, Policies and Procedures, Section 3000

B. Scouts Canada’s Bylaw, Policies and Procedures, Section 9000

C. Scouts Canada’s Recognition Guide

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SECTION I – SCOUTS CANADA RECOGNITION GUIDE

1. Introduction.

Recognition is an essential pillar in the Volunteer Support Strategy. Timely and meaningful recognition

contributes to the vision of each and every volunteer feeling appreciated and understanding how his/her

individual performance relates to the overall goals of Scouts Canada. This enables Scouters to

consistently provide high-quality programming and opportunities for children and youth. Acknowledging

our Scouters for their outstanding efforts is the best way to let them know they are appreciated and valued

as members of the Scouting community, while also helping to retain their services. By applying these

same principles to our youth, we can recognize their contributions while continuing to develop their

potential as future leaders within the Movement and in the community.

Prompt and relevant recognition of outstanding individuals in front of their peers and youth

members not only benefits those who are recognized but it also makes them role models for other

volunteers to follow. While recognizing Scouters it is essential to remember that youth

volunteers are eligible for the same awards as adult volunteers. Any registered volunteer with

Scouts Canada is considered to be a 'Scouter', regardless of their age, and is eligible for

recognition. Additionally, there are some awards that are specifically for youth members.

In addition to the formal awards presented by Scouts Canada, recognition can be informal.

Recognition can include a simple thank from your Section, Group, Area or Council; it can also

include awards from outside agencies. This guide will steer you in the right direction with

regards to formal Scouts Canada awards and will also discuss the opportunities for informal

recognition and outside agency awards.

Recognition needs to occur on a regular basis, minimally once a year with a card, badge or certificate

at the group level. This ensures that our Scouters realize the value of their time and dedication to

Scouts Canada.

2, Scouts Canada Recognition Chart

http://www.scouts.ca/vstk/pdf/Volunteer-Support-Strategy.pdf

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3. Outstanding Service Awards

Outstanding Service Awards are given to Scouters, including youth volunteers, who exceed the

requirements and expectations of their position or role and positively impact the youth and adult members

of Scouting who they work with. This is best done by:

Providing safe and fun opportunities for youth to take part in new and challenging

activities that engender a sense of belonging, self-worth and community, while exceeding

minimum Program Standards;

Contributing to the growth and development of other Scouters through mentoring and

coaching, allowing them to become valuable contributors to Scouting;

Instilling a desire to contribute to the community through service(s) that best exemplify

Scouts Canada Mission Statement and Brand Promise.

a. Overview:

Scouts Canada has an Outstanding Service Award (OSA) process. This process focuses

on awards from the Certificate of Commendation up to and including the Bar to the

Silver Acorn. The Silver Wolf is adjudicated separately, see section below. The

importance of acknowledging the contributions of our Youth Volunteers is also addressed

within the process by allowing them to qualify for and receive the same recognition as

our Adult Volunteers.

The Process Focuses On:

The Certificate of Commendation as the basic “Thank You” for an

outstanding act, accumulating towards the higher awards as more

outstanding acts are recognized.

Utilizing a series of benchmarks to award the following awards:

Certificate of Commendation, Medal for Good Service and Bar, the Medal

of Merit and Bar, and the Silver Acorn and Bar;

Making the application process simple, straightforward and available

online (paper copy is also available);

Taking advantage of myscouts.ca to automatically forward the application

to the appropriate people while updating the Scouter’s personal record.

Allowing any Scouting stakeholder (volunteers, youth, parents, the

community at large) to commend a Scouter for outstanding service. This

allows anyone that the Scouter has impacted to nominate them without the

need for a cumbersome write-up and investigative process.

Allowing any Scouter to be recognized, no matter what their role in

Scouting, while eliminating subjectivity and ensuring consistency in the

application process;

Thanking volunteers based on the quality of the service rather than the

length of service.

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b. Thank a Scouter Today

Saying Thanks to a Scouts Canada volunteer for their outstanding

contributions to Scouting is easy. All you have to do is visit

www.scouts.ca/thanks and press the “Thanks” button.

Any Scouting stakeholder (volunteers, youth, parents, the community at

large) can fill out a simple online form to commend a Scouter for their

outstanding act or service to Scouting;

Scouters will receive a certificate every time they are commended by a

stakeholder and it will be presented within the Scouter's Section or Group;

As Scouters accumulate commendations, they will become eligible for

Outstanding Service Awards and will be recognized with a medal and

uniform insignia for each award. Would you like to thank a Scouter for their impact on you, your child or your community? Just

hit the ThankYou button on www.scouts.ca/thanks … it's that easy!

c. Using the Outstanding Service Award Process to Say Thanks

Scouter performs a noteworthy act

Stakeholder fills out online or paper form to commend Scouter

National Recognition Network and Council Employees receive submissions

Scouter’s profile updated on myscouts.ca with new commendation and approval date by

Deputy Council Commissioner (DCC) Recognition or designate

Congratulatory letter including commendation citation and uniform insignia (if first

commendation) to be prepared and mailed to Scouter by DCC Recognition or designate.

http://www.scouts.ca/thanks

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DCC Recognition or designate makes arrangements with Scouter’s Group and/or Area to

have certificate presented in a timely and meaningful* manner. Myscouts.ca updated with

“date awarded” once member is presented with the award.

A Scouter becomes eligible for a Medal at the time that a benchmark is reached by a

specific number of commendations. This information is retrieved from myscouts.ca and

made available to the DCC Recognition or designate.

Review will be undertaken to ensure that no duplicate commendations have been

received for the same act or service. If there is a duplication, the DCC Recognition or

designate will recommend a deferment until the next commendation is received. If no

duplication the DCC Recognition or designate will enter the Medal “Approval Date” on

the Scouter’s myscouts.ca profile.

The DCC Recognition or designate prepares the certificate, congratulatory letter and

medal:

If a Scouter is receiving the Medal for Good Service or the Bar to the Medal for Good

Service, the Medal of Merit or Bar to the Medal of Merit the Council will prepare the

medal, certificate and congratulatory letter

If a Scouter is receiving The Silver Acorn or the Bar to the Silver Acorn the National

Recognition Advisor will need be notified in order to have the Scouters certificate signed

by the Governor General, the Patron Scout of Canada.

DCC Recognition or designate makes arrangements with the Scouter’s Group and/or

Area to have the certificate and medal presented in a meaningful manner. Myscouts.ca

updated with “date awarded”.

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*Meaningful is defined as being significant to both the recipient, recognizing outstanding service,

and to Scouts Canada, promoting the excellence of our volunteers both inside and outside of the

Movement.

d. Points to Ponder When Completing a Submission

A guide for parents, Scouters, community members and youth

Do the Scouter’s actions reflect service that exceeds Scouts Canada’s Program

Standards (link in online guide to Program Standards site)?

Does their outstanding service reflect a real or genuine effort?

Look at the Section the Scouter is working in:

o Has the Section realized growth?

o Does the Section have good youth and adult retention?

o Does the Section appear to have consistent and effective program

delivery?

o Does the Scouter project a positive role model image or a positive

image for the Movement?

o Has the Scouter been able to overcome barriers of any kind to

accomplish their goal(s)?

o Has the Section/Group/Area had any unique achievements as a

result of the Scouter’s efforts?

Has the Section/Group/Areas resources and/or facilities improved as a

result of the Scouter’s efforts? What is the Scouter’s dedication to the

youth/program/organization?

Has the Scouter expanded on and improved upon the many tools for

effective program delivery?

Do you see program being delivered that is unique, varied, fun, engaging?

Remember that not all people enjoy being “front and center.” Some people accomplish

more working “behind the scenes.” Don't mistake this for simply following through the

motions.

4. Nationally Adjudicated Awards

While the Outstanding Service Award process deals with awarding the Certificate of Commendation

through to the Bar to the Silver Acorn there are other Scouts Canada Awards that can be used to

recognize various acts or accomplishments.

These awards include: The Silver Wolf, The Silver Fox, Awards for Valour, and youth awards.

a. The Silver Wolf

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The Silver Wolf is awarded for service of the most exceptional character to Scouting,

normally of National importance. To nominate a Scouter for the Silver Wolf please fill

out the nomination form located on the Scouts Canada Website and forward it to your

Council Office. Applications for The Silver Wolf will be adjudicated at the National

level.

b. The Silver Fox

The Silver Fox is awarded for service of the most exceptional character to Scouting in

the international field, by persons who are NOT members of Scouts Canada but who are

associated with the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). To nominate a

Scouter for The Silver Fox please fill out the nomination form located on the Scouts

Canada Website and forward it to your Council Office. Applications for the Silver Fox

will be adjudicated at the National level.

c. Awards for Valour

The Scouts Canada Awards for Valour include the Jack Cornwell Decoration, The Award

for Fortitude, Awards for Gallantry, and The Awards for Meritorious Conduct.

(1) The Jack Cornwell Decoration can be awarded to a youth member of Scouts

Canada who has demonstrated high character and courage. To qualify for this

award, the nominee must be recommended for high character, devotion to duty

and specific acts of physical courage or must have undergone great suffering in a

heroic manner. The nomination form for this award can be found on the Scouts

Canada Website .

(2) The Award of Fortitude is award to youth and volunteer members of Scouts

Canada who, despite physical or mental impediments to their involvement, have

made a significant contribution to the organization. The nomination form for this

award can be found on the Scouts Canada Website .

(3) The Awards for Gallantry can be awarded to any member of Scouts Canada.

Sections are also eligible in cases of combined action by all, or a number, of its

membership. The Awards for Gallantry, in ascending order, are as follows:

(a) Certificate for Gallantry (for gallantry with slight risk worthy of

commendation)

(b) The Bronze Cross (for gallantry with moderate risk)

(c) Bar to the Bronze Cross (for an additional and similar act of gallantry)

(d) The Sliver Cross (for gallantry with considerable risk)

(e) Bar to the Silver Cross (for an additional and similar act of gallantry)

http://www2.scouts.ca/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=5dzIpkUt90A%3d&tabid=296



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(f) The Gold Cross (for gallantry with special heroism and extraordinary

risk)

(g) Bar to the Gold Cross (for an additional and similar act of gallantry)

The nomination form for these awards can be found on the Scouts Canada Website.

d. The Awards for Meritorious Conduct can be awarded to any member of Scouts Canada.

The Awards for Meritorious Conduct, in ascending order, are as follows:

(1) Certificate for Meritorious Conduct (for meritorious conduct worthy of recorded

commendation, but which does not justify a medal or bar)

(2) The Medal for Meritorious Conduct (for especially meritorious conduct not

involving heroism or risk of life)

(3) Bar to the Medal for Meritorious Conduct (for further meritorious conduct that

would justify conferring a medal).

The nomination form for these awards can be found on the Scouts Canada Website.

These awards are adjudicated by the National Adjudication Committee, which is comprised of

members of the National Recognition Network. To nominate someone for an award please

forward the appropriate form to your Council Office through the Council Deputy Council

Commissioner for Recognition.

e. Youth Awards

Scouts Canada is a youth-serving organization and as such there are some youth specific

awards. These awards include the Medal of the Maple, the Chief Scout Award, the

Queen’s Venturer Scout Award, and the Amory Award.

(1) The Medal of the Maple (for distinguished youth and excellence within the

Scouting Movement) is a youth award that will continue to be adjudicated by the

Council Youth Commissioner or designate. The Medal of the Maple is an award

created by the members of the National Youth Network, designed to honour

those youth who have significantly contributed to the Movement and the spirit of

Scouting through community service, extraordinary Scouting participation and a

solid system of personal values. Copies of the nomination form can be obtained

through your Council Youth Commissioner.

(2) The Chief Scout’s and Queen’s Venturer Scout Awards are a part of the Scout

and Venturer Scout programs. These awards recognize excellence in youth

participants. The Chief Scout’s Award is in recognition of the badges earned to

that point and is the highest program award a Scout can achieve. Recipients are

recognized around the country as being leaders in their own Troop and

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community. Scouts may receive the Chief Scout's Award after completing the

requirements, which are listed in their handbook. They are evaluated on their

achievement by their Leaders and fellow Scouts. After moving on to Venturer

Scouts, they have three months to complete any remaining requirements for the

Award. Similarly, the Queen's Venturer Scout Award is presented to Venturer

Scouts who have acquired competence and skills that will be of considerable use

to themselves, their Company and their community. These competencies and

skills are listed in their handbook. These Venturer Scouts will have also been

recognized by the company and the Advisor as being worthy of receiving this

award. The Award signifies that a Venturer Scout has, in the opinion of those

who know the Venturer, both the character and ability to be of significant help to

other people.

(3) The Amory Award is given annually to the Venturer Scout Company which

displays the most initiative in conceiving, planning and executing an outdoor

adventure activity. Venturer Scouts are to accept the challenge of planning, and

participating in, an outdoor adventure of at least four days. Full information on

this program award is available on the Scouts Canada Website. The award is

submitted to National and the winner is decided by the National Youth

Commissioner and Chief Commissioner of Scouts Canada.

5. Milestone Recognition Program

The Milestone Recognition program celebrates the achievement of a Scouter’s years of service in

Scouting.

Thanking Scouters along their volunteering journey is one way to show them appreciation. Each year that

someone volunteers with Scouts Canada positively impacts the youth that are in the Sections, Groups and

Areas of the organization. To recognize a Scouter’s years of service, Scouts Canada recognizes Scouters

though it’s Milestone Recognition Program. This is done through recognizing volunteers on various

anniversaries.

Early in each calendar year myscouts.ca identifies all active Scouters who celebrate one to five year

anniversaries before the end of the Scouting year. Each Group/Area/Council Commissioner receives

notification that the annual campaign is about to kick-off. This email contains a list of all Scouters who

are eligible to receive recognition. The effectiveness of the program is enhanced when myscouts.ca has

the correct email address for Scouters and accurately reflects years of service.

Commissioners have an opportunity to make corrections or update recipients’ email addresses. Eligible

Scouters receive an email thanking them for their continued service with an invitation to select a

recognition item commensurate with their service anniversary. If there is no email, the Commissioner can

make the selection on the Scouter’s behalf, after contacting them for input. After selection, the gifts are

provided to the Commissioner for presentation. The Scouter has the option to opt out or donate the value

of the gift back to the No One Left Behind Program of Scouts Canada.

http://www.scouts.ca/ca/amory-adventure-award

http://www.scouts.ca/ca/no-one-left-behind-how-to-apply

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Scouts Canada also extends special recognition to its volunteers every five years. On a Scouters 10-year

anniversary, they are awarded a Long Service Medal as recognition for ten years of service. Every five

years after this, the service of the Scouter is celebrated with a recognition certificate and a Long Service

Pin. After volunteering with Scouts Canada for three consecutive years, a Scouter can receive credit for

years of service with other WOSM organizations or the Girl Guides of Canada.

6. Informal Recognition and Outside Agency Awards

Informal awards are one of the many ways to say “Thank you” and recognize individual Scouter

members, their families and sponsors for their contributions to upholding the mission and principles of

Scouting. These awards are independent of the “Outstanding Service Awards” process. The awards can

take many forms such as mementoes, cards, gifts, gift cards, badges, flowers, plaques, pictures; this list is

limited only by your imagination. The cost of these awards can be minimal. Sections, Group Committees,

Area Committees and Councils can present recognition to Scouting members, family members and

sponsors at any place at any time. Some suggestions of awards are:

Thanks From The Heart – present the recipient with a cut-out heart on a piece of wood or a heart-

shaped pillow

Bright Idea Award – present a light bulb painted gold or a small flashlight to the person who

comes up with a great idea.

Golden Knot Award – spray paint a knot and present it to the person who tied it all together.

Helping Hand Award – stuff a glove on a piece of wood and present it to the person who helps

out.

Pat on the Back Award – cut out of a hand on a stick.

Hats Off Award – place an old hat on a board and present it to the person you want to recognize.

Battery Award – for the person who charged us up.

Pencil Award –present a pencil to the person who left their mark.

Key Award – you’re the key to our success.

Scouting Spirit Award – present a cloth ghost with scout symbol.

Ovation Chocolates – you deserve an ovation.

Band-Aid Award – to the person who can fix anything.

Picture of a special event meeting, or camp. (Sponsor certificates and Certificates of Appreciation

are available on the Scouts Canada Website).

A large variety of awards that Scouters may be eligible for can be sourced from a number of agencies

outside of Scouting. A number of these awards are listed on the Internet with the related criteria and

nomination forms. Some examples of these are:

Work place awards

Sponsor awards

Religious affiliations awards, example “Lamb Award” through the Lutheran Church

YWCA and YMCA awards

Community Scouter Service Awards: i.e. Greater Toronto Venturer Award

Provincial Scouter Service Awards: i.e. Order of Caribou (Voyageur Council)

National Scouter Service Awards: i.e. Quality Program Award, Global Scouting Award

Community and municipality Citizen of the Year awards for both youth and adults

Senior achievement awards

http://www.scouts.ca/vstk/feedback.html

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Awards sponsored by magazines such as but not limited to Readers Digest, Canadian Living,

Flare, Maclean’s

Good citizenship awards

Lieutenant Governor awards, such as Order of Ontario Governor General Awards, Order of

Canada and the Caring Canadian Award

Awards such as Queens Jubilee Medal which is designed awarded to commemorate a special

event.

7. Sponsor Appreciation Awards (link)

It is also important to recognize the support that many of the above mentioned groups provide Scouting.

Not only do they make it possible to acknowledge the efforts of our youth and Scouters they often

provide opportunities for Scouting to make a valuable contribution to the community. Scouts Canada

provides several ways to acknowledge the support of sponsors, groups, businesses, service groups and

government agencies and these are made available through our website or through the Scout catalogue.

Whether it is printing a simple “Sponsor/Partner Thank You” Certificate, purchasing an Appreciation or

Thank You award, or making a more personal presentation, recognizing the efforts of these important

contributors to the Scouting program ensures that their contributions are acknowledged while fostering a

continued working relationship in the future.

8. Say Thanks!

As an essential element of the Volunteer Support Toolkit, recognizing the achievements of our Scouters

both informally and formally is an important way to our values and Mission Statement. By

acknowledging those youth and adult Scouters who best exemplify them we let them know they are

appreciated and valued as members of the Scouting Community while building on and retaining their

skills.

Recognition both formal and informal doesn’t have to be complicated. The important thing is to do it!

Remember to thank the person next to you every day, and remember to highlight what your fellow

Scouters are doing. Let’s all work to make sure we retain and indeed add to our pool of dedicated

Scouters.

9. Index: Dictionary of Terminology

National Recognition Advisor – Is the Chair of the National Recognition Network (see below) and

works with each Council’s DCC – Recognition to ensure that recognition programs are being effectively

delivered at the Council level

Deputy Council Commissioner (DCC) – usually used to refer to the Deputy Council Commissioner for

Recognition. The Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition administers the recognition programs at

the Council Level.

Outstanding Service Awards (OSA) – recognizes Scouters for effort beyond the norm. These awards

range from the Certificate of Commendation to The Silver Wolf.

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Honour – Two types of honours are awarded for different acts:

1. Recognition of high character and courage, gallantry, meritorious conduct or outstanding service to

Scouting.

2. A Long Service Award in recognition of long, faithful and efficient service to Scouting.

Decoration – a metal design representing an honour or long service award worn by recipients at formal

functions.

Bar – An insignia added to a previously granted honour in recognition of further acts of gallantry,

meritorious conduct or service. There are two indicators of a Bar:

1. Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct: Shown by a metal bar added to the ribbon supplied with the

original award.

2. Recognition for Service: Indicated by a different coloured ribbon, replacing the ribbon supplied with

the original award.

Certificate – An official document declaring an honour.

Emblem – A cloth or metal insignia identifying an honour; usually sewn to the recipient’s uniform.

Commendation – an acknowledgement of an act or service to Scouting that is outstanding in nature

Certificate of Commendation – A certificate and uniform badge to signify the first commendation that a

Scouter receives as a Scouts Canada volunteer

MyScouts.ca – Scouts Canada’s association management system in which recognition records are

tracked, along with many other types of membership information. Recognition can be added by the

Council Registrar or DCC - Recognition.

National Recognition Network (NRN) – Is comprised of the National Recognition Advisor and the

DCC – Recognition from each Council. The NRN shares best practices and develops recognition

resources for use at all levels of Scouts Canada.

National Adjudication Committee (NAC) – The National Adjudication Committee receives and

reviews nominations for the awards which are adjudicated at the National Level. The NAC is comprised

of the National Recognition Advisor and 4 members of the NRN (see above). With the exception of the

National Recognition Advisor, who chairs the NAC for the duration of their 3 year term, members of the

NRN rotate through the NAC on single year appointments.

Volunteer Support Strategy - The Volunteer Support Strategy is the overarching document that lays out

Scouts Canada's strategy to ensure all volunteers receive the support they need to be successful in their

role.

Scouter - any adult or youth volunteer registered with Scouts Canada.

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SECTION II – VOYAGEUR COUNCIL’S RECOGNITION PROGRAM

1. The Voyageur Council Recognition Program

The Voyageur Council Recognition program involves the following awards:

a. The Order of the Caribou. This medal recognizes nominees, who, inn addition to their

regular Scouting role, have shown a willingness to go that extra measure, by accepting

additional challenges associated with organizing and co-ordinating major activities for

Scouting excluding training activities. Key members of the organizing committee for all

Area, Council, multi-Council and National Scouting events are eligible for nomination.

Nominations include both youth and adult registered members. Only one medal may be

awarded to an individual in their Scouting career. Recognition is in the form of a

certificate, a medal, a crest which can be worn on the uniform and a pin.

b. The Bar to the Order of the Caribou. The Bar to the Order of the Caribou medal is

presented to those members of the Scouting community, who without regard for

themselves or their personal needs, unselfishly support activities for the betterment of

others in Scouting through demonstrated leadership actions beyond those of the Order of

the Caribou (which had to have been received previously). Recipients of this award must

have participated in a major activity different from the type for which The Order of the

Caribou had been presented. Only one of these awards may be awarded to an individual

in their Scouting career. Recognition is in the form of a certificate and a crest which can

be worn on the uniform.

c. The Council Youth Award. This award is presented to youth members who, over a

period of time, have contributed exceptional service to Scouting above the normal

program requirements. Recognition shall include a certificate, a woggle and a Voyageur

Council pin.

d. Voyageur Council Legacy Award. The Voyageur Council Legacy Award has been

created to recognize those adult Scouters who have made significant contributions to

Scouting within Voyageur Council and its predecessors through a lifetime of continuous

service. The Award is to recognize only those extraordinary Scouters who have

significantly contributed to the Scouting Mission within Voyageur Council through their

dedication, quality of leadership and willingness to help young people develop into self-

reliant and responsible adults. In addition to the personal award, recipients of the Legacy

Award will have their names engraved in a large plaque that will be located in the

Council’s office at the Eastern and Northern Ontario Scouting Service Centre.

e. Area/Group Recognition Awards. The Areas and Groups residing within Voyageur

Council may have recognition awards that are presented to their respective members

based on criteria established for these types of recognition. In keeping with the nature of

the Award, it will be a significant personalized recognition suitable for display in the

recipient’s home or office.

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2. Nomination Procedures for Voyageur Council Recognition Awards

a. The Order of the Caribou and Bar to the Order of the Caribou

If at all possible, nominations for The Order of the Caribou, and the Bar to The Order of

the Caribou should, normally, be submitted prior to the actual event in order that they can

be presented to the recipients at the start or the end of the activity.

(1) Completed submissions should be forwarded through the Nominee’s DAC-

Recognition to the DCC-Recognition. (If a submission is found to be lacking

support the submission is returned to the DAC-Recognition/Nominator with

suggestions of how the submission can be improved.) Submission should be

done in soft copy (electronic format) and submitted as an attachment to an e-

mail. Nomination forms can be found on the Recognition Page on the Voyageur

Council Website or can be provided in electronic format by the Deputy Area

Commissioners for Recognition.

(2) After review by the DCC Recognition, the nominations will be sent out to the

Voyageur Council Recognition Team members for adjudication. Nominators,

DAC-Recognition, and Area Commissioners will be advised of the decision of

the award and will be asked to provide a potential/preferred venue (if not at the

event itself) for the presentation.

(3) The DCC Recognition will submit the names of approved nominees for the Order

of the Caribou/Bar to the Order of the Caribou to the ENOSSC Recognition

Clerk for the preparation of the award materials. Once the materials are

prepared, the ENOSSC Recognition Clerk will advise the applicable Area

Commissioner/DAC Recognition and the DCC Recognition in order that they

awards can be picked-up or delivered. The presentations should be done at a

suitable venue in a TIMELY manner.

(4) The person nominating a member for the Order of the Caribou or the Bar to the

Order of the Caribou shall also submit a commendation nomination through the

OSA Thanks Badge process. By doing this, the proposed recipient will receive a

commendation even if the Council Adjudication Committee determines that the

recipient is not eligible for the Council recognition.

b. The Council Youth Award

(1) Nominations for the Council Youth Award can be made at any time. The

nomination form, once completed, is to be signed by the Section Scouter

and Group Commissioner. The nomination is then passed to the Area

Youth Commissioner who is responsible to send it to the Council

Youth Commissioner by e-mail. The nomination is then passed to the

Deputy Council Youth Commissioner for Recognition who will submit it

to the Voyageur Council Youth Recognition Committee for adjudication.

The results of this adjudication will be sent by the Deputy Council Youth

Commissioner to the nominator, Group Commissioner, Area

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Commissioner/Area Youth Commissioner, and DAC

Recognition.

(2) The person nominating a youth member who is 14 years of age or older

for the Council Youth Award, shall also nominate that member for a

commendation using the OSA Thanks badge program. By doing this,

the proposed recipient will receive a commendation even if the Council

Youth Adjudication Committee determines that the recipient is not eligible

for the Council recognition.

(3) The DCYC Recognition will submit approved nominations to the

ENOSSC Recognition Clerk for preparation of the materials. Once the

materials are prepared, the Area Youth Commissioner and DAC

recognition will be advised in order that they awards can be picked-up or

delivered. The presentations should be done at a suitable venue in a

TIMELY manner.

c. The Voyageur Council Legacy Award

The prestige of the Award requires the criteria to be general in nature to allow the

Voyageur Council Commissioner and the Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition

to exercise wisdom, flexibility and discretion in the evaluation and selection of a worthy

recipient. A nominee must meet the following criteria: (1) A registered member in good

standing at the time of the nomination; (2) a recipient of a National Service Award; (3)

Continued to render dedicated and outstanding service to Voyageur Council on a

sectional, group, area, council or national level; (4) an adult member with a minimum of

35 years of adult and youth service.

Nominations must be received in the Voyageur Council Office prior to August 1st of each

year in order that the nomination can be reviewed and approved prior to the presentation

at the Recognition Ceremony held during the Voyageur Council Annual General

Meeting. Nominations will be submitted to the Voyageur Council’s Deputy Council

Commissioner for Recognition for evaluation and recommendation. The Voyageur

Council Commissioner will make the final selections of the Legacy Award Recipients.

The Award recipients will be notified prior to the award ceremony. The Award may not

be presented posthumously.

3. Voyageur Council General Guidelines for Recognition Submissions

The following general guidelines are in place within Voyageur Council for the preparation/processing of

submissions for both National and Council levels of recognition:

a. All submissions should be made on the appropriate form (s) that can be found on the

National Scouts Canada Recognition webpage Honours and Awards Forms or on the

Voyageur Council Webpage at

http://www2.scouts.ca/dnn/voy/Recognition/tabid/1808/Default.aspx.

http://www2.scouts.ca/dnn/scouters/Recognition/HonoursandAwardsForms/tabid/296/Default.aspx

http://www2.scouts.ca/dnn/voy/Recognition/tabid/1808/Default.aspx

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b. Submissions for all Recognition levels, less the National and Council Youth Awards,

should be given to the Area DAC Recognition who will forward them to the Council

DCC Recognition.

c. If the recognition is for youth for the Council Youth Award or the Medal of the

Maple, the submission should be given to the Area Youth Commissioner who will

forward the submission to the Council Youth Commissioner. If there are no

youth filling these positions, these awards are to be sent through the DAC

Recognition to the DCC Recognition for processing.

d. Submissions should be a collective effort with the nominator getting input from

many sources. You may not know all of the roles and responsibilities or impact

of the person you are submitting. Don’t expect the DAC-Recognition to do the

write-ups, but s/he is a handy resource to assist and vet submissions. If a

submission is found to be lacking support the submission is returned to the DAC-

Recognition with suggestions of how the submission can be improved. Unless

there are exceptional circumstances involved, a family member should not

nominate another member of the family for a recognition award. If a family

member wishes to nominate another member of their family for recognition,

he/she should consult with the Deputy Area Commissioner for Recognition for

assistance.

e. The Deputy Area Commissioners for Recognition are responsible for vetting

submissions from their Area before they leave the Area. If necessary,

submissions will be sent back to the nominator for more information. The DAC’s

for Recognition will also be responsible for maintaining a register of all

recognition submissions generated from their Area. In the absence of an Area

Youth Commissioner, the DAC Recognition will be responsible for the

submission and tracking of nominations for youth recognition. The Deputy Area

Commissioners for Recognition are responsible for recording the presentation

dates that recognition awards are presented to the recipients and to pass this

information to the DCC Recognition, who in turn will pass it to the ENOSSC

where it will be entered into the applicable members file in myscouts.ca.

Remember that the recognition process is not completed until such time as the

award has been presented and the date of the presentation entered into myscouts.ca.

e. The Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition is responsible for vetting all

National and Council recognition submissions received as individual submissions

or through the reports sent out by National concerning the Thanks Badge

submissions. Once this vetting is complete, s/he will send the submissions to the

ENOSSC or National for processing. The DCC will maintain a master register of

all recognitions that are initiated by the Council. This will include recognitions

generate by the Council Groups, the Council Youth Network and the CMAC.

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f. The Deputy Council Youth Commissioner for Recognition is responsible to

maintain a register of all National and Council Youth Awards generated

within Voyageur Council.

g. The ENOSSC Registration Clerk will maintain a register for all Voyageur

Council recognitions processed by or through the ENOSSC.

4. Nomination Procedures for Scouts Canada’s National Recognition

a. Meritorious Conduct, Gallantry and High Character and Courage Awards

(1) Nomination submissions for these Scouts Canada recognition levels are to be

done through the following process: the nominator passes the submission

through the applicable Group Commissioner to the Area DAC for Recognition,

who is responsible to verify them for correctness and accuracy. The nominations

are then sent to the DCC Recognition who will review the submission. (If a

submission is found to be lacking support the submission is returned to the DAC-

Recognition/Nominator with suggestions of how the submission can be

improved.)

(2) Once the DCC Recognition believes that the nomination is ready, he/she will

pass it to the Council Commissioner for his/her review. Once this step is

completed, the nomination will be sent to the National Scouting Service Centre

for any action required from the National Adjudication Committee, the National

Recognition Advisor or the Deputy National Commissioner – Volunteer Services

for consideration.

At least two months should be allowed for the approval process for these honours and

awards. Once the honour or award has been received by the ENOSSC, the recognition

clerk will notify the Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition who will notify the

applicable Commissioners in the recipients chain of command to ensure that the recipient

receives the award in a suitable venue and in as TIMELY a manner as possible.

b. Outstanding Service Awards (OSA)

(1) For the 2012 – 2013 Scouting year, these Awards will be processed through two

parallel procedures:

(a) the “new” OSA procedures introduced earlier in the 2011-2012 Scouting

Year and described in Section I of this Handbook; and

(b) a Council “grandfathering” procedure similar to the one introduced

during the 2011 – 2012 Scouting year.

5. The “New” Outstanding Service Awards Procedure for 2012 – 2013

The majority of recognition activities should follow the new process for those Scouters who have less

than five years of service as well as those Scouters who were caught up through Voyageur Council’s

OSA catch-up program from last year. Effective for the 2013-2014 Scouting year, this process will be

used for all Scouters whenever they are to be recognized for their outstanding service. This procedure is

also used to recognize youth who are registered as Activity Leaders or Scouters-in-Training.

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Once a month the submissions are pulled from the program by National and e-mailed to the Council DCC

Recognition who is responsible to review these reports. This review will involve the following:

a. ensuring that multiple commendations for the same action are identified as one commendation;

b. ensuring that the volunteer is active in myscouts.ca; and

c. ensuring that the youth volunteers are listed in Activity Leader (AL) or Scouter-in-Training

(SIT) roles;

After this review, the DCC Recognition will have the Commendation letters and certificates created at the

Voyageur Council office (ENOSSC). Once the recognition materials have been completed, the ENOSSC

Recognition Clerk will notify the Area Commissioner/DAC Recognition and the DCC Recognition that

the Commendation certificates are ready for pick-up or delivery. The Area Commissioner is to ensure

that the letters and certificates are presented in a TIMELY manner and at a venue that is of significance to

the recipient. The DAC/AC will advise the date of presentation to the DCC Recognition, who in turn will

ensure that the dates of presentation are entered into myscouts.ca. These reports (presentation dates) will

be submitted as end-month summary to the DCC. Nil returns are to be submitted.

After the initial Commendation is awarded, additional commendations will continue to be accumulated

throughout a volunteer’s scouting career. Under this new OSA process, thresholds have been established

by the National Service Centre which will result in the recipient receiving an OSA medal (please note that

these thresholds are not released to the general Scouting population). Once a defined threshold of

Commendations certificates is reached by a recipient, the same process (as for the awarding of a

Commendation certificate) will be implemented for a recipient to receive an OSA award that can be

approved at the Council Commissioner’s level (Medal of Good Service up to and including the Bar to the

Medal of Merit). For those OSA awards above the Bar to the Medal of Merit, i.e., the Silver Acorn up to

the Silver Fox, the procedure outlined below is followed:

OSA Nomination form- complete front page in full

Provide commendations (from Thanks program or pulled from written nomination) in bulleted

format

Forward to Kris Johnson in Ottawa [email protected]

Kris will add a profile from myscouts.ca (1 business day)

Kris forwards files to National Recognition Advisor

National Recognition Advisor distributes to the National Adjudication Committee (NAC) (1

business day)

NAC reviews the nominations if written in the traditional format (10 business days)

Sandi and Megan review if the nominations include Thanks program commendations

Kris completes the award

Kris completes the award package, certificate letter, award (15 business days)

mails it to council office (10 business days)

Based on the above process and timings, we should allow two (2) months for processing any awards that

are sent to National. Requests for rushed awards will not be reviewed any faster than those following the

process above. Not included is time on desks before received by NAC or after it has been returned to

Council.

Once the honour or award is received at the ENOSSC, the ENOSSC Recognition clerk will notify the

applicable Area Commissioner and Deputy Council Commissioner-Recognition that it is ready for pick-

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up. The Area Commissioner will notify the applicable Group Commissioner and nominator that the

award is ready for presentation and ensure that the recipient receives the award at a suitable venue and in

as TIMELY a manner as possible. The DCC-Recognition will be responsible for doing the same thing for

recipients at the Council level.

6. Voyageur Council “Grandfathering” Procedure for OSA for 2012 – 2013

The Council Commissioner for Voyageur Council currently has the authority to award Scouts Canada

Outstanding Service Awards for recognition levels from Certificate of Commendation up to the Bar to the

Medal of Merit. This authority remains in effect for the 2012-2013 Scouting Year. National has also

indicated that the old nomination procedure for OSA submissions remains in effect for this scouting year

in order that Councils can grandfather deserving volunteers, particularly those with more than five (5)

years of volunteer service.

The OSA “Catch-up” program initiated by Voyageur Council during the 2011 – 2012 Scouting Year was

deemed very successful in recognizing many of our volunteers for their past and current efforts towards

providing outstanding service to our youth and Scouts Canada. For the 2012 – 2013 Scouting Year,

Voyageur Council will continue with a modified “Grandfather Program” in order that we can “capture”

those volunteers who were missed or deemed not eligible during last year’s program.

This modified grandfathering process will operate under the auspices of the Voyageur Council

Recognition Team in the following manner:

a. Deputy Area Commissioners for Recognition will be responsible, with assistance from the

Area Commissioner and the Area Service Team, to identify those volunteers within their

Area who they believe are worthy of grandfathering, and who were not captured in the 2011-

2012 Council Catch-up program.

b. Nominations for the Certificate of Commendation, the Medal for Good Service or the Bar to

the Medal for Good Service will be supported by three (3) Scouters, in addition to the

nominator, who know the proposed recipient and have witnessed the proposed recipient in

action. Page two of each submission will be annotated with the words “As approved by

Voyageur Council” and will include the names of the three supporters, their e-mail addresses

and telephone numbers. A sample nomination submission is attached to this document).

c. Nominations for the Medal of Merit and the Bar to the Medal of Merit will be supported

by five (5) Scouters, in addition to the nominator, who know the proposed recipient and have

witnessed the proposed recipient in action. One of the five scouters shall be the Area

Commissioner. Page two of each submission will be annotated with the words (As approved

by Voyageur Council” and will include the names of the five supporters, their e-mail addresses

and telephone numbers. A sample nomination submission is attached to this document.

d. The DAC Recognition is responsible to verify the submissions for correctness and to submit

them electronically to the DCC Recognition who will review the submissions. (If a

submission is found to be lacking support the submission is returned to the DAC-Recognition

with suggestions of how the submission can be improved.)

e. The DCC Recognition, once the review is completed, will submit the reviewed and accepted

submissions to the Council Commissioner for his/her approval.

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f. After the Council Commissioner’s approval, the DCC Recognition will submit a list of the

award recipients to the ENOSSC Recognition Clerk in order that the award materials can be

ordered and prepared. The DCC will also advise the applicable Area Commissioners of the

names of the approved recipients.

g. Once the award materials are ready, the ENOSSC Recognition Clerk will notify the applicable

Area Commissioner and the DCC Recognition that the awards are ready for pick-up. The

Area Commissioner or DCC Recognition will ensure that the awards are presented at a

suitable venue for the recipient in a TIMELY manner. They may opt for the Group

Commissioner or Nominator to do this. The DAC Recognition for each Area is

responsible to submit a monthly report to the DCC Recognition concerning the presentation

dates for any awards for volunteers in their area. A Nil Return will be submitted in

substitution when no recognition is presented in a given month will be submitted. The DCC

Recognition, in turn, will ensure that the recipient’s file in myscouts.ca is updated.

7. Warrant of Appointment

Warrants of Appointment will be presented to new leaders in Voyageur Council in accordance with the

direction provided in Scouts Canada’s By-law, Policies and Procedures, Section 4001.2 and 4001.3. A

Warrant of Appointment will be awarded to a Scouter who has completed all of the necessary mandatory

Screening and Training requirements outlined in the reference. Only at that time will the Warrant of

Appointment be awarded. During the 2012-2013 Scouting Year, it is hoped that Voyageur Council will

develop a process whereby the Warrant of Appointment will be generated using the information provided

in a member’s file in myscouts.ca, and done such that the Warrant of Appointment will be available as

part of the Milestone Recognition Program.

8. Scouts Canada’s Long Service Awards

Long service within Scouts Canada is normally associated with members who have served as a Scouter,

Counsellor, Advisor, Scouter-in-Training or Committee member, council member or member of a

Scouting Auxiliary. Service as a Scouter in another country recognized by the World Organization of the

Scout Movement (WOSM), or as a leader in a registered Girl Guide Association may be claimed after the

person has been registered with Scouts Canada for a period of three years. The services of a person

holding more than one office or position simultaneously may only be recorded as if it were one. Youth

membership is not counted with respect to Scouts Canada’s Long Service Awards (with the exception of

time served as a Scouter-in-Training).

Scouts Canada’s long service awards are based on years of completed service with the initial long service

award presented after the completion of ten (10) years as an adult member. One to five years of

completed Service is recognized through the Milestone Recognition Program. Voyageur Council will

initiate Certificates recognizing five (5) years of increment service for its members. Certificates

for 50 or more years of service will be requested from National since these certificates require

the signature of the Governor-General. All long service certificates and pins should be presented

in a meaningful way at a suitable venue.

Recommendations for the long service awards are to be passed through the Deputy Area Commissioners

for Recognition to the Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition. If at all possible, the

recommendations should be done on a consolidated basis by each Area. The DCC-Recognition will pass

the consolidated recommended returns to the ENOSSC for the preparation of the awards.

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As mentioned above for the Warrants of Appointment, during the 2012-2013 Scouting year it is planned

to create an automated process to generate the long service awards in a timely manner such that they can

be presented to the recipients in a timely manner.

9. Milestone Recognition Program

The Milestone Recognition Program is operated by National who interacts directly with the

Groups within Voyageur Council to recognize those leaders with one (1) to (5) years of service.

However, Voyageur Council will initiate the five (5) years of service certificates for eligible

members and provide them to the Groups who will be responsible to present them to the

recipients in a TIMELY manner at a suitable venue.

10. Preparation of Recognition Materials by the ENOSSC.

This section summarizes the ENOSSC procedure for the preparation of recognition materials.

Log the submission into the f-drive (Awards/application tracking).

Scan the submission and save on f-drive.

Send to national if national awarded. (see below)

If a council-approved award, prepare letter, medal, certificate, emblem, and presentation

folder (where applicable).

Notify applicable Area Commissioner, DAC Recognition and DCC Recognition and

nominator when recognition is ready for pick-up

Area DAC Recognition to advise DCC Recognition off the date of presentation

DCC Recognition will advise ENOSSC Recognition Clerk of presentation dates on a

monthly basis

ENOSSC will update myscouts.ca when award has been presented or at end of Scouting

year (August).

Council Awarded - Processed In-house

Award Materials Required Signature Required

Certificate of Commendation Letter, emblem, certificate No (Chief

Commissioner)

Medal for Good Service Letter, emblem, certificate, medal, folder No (Chief

Commissioner)

Bar to the Medal for Good

Service

Letter, emblem, certificate, medal, folder No (Chief

Commissioner)

Medal of Merit Letter, emblem, certificate, medal, folder No (Chief

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Commissioner)

Bar to the Medal of Merit Letter, emblem, certificate, medal, folder No (Chief

Commissioner)

Youth Award (VC) Letter, certificate, snap woggle and pin,

folder

CYC

Order of the Caribou (VC) Certificate, medal and Pin, folder Council Commissioner

Medal of the Maple Letter, emblem, certificate, medal, folder CYC

Warrant of Appointment Warrant Certificate No (Chief

Commissioner)

Years of Service (5, 15-45) Certificate, pin, folder Council Commissioner

Years of Service (10) Emblem, certificate medal, pin, folder Council Commissioner

National Awarded (send application directly to National)

Award Materials Required Signature Required

Award for Fortitude and Jack

Cornwell Decoration

Letter, emblem, certificate, medal, folder GG

Award for Meritorious Conduct or

Gallantry

Letter, emblem, certificate (and possibly

medal), folder

GG

Award for Outstanding Service to

Scouting

Letter, emblem, certificate, medal, folder GG

The ENOSSC Recognition Clerk will prepare the award material and advise the applicable Area

Commissioner and DAC Recognition when the award is ready for pick-up or delivery. The clerk will

maintain a register concerning the preparation of recognition awards for Voyageur Council. This Register

is to include information pertaining to who picked up the award or whether the award was mailed out to

the Area Commissioner as well as the applicable date of this action.

For recognition pick-up purposes at the ENOSSC, the Recognition Clerk will maintain a Recognition

pick-up basket on her desk which will contain any recognition awards that are ready for pick-up. There

will be a notice on this basket with instructions that the person picking up any recognition package must:

first, check the package contents

http://www.scouts.ca/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=9MMzLIWNVS8%3d&tabid=296

http://www.scouts.ca/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=9MMzLIWNVS8%3d&tabid=296

http://www.scouts.ca/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zKB%2bsnEJ44c%3d&tabid=296

http://www.scouts.ca/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zKB%2bsnEJ44c%3d&tabid=296

http://www.scouts.ca/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=5dzIpkUt90A%3d&tabid=296

http://www.scouts.ca/dnn/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=5dzIpkUt90A%3d&tabid=296

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then sign and date the pick-up sheet for the package

This procedure will allow the Area Commissioners to designate other people from their areas to pick up

recognition packages, while at the same time allowing for better control and tracking of recognition

packages.

When the Recognition Clerk is not available, persons designated to pick up any recognition packages will

consult with another ENOSSC staff member to pick up the packages.

On those nights when a CMAC is being held, the DCC Recognition will pick-up the recognition basket

from the ENOSSC and take it to the meeting in order that recognition packages can be picked up and

signed for by the Area Commissioners.

The Area Commissioner is responsible for ensuring that any prepared awards are picked up from the

ENOSSC and presented at a suitable venue in a TIMELY manner. The DAC Recognition for each Area

is responsible for the submission of a monthly report to the DCC recognition concerning the presentation

dates for any awards presented in the Area. A Nil Return will be submitted in substitution when no

recognition is presented in a given month.

11. Recognition Adjudication within Voyageur Council

Team Operations

The make-up of the Voyageur Council Recognition Teams is identified in Section III of this handbook.

Both teams are involved with the adjudication for the following Voyageur Council Recognition Awards:

the Order of the Caribou, The Bar to the Order of the Caribou and the Voyageur Council Youth Award.

The Chairperson for each committee will send out the nomination submissions to the committee members

who are expected to review each submission and provide their recommendation (Yes or No). If a

committee member believes that a submission does not deserve a yes recommendation, that member is

asked to provide a brief rationale for this decision to the Chairperson of the Committee. The approval for

the award will be based on a majority decision of the committee members. In all cases, the Chairperson

of the committees will not vote unless there is a tie. In this situation, the Chair will normally break the tie

with a negative vote.

The committee members will have a two-week (14 days) period to consider and vote on the nomination.

A committee members vote will be sent to the Chairperson of the committee by e-mail with information

to the other members of the committee. To ensure consistency with respect to the two-week period, this

period commences on the day that the e-mail was sent out by the Chairperson.

The Chairperson for each Committee will maintain a register of the submissions sent out to their

committees. This register will capture the votes of each voting member of the committee and the results

of the majority votes. This register will also be used to record the rationale for the non-granting of an

award.

The Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition will be responsible for ensuring that direction is

provided to the ENOSSC with respect to the preparation of all awards granted by both Committees. The

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adjudication results of the Council Youth Recognition Committee will be passed to the DCC Recognition

for onward transmission to the ENOSSC.

The DCC for Recognition will advise the ENOSSC Recognition Clerk by e-mail of those awards that

have been approved by the committees. This e-mail will be accompanied by an EXCEL Merge Data

worksheet which will assist the ENOSSC Recognition Clerk in preparing the award materials. Each

submission will be specifically identified in the following manner (as an example)

Voyageur Council Recognition Program 2012-2013 Submission # 1 – dated 27 Sept 2012.

This same e-mail will be used to advise the Area Commissioner, the Deputy Area Commissioner and the

submission nominator.

Program Standards Recognition

The Deputy Council Commissioner for Program Standards will be responsible for administering and

processing any recognition associated with Scouts Canada’s programs within Voyageur Council.

Examples of this type of recognition are the Scouts Canada Section Program Standards Award, the

Venturer Blue and Gold Award, and the Amory Award.

Adult Development and Training Recognition

The Deputy Council Commissioner for Adult Development and Training will be responsible for

administering and processing any recognition associated with the Adult Development and Training

portfolio within Voyageur Council. Examples of this type of recognition are Trainer Accreditation and

Wood Badge recognition.

Designated ENOSSC Support Staff

The Recognition Clerk at the ENOSSC is responsible for the preparation of any required recognition

awards presented to members of Voyageur Council. This effort includes maintaining a suitable level of

recognition materials, capturing any costs associated with the preparation of the recognition awards (and

reporting the same to the DCC Recognition), liaising with the DCC Recognition and the DCYC

Recognition concerning the operation of the above mentioned Council Recognition Committees.

Replacement of Lost or Damaged Recognition Awards

Replacement of lost or damaged recognition awards that have been presented to an Adult or Youth

Member of Scouting is the responsibility of the member. If necessary, arrangements can be made through

the DCC Recognition to obtain a replacement Scouting Award. The cost of replacement will be borne by

the recipient.

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SECTION III – WHO’S WHO IN THE VOYAGEUR COUNCIL RECOGNITION WORLD

THE VOYAGEUR COUNCIL RECOGNITION TEAM

Key Aim

All Council adult volunteers and youth receive appropriate Scouts Canada recognition for their efforts

Major Responsibilities

To promote and support Scout Canada’s volunteer recognition programs within the Council

To improve awareness and understanding of recognition programs within the Council

To ensure that 20% of council volunteers receive outstanding recognition annually

To adjudicate submissions for Council Recognition Awards promptly and in accordance with

Council recognition objectives.

Members

The Voyageur Council Recognition Team is made up of the following members:

a. the Deputy Council Commissioner (DCC) for Recognition (Chairperson),

b. the Deputy Council Youth Commissioner (DCYC) for Recognition,

c. the Deputy Area Commissioner (DAC) for Recognition from each Area in the Council

(currently 9),

d. a representative from the Council Baden-Powell Guilds (if provided), and

e. the Council Commissioner (ex-officio non-voting member)

Note: if an Area does not have a DAC for Recognition, then the Area Commissioner becomes a

member of the committee.

THE VOYAGEUR COUNCIL YOUTH RECOGNITION TEAM

Aim

All youth members in the Council receive appropriate Scouts Canada Recognition

Key Responsibilities

To promote and support Scout Canada’s youth recognition programs within the Council

To improve awareness and understanding of youth recognition programs within the Council

To ensure that the Council Youth recognition award program meet the needs of the Council youth

To adjudicate submissions for the Council and National Youth Awards promptly and in

accordance with the Council youth award objectives

To plan and conduct the Council’s annual Chief Scouts and Queen’s Venturer Award ceremony

Members

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The Voyageur Council Youth Recognition Team is made up of the following members:

a. the Deputy Council Youth Commissioner for Recognition (chairperson);

b. a Youth representatives from each of the Areas (9). If an Area does not have a

designated Deputy Area Youth Commissioner for Recognition, then the Area Youth

Commissioner becomes a member of the Committee;

c. the Council Youth Commissioner (ex-officio non-voting member); and

d. the Deputy Council Commissioner for Recognition (advisor).

Note: the Council Youth Recognition Committee operates as a sub-committee to the Voyageur

Council Recognition Team. If a full Youth Recognition Team cannot be formed each year, the

team will consist of as many of the above-mentioned members as possible.

DEPUTY COUNCIL COMMISSIONER – RECOGNITION

Accountable to: Council Commissioner

Appointment: The Council Commissioner appoints the Deputy Council Commissioner - Recognition

annually.

Tenure: The Deputy Council Commissioner - Recognition will not serve more than three (3) years

consecutively, as per Scouts Canada’s Bylaws, Policies and Procedures.

Time required: 10 to 15 hours per week.

Scope: Ensure the implementation and promotion for a system of recognition for 1) adults and youth

members for outstanding service, gallantry and meritorious conduct, and 2) for Scouting’s Partners

Major Responsibility:

Serve as the Chair of the Council Recognition Committee

Be proactive in assisting the recognition process in imaginative ways.

Participate as a member of the Council Management Advisory Committee and the Council

Service Team.

Provide appropriate leadership in the recruitment, training, direction, supervision and evaluation

of members of the Council Recognition Committee.

Make certain that the Council Recognition Committee is working in a coordinated manner

towards achieving the Mission Statement and Council goals, and that there are regular

opportunities to review progress.

Monitor areas of recognition responsibility within the Council Plan and recommend changes where

appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Ensure that correspondence and recognition submissions are reviewed in a timely manner.

With members of the Council Recognition Committee, initiate succession planning for the

committee and work to ensure that there is a supporting Recognition Committee at the Area level.

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With members of the Council Recognition Committee, assist and guide development of and where

necessary, identify and prepare applications for members of the Council deserving of recognition,

which may include awards issued by other agencies.

Review all Area recognition submissions to ensure completeness and to suggest any changes

necessary for consideration for a higher award. Forward submissions to the next senior council in

a timely manner.

Promote the procedures for recognizing gallantry, meritorious conduct and outstanding service to

Scouting to all members of the Council.

Working with the Deputy Council Commissioner – Adult Development and Training, arrange

recognition workshop/training opportunities as appropriate.

Arrange for the timely notification and presentation of approved awards, based on developed

practices and at appropriate venues.

In cooperation with Areas, ensure that award recipients are appropriately identified to the local

media.

Prepare articles for Council newsletters, recognizing those who have received awards.

Working with Areas, identify partners deserving recognition and ensure that appropriate

recognition takes place.

Working with the Council Recognition Committee, organize and conduct an annual Adult

Recognition Ceremony.

Act as the primary point of contact between the Council and the Eastern and Northern Ontario

Scouting Service Centre’s Recognition Clerk

Represent the Council with the National Recognition Network

DEPUTY COUNCIL YOUTH COMMISSIONER FOR RECOGNITION

Accountable to: Council Youth Commissioner (CYC)

NOTE: Where CYC is under the age of majority, DCYC will be directly

accountable to the Council Commissioner

Appointment: In consultation with the Deputy Council Commissioner - Recognition as well as

the Council Youth Network, the Council Youth Commissioner appoints the

DCYC-Recognition annually. The DCYC-Recognition will not serve more than

three (3) years consecutively.

Time required: 10-15 hours per month

Scope of position: The DCYC-Recognition shall work in partnership with the DCC- Recognition in

implementing and developing a recognition framework within Voyageur

Council, as well as promoting meaningful youth involvement across the Council

as a member of the Voyageur Council Youth Network.


1. Have fun

2. Promote and gather youth recognition across the Council.

3. Working with Area Youth Commissioners and event or organizing committees to identify

youth deserving of recognition.

4. Work with the DCC- Recognition in setting and attaining Recognition goals.

5. Attend and contribute at Council Recognition Committee meetings.

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6. Help the DCC- Recognition prepare for Council recognition Committee meetings, and be

prepared to chair the meetings in the DCC’s absence.

7. Assist the CYC in preparing Medal of the Maple submissions.

8. Be a member of the Chief Scout/ Queen’s Venturer Awards ceremony organizing

committee.

9. Attend and contribute at Voyageur Council Youth Network meetings.

10. Chair the Voyageur Council Youth Recognition Committee if one is formed.

DEPUTY AREA COMMISSIONER – RECOGNITION

Accountable to: Area Commissioner

Appointment: the Area Commissioner appoints the Deputy Area Commissioner - Recognition annually.

Tenure: The Deputy Area Commissioner - Recognition will serve on an annual basis, being appointed or

re-appointed on an annual basis.

Time required: 10 to 15 hours per month.

Scope: Ensure the implementation and promotion for a system of recognition within the area 1) adults

and youth members for outstanding service, gallantry and meritorious conduct, and 2) for Scouting’s

Partners

Major Responsibility:

Serve as the Chair of the Area Recognition Committee if one is formed

Be proactive in assisting the recognition process in imaginative ways.

Participate as a member of the Voyageur Council Recognition Team and the Area Service Team.

Provide appropriate leadership in the evaluation of members for recognition.

As a member of the Voyageur Council Recognition Team work in a coordinated manner towards

achieving the Mission Statement and Council goals

Monitor areas of recognition responsibility within the Council and Area Plans and recommend

changes where appropriate.


Ensure that recognition correspondence and submissions are reviewed in a timely manner.

With members of the Council Recognition Team, initiate succession planning for the committee

and work to ensure that there is a supporting Recognition Team at the Area level.

With members of the Area Management Team, assist and guide development of and where

necessary, identify and prepare applications for members of the Area deserving of recognition,

which may include awards issued by other agencies.

Review all Area and Group recognition submissions to ensure completeness and to suggest any

changes necessary for consideration for a higher award. Forward submissions to the DCC

Recognition in a timely manner.

Promote the procedures for recognizing gallantry, meritorious conduct and outstanding service to

Scouting to all members of the Area.

Works with the Deputy Council Commissioner – Recognition, to arrange recognition

workshop/training opportunities as appropriate.

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Arrange for the timely notification and presentation of approved awards, based on developed

practices and at appropriate scenarios

In cooperation with Areas, ensure that award recipients are appropriately identified to the local

media.

Prepare articles for Area newsletters, recognizing those who have received awards.

Works with Groups, to identify partners deserving recognition and ensure that appropriate

recognition takes place.

Works with the Council Recognition Team, to organize and conduct an annual Adult Recognition

Ceremony for the Council, if applicable

DEPUTY AREA YOUTH COMMISSIONER FOR RECOGNITION

Accountable to: Area Youth Commissioner AYC

NOTE: Where AYC is under the age of majority, DAYC Recognition will be

directly accountable to the Area Commissioner

Appointment: In consultation with the Deputy Area Commissioner - Recognition as well as the

Area Youth Network, the Area Youth Commissioner appoints the DAYC-

Recognition annually. The DAYC-Recognition will not serve more than three

(3) years consecutively.

Time required: 5-10 hours per month

Scope of position: The DAYC-Recognition shall work in partnership with the DAC- Recognition in

implementing and developing a recognition framework within the Area, as well

as promoting meaningful youth involvement across the Area as a member of the

Area Youth Network.


1. Have fun

2. Promote and gather youth recognition across the Area.

3. Working with Area Youth Commissioner and event or organizing committees to identify

youth deserving of recognition.

4. Work with the DAC- Recognition in setting and attaining Recognition goals.

5. Attend and contribute at Council Youth Recognition Committee meetings.

6. Help the DCYC- Recognition prepare for Council Youth Recognition Committee

meetings, and be prepared to chair the meetings in the DCYC’s absence.

7. Assist the AYC in preparing Medal of the Maple submissions.

8. Be a member of the Chief Scout/ Queen’s Venturer Awards ceremony organizing

committee.

9. Attend and contribute at Area Youth Network meetings.

10. Chair the Area Youth Recognition Committee if one is formed.

EASTERN AND NORTHERN ONTARIO SERVICE CENTRE RECOGNITION CLERK

Accountable to: The Recognition Clerk, a paid employee located at the Eastern and Northern

Ontario Service Centre (ENOSSC), is accountable to the ENOSSC Operations Manager

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Major Responsibility: to provide administrative support with respect to program standards,

recognition and training for the three Councils supported by the ENOSSC.

Recognition Duties and Responsibilities:

Prepare recognition material (letters, certificates and medals) for recognition awards

approved by National and/or the three Councils supported by the ENOSSC Voyageur

Council.

When recognition materials are ready for pick-up or delivery, advise the applicable DCC

Recognition, Area Commissioner and DAC Recognition

Establish recognition pick-up and delivery procedures for each of the three Councils

supported by the ENOSSC, in consultation with the applicable DCC Recognition

Input and/or change Recognition entries for members registered in myscouts.ca in

accordance with established practices or procedures laid down by National or the

Councils supported by the ENOSSC.

Establish a tracking procedure for recognition submissions and/or approved submissions

that pass through the ENOSSC

Maintain an inventory of recognition materials at the ENOSSC, in sufficient quantities to

meet the requirements of its three supported councils.

Consult with the DCC Recognition of each supported council on a regular basis with

respect to the need to order more recognition materials.

Handle financial transactions associated with the ordering and usage of recognition

materials by the three councils

Each Scouting Year, in consultation with the applicable DCC Recognition, responsible to

generate Warrants of Appointment (WOA) for new registered adult volunteers who join

Scouts Canada that year for the first time. This will be done automatically, starting in

January of the Scouting Year.

At the end of each Scouting Year, in consultation with the applicable DCC Recognition,

responsible to generate recognition material for the adult volunteers in the Council, who

have completed five years, ten years (Long Service Award), 15 years or other multiples

of five year service. This should be automatically started in the month of June of each

Scouting year.

Works with the DCC Program Standards, DCC Recognition and DCC Training for each

of the councils supported by the ENOSSC, to establish common program standards,

recognition and training procedures for the three councils.

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GLOSSARY

Outstanding Service Award Recognition Terminology

Commendation – an acknowledgement of an act or service to Scouting that is outstanding in nature

Certificate of Commendation – A certificate and uniform badge to signify the first commendation that a

Scouter receives as a Scouts Canada volunteer

Commendation Form – The form which the initiator fills out to commend a volunteer for an outstanding

act or service to Scouting (either electronic or paper)

Citation – The text from the commendation form, which describes the outstanding act or service

performed by a volunteer

Award – A decorative medal and uniform insignia given to a Scouter in recognition of an outstanding act

or service to Scouting.

Benchmark – the number of commendations that a Scouter must receive to be eligible for an Outstanding

Service Award

Recipient – A registered member of Scouts Canada who has been commended for an act or service to

Scouting which was outstanding in nature

Initiator – A stakeholder to Scouts Canada who initiates the commendation process by filling out an

electronic or paper form describing an act or service that a Scouter has performed, which the initiator

believes to be outstanding in nature

Stakeholder or Member of the Scouting Community– a person or party that can affect or be affected

by the actions or decisions of Scouts Canada. Stakeholders include but are not limited to: Registered

Scouters, registered youth members, parents of youth members, Sponsoring Organizations or

Scouts Canada staff members

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