A memo from the Shining Waters Council Commissioner in response to the termination of Craig Vanni

 

 

       SHINING WATERS COUNCIL

 

 

 

To – Scouting Members of Shining Waters Council                             November 12, 2003

 

From – Ross Coneybeare, Commissioner

 

 

Dear Fellow Scouters – As you may have been made aware, this is a black week in the history of our council. On Monday, November 10, Craig Vanni was removed from his position with Scouts Canada. The second part of this move by national is the termination of Adele and the closing of the Barrie office effective next August. Peter Sundborg will be assuming the responsibilities of CED through the “transition”,

 

            You may be aware that Craig recently submitted a lengthy report that was very critical of some of the directions the national body has been headed. If you would like to read that report please contact your Area Commissioner, they all have a copy. As far as I’m concerned this report initiated Craig’s termination.

 

            These moves were conducted by Barry Hardaker, presumably at the direction of Rob Stewart. Rob is the Executive Commissioner and CEO of Scouts Canada and Barry is the Executive Director – Field Services.  I was not made aware of the changes, nor was I consulted about the repercussions of these moves, by anyone at the National or Divisional level. This puts me in a position of not being sure how long I will be remaining in the role of Commissioner.

 

            The members of the management committee met last night to discuss the future of our council and what direction we now need to take and we came away from that meeting  with an action plan. 1 – Communicate with National our anger at these moves.

                                 2 – Communicate with the Board of Directors our total lack of confidence in the system as it stands.

                                 3 – Demand from these two bodies responses to some of the issues Craig raised in his memo within firm timelines.

 

            I want to make very clear that the committee’s displeasure with these events in no way reflects on Peter Sundborg. We all think very highly of Peter and under different circumstances would be excited with the opportunity of working with him. Peter has been put in the middle of a tough situation and deserves, and will receive, all the support we can muster.

 

            I really can’t put into words how much I think we will miss Craig Vanni. Having had the opportunity to work with Craig for the past year and a half has been a highlight of my Scouting adventure. For those of you that don’t know him well rest assured that you would be hard pressed to find anyone more dedicated to Scouting. He lived and breathed it for twenty seven years and I’m sure will miss it terribly. If you get a chance please say hello, I know he’ll appreciate it.

 

            I have always been very proud of the Scouters in this council because of their dedication to both the movement and the real reason we are all here – the youth. I know that Craig would be the first to join me in saying that whatever happens don’t forget the youth. Have a great meeting this week, plan a camp, go for a hike, hold an event – HAVE FUN!!!

 

            I always try and remember that BP referred to Scouting as the game of Scouting. The rules of our game are changing, but, lets keep in mind the purpose of the game is to have fun playing it.

 

Yours in Scouting

 

 

Ross Coneybeare