Why was it important for your Organization/Association to take a strategic approach to 2007, Scouting's Centenary?
We wanted to ensure that our members were aware of and part of this great celebration.

What, specifically, did your Organization/Association hope to gain from the Centenary?
We wanted our members, especially the young people to realise that they are part of a much larger Movement. We wanted the young people to find out more about Scouting in other countries and to that extent we hosted 10 young people and adults from Kenya’s Extension Scouts programme at our National Jamboree in Quebec. We also wanted to show our members an example of what we do with funds raised for our 'Brotherhood fund'. Scouts Canada has supported the Extension Scouts for a number of years.

What was the biggest challenge for your Organization/Association posed by the Centenary?
It was not possible to have a national event for the younger sections such as Beavers and Cubs because of the distance they would have to travel and the cost would be very high.

How did your Organization/Association meet this challenge?
Our Foundation created a “No one left behind” appeal for funds to provide assistance for those requiring it to attend the Jamboree or to become a member.
We also held a Gala dinner in Ottawa and the National News was broadcast from the Gala site and the anchor for the show was the MC for our event.
We also held a National Awards Ceremony in our National Parliament buildings and recognised our most prestigious recipients.
A website was redesigned to include more interactive communications, groups were encouraged to describe their centennial activities and these were posted on the web.
We also selected a Centennial Ambassador, Craig Keilburger a former member that has gone on to found 'Free the Children', a world wide organization supporting children and their rights.
We also issued a “Good Turn” challenge and groups were encouraged to share their Good Turn on our website. By September, over 1000 Good Turns had been recorded!

How did your Organiaztion/Association work to ensure that there was 'something for everyone' in the Centenary year?
In each Scouting Council there was a Centennial Celebration Committee and each Council conducted numerous events and activities to celebrate the Centennial.
Most Councils participated in the Sunrise Ceremony and took this opportunity to invite former members to celebrate as well.

How did your Organization/Association maintain the momentum throughout the year?
Scouts Canada chose to celebrate the Centennial of Scouting from Sept 1st 2006 to August 31st 2008, so two complete Scouting years of Celebration! This gave Councils and groups ample time to plan and conduct programmes to commemorate the anniversary. For the 2007-08 Scouting year many are registering for the “Next Century of Scouting roster”. This will be stored in the Scouting Museum for people to look back on 100 years from now.
Gifts for Peace, the Order of the Maple and the Youth of the World Award are all new initiatives launched over the past year. These programmes have generated tremendous interest and have helped launch Scouts Canada into it’s second century.
We also recognised members who have worked “above and beyond” their regular duties with Scouts Canada Centennial Medals.

What do you believe was the greatest achievement in 2007 for Scouting in your country?
Young people and adults at the Jamboree and the way members helped each other to reach their goals.
We had a good sized contingent attending the World Jamboree in the United Kingdom and there was also a Jamboree on the Pacific Coast which was well attended. At each of these events, members met others from around the world and realised that in Scouting we are all the same regardless of our ethnic background.

What is the greatest lesson that your Organization/Association has learned from the work (of the past years) in preparing the Centenary?
Communication is very important to all planning; members must be kept informed about what is happening and how to get involved. The web has become an essential tool to ensure that people have access to the most current information.

What advice would you give to other Scouts planning for upcoming national centenaries?
Plan well in advance, bring together members from all areas of your country and empower the youth to take active roles in planning and conducting the celebration activities.
Think outside the box, plan something new and different. There is no project that is too large if everyone is given the opportunity to do a little.

What is your fondest memory of 2007?
I personally have many fond memories of 2007. It is difficult to pick just one. Locally we held a Beaver/Cub sleepover with approximately 100 young people attending, then there was the Canadian Jamboree in Quebec with over 8000 attending, Baden Powell’s Great grandson was able to attend with his wife, the Sunrise Ceremony at the Jamboree had to be the most emotional memory, just thinking that Scouters around the world were having a Sunrise Ceremony at the same time. Then we had our Scouters Conference/AGM in Vancouver in December which was very well attended with lots of great speakers and workshops. So to pick just one memory would be difficult.

How is your Organization/Association now building on the achievements of the Centenary in 2008?
We launched many new initiatives over the past year and things seem to be progressing nicely. Many of these initiatives are youth directed/youth lead so we’re really pleased with those.

Finally, if your Organization is celebrating a national centenary in 2008 or 2009, please give a brief overview of your planned celebrations:
Planning has already begun for three Regional/Provincial Jamborees for 2009, one in the east, one in the west and one in Central Canada.
For more information: http://www.scouts.ca/dnn/