Scouts Canada Appoints British Columbia Scout To Top Leadership Role

OTTAWA, Dec. 3, 2015 /CNW/ - Scouts Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Caitlyn Piton as National Youth Commissioner and Chair of the National Youth Network, one of Scouts Canada's top volunteer leadership roles, for a three year term. The 22-year-old from Maple Ridge, British Columbia will be at the helm of youth advocacy within the organization, responsible for providing leadership, direction and vision to Scouts Canada on behalf of its members.

"I'm humbled to be selected for this very important role," said Piton. "Scouting has provided me with a world of opportunities I wouldn't have received elsewhere, such as backpacking, white water rafting, major camps with over 3,000 youth in attendance, and of course, the chance to develop leadership skills. I'm excited to be able to give back and help ensure other youth have the incredible experiences I was offered."

As Scouts Canada's National Youth Commissioner – a role which has a volunteer commitment of approximately 20 to 30 hours a week – Piton will be responsible for managing other youth volunteers within leadership roles, preparing budgets, serving on the National Leadership Team and working with the Board of Governors to ensure that all facets of Scouts Canada continue to embrace youth involvement.

Furthermore, she will serve as Chair of the National Youth Network, a group made up of Scouts Canada's top youth leaders, to help guide their projects. She will also oversee the Scouts of the World program in Canada, a program created by the World Organization of the Scout Movement that engages Scouts in the fields of the environment, development and peace, using the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals as a framework to generate positive change in Canadian communities and internationally. 

"Caitlyn demonstrates the level of enthusiasm, commitment and positivity needed for this demanding yet rewarding position," said Andrew Price, Scouts Canada's Executive Commissioner and CEO. "I am confidant Caitlyn will excel in her new role, providing fresh ideas to engage and empower youth throughout their Scouting journeys."

Piton joined Scouts Canada at the age of 14, and since that time has held a number of leadership roles within the organization including Cub Scout Leader, Pacific Jamboree volunteer, Area Youth Commissioner, Assistant Council Youth Commissioner, Area Commissioner and Council Youth Commissioner. Outside of Scouts Canada, she has also volunteered with Ridge Meadows Volleyball Club, Thomas Haney Secondary School coaching girls' volleyball and for various summer camps.

Piton is succeeding Kaylee Galipeau, a 24-year-old Edmonton native who currently resides in Grande Prairie, Alberta. In her three-year term as National Youth Commissioner and Chair of the National Youth Network, Galipeau's significant volunteer contributions to Scouts Canada earned her several awards and honours including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, a commendation from the City of Toronto and the Bar to the Silver Acorn, one of Scouts Canada's top awards for outstanding service.

About Scouts Canada
Kids in Scouts have fun adventures, discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't discover elsewhere. Along the way, they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. For tens of thousands of children and youth across Canada, Scouts is the start of something great. Scouts Canada is the country's leading co-ed youth organization, offering programming for children and youth aged 5-26 in multiple languages, reflecting Canada's multicultural landscape and communities. For more information, visit Scouts.ca.

Scouts Canada is a not-for-profit organization (Charitable Registration No.10776 1694 RR0028) and a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

SOURCE Scouts Canada

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