September Message from President Sandy

 Holy Crow has it really been April since the last message from me??

Welcome Back!!!

As summer winds down, we are all gearing up for a new amazing year of JFW.  Over the spring and summer, we have been preparing for what feels like the first “real “ start in a couple of years.   As our clubs and regions prepare for the year ahead, the board, committees, executive and administration of AJ have been refining behind the scenes support to help you.   

The membership team has been working diligently to refine and clarify the registration process.   It is a grand undertaking to make sure that all of our members (new and returning) are vetted and registered in the database by our chartering deadlines.  We owe a huge thank you to this team; club registrars, regional registrars, Vicky Hill, our the AJ Membership Director and her assistants.  Please do your part getting forms and VSpics in.  Some of the process and deadlines have changed, so please make sure you are following this year’s information.  If ever in doubt please ask.  

We have also increased our administrative support.  This means great things for all of us!  Our office administrator, Eva Melo is fast learning all things JFW and comes to us with great ideas from her vast experience from other organizations.   If she doesn’t have the answer she knows who to connect you with.   And I am more than happy to get your feedback, ideas and energy. 

The executive and board have continued to meet over the summer following up on member suggestions, making connections with other like minded organizations, exploring options on policies, funding, insurance and keeping us generally on track.   - Oh and providing a few amazing provincial events through the work of the PT Cruisers (North and South)  and Outreach Committees. Thank you organizers!!

This year we are looking forward to renewed energy for all of our parent volunteers.   Some of us may feel like bursting out of the gates, some of us may take a little time to get into full swing.  Be kind to each other, ask for help and contribute what you can.  The best infusion of energy I know of is to connect with each other and have fun creating some amazing experiences for our wardens.  And - 

It's a National Camp Year!!!  For many JFW families, National Camp is a highlight of their experiences in Junior Forest Wardens.   You don’t want to miss out!   Stay tuned for more on National Camp in the coming months. - Watch for the NC emails, plan for  involvement with your club, connect with JFW families from across the country.  

Have a great start all!!  Now go finish your registration.  

Sandy