Meeting Ideas – Guest Speakers
Outdoor Skills and Adventure
- Park rangers or conservation officers
- Search and Rescue volunteers
- Wilderness guides or outfitters
- Canoe, kayak, or paddle sport instructors
- Rock climbing or outdoor safety instructors
Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- Firefighters
- Paramedics or EMTs
- Police officers (community outreach)
- First aid instructors
- Emergency management or disaster response officials
Environmental and Conservation
- Environmental scientists or biologists
- Wildlife rehabilitators
- Conservation authority staff
- Local naturalists or birding groups
- Water quality or watershed specialists
Community Service and Citizenship
- City councillors or municipal staff
- Indigenous Elders or knowledge keepers
- Representatives from food banks or shelters
- Service club members (Rotary, Lions, Kinsmen)
- Community volunteer coordinators
Trades, Careers, and Life Skills
- Electricians, plumbers, or carpenters
- Mechanics or small engine repair specialists
- Farmers or agricultural experts
- Entrepreneurs or small business owners
- Skilled trades educators
Health, Wellness, and Fitness
- Nurses or public health professionals
- Mental health educators
- Nutritionists or dietitians
- Fitness trainers or recreation coordinators
Science, Technology, and STEM
- Engineers or technicians
- Amateur radio operators
- Astronomers or science centre staff
- Drone or robotics club members
- Meteorologists or climate scientists
Culture, History, and the Arts
- Local historians
- Museum educators
- Authors or storytellers
- Musicians or performers
- Cultural association representatives
Scouting and Leadership
- Former Scouts or Scout leaders
- Scouts BSA or international Scouting representatives
- Youth leadership mentors
- High-adventure program alumni
Tips for Inviting Guest Speakers
- Share the meeting goals in advance
- Keep talks interactive and age-appropriate
- Limit presentations to 15–20 minutes
- Include hands-on activities when possible
- Always thank speakers with a card or certificate
