Dear Stars Scouts Parents,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this letter to share some personal news.
Starting August 1, 2026, I will be leaving Canada to begin a new chapter of my career overseas.
This decision has not been easy. Over the years, and since 2018, Stars Scouts has become much more than a scouting group to me, it has become a family. The thought of leaving the children, families, and volunteers who have been such an important part of my life fills me with sadness.
I feel truly honored and blessed to have been entrusted with your children. Thank you for your confidence, trust, and support throughout this journey. Watching our scouts grow from young children into capable, confident, and responsible young leaders has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Together, we have created memories that will stay with me forever. From our international trips to the United Kingdom and Turkey, to the dozens of camps, hiking adventures, survival activities, and outdoor challenges, every experience was special. One of the proudest moments was completing the 25 km hike from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls, where our scouts demonstrated determination, teamwork, and resilience. Through countless activities, we have built not only skills but also character, friendships, and lifelong memories.
I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to our incredible team of volunteers. Their dedication, sacrifice, and passion made every activity possible. Stars Scouts would never have achieved what it did without their efforts and commitment to our youth.
Most importantly, I am proud of every scout. I have witnessed remarkable growth in their attitudes, confidence, skills, sense of responsibility, and leadership abilities. Seeing them develop into strong young people gives me great hope and confidence for their future. I have always believed that "a leader is not the one who creates followers, but the one who creates more leaders." Looking back at our journey, I feel blessed to have watched so many of our scouts take responsibility, support one another, overcome challenges, and grow into young leaders who will positively impact their communities and beyond.
For families who have already registered for next year, I would like to offer two possible paths forward:
1. Transfer to another Muslim scouting group, such as MAC or another suitable local group, to continue your child's scouting journey.
2. Step forward as volunteers and leaders to keep Stars Scouts running. I am committed to providing guidance, support, and mentorship throughout the year to help ensure a smooth transition and preserve the vision and spirit of the group.
As I prepare to leave, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and memories that I will treasure forever. No matter where life takes me, a part of my heart will always remain with Stars Scouts and the wonderful families who made this journey so meaningful.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your children's lives. Thank you for your trust, kindness, and support over the years.
I am here till end of July. The last activity will be conducted as planned.
And finally, if I have ever fallen short, made mistakes, or unintentionally disappointed anyone along the way, I sincerely ask for your forgiveness. Everything I did was from a place of care, love, and a genuine desire to serve our scouts to the best of my ability.
May Allah bless all of you, protect our young scouts, and continue to guide them toward success, leadership, and good character.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your children's lives. And finally, if I have ever fallen short, made mistakes, or unintentionally disappointed anyone along the way, I sincerely ask for your forgiveness.
I leave with tears in my eyes, gratitude in my heart, and countless memories that I will carry with me wherever I go.
"The true measure of leadership is not how long you lead, but how many lives you inspire along the way." If I have been able to inspire even a small positive change in the lives of our scouts, then I consider myself truly blessed.
May Allah bless you all and protect our scouts.
With love, gratitude, and heartfelt prayers,

*Rasheed Hourani, Stars Scouts Group Leader*