How Do I Sign Up For Scouts? 

Registering for Scouts is easy! Visit myscouts.ca to register online or call toll-free 1-888-Scouts-Now to be directed to the office closest to you.

 

How Do I Purchase a Uniform, and What Will My Child Need?

You can view and purchase uniform and other supplies online at Scoutshop.ca. Or, visit the closest Scout Shop to you.

 

What are the Costs to Join Scouting? 

Costs vary from group to group so your local contact is the best one to advise you. In most cases there will be a registration fee to join the group and you will have to pay for your uniform. As the year progresses there may be extra costs associated with camping, special events, etc. 

 

Is There Financial Aid For Families of Limited Means to Assist with the Costs of Joining Scouts? 

Financial aid is available for families of limited means. Local councils can assist or you can submit an application to the Scouts Canada Foundation's established fund, No One Left Behind. For more information visit the No One Left Behind page. 

 

What Can My Child Expect When He/She Joins?

For information on Scouts Canada programs visit the Programs page. Your local council office will be happy to assist you with any specific questions you may have. 

 

I Want to Learn About Becoming a Leader. What is the Process and What is Involved?

You can call 1-888-Scouts-Now, email join@scouts.ca or contact the local Scouting council office in your area. Find a council in your area.

You will need to provide:

• Three personal reference checks 
• A “clean” Police Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check (your council will have forms or advise you on how to obtain them). 
• You will undergo a selection Interview. 
• If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will take training that will teach you what you need to know to become a great leader.

Where Do My Registration Fees Go?

$60 of the total registration fee goes to the Scouts Canada National Office to cover the cost of: 

• Training materials and resources for leaders 
• Planning programs and activities for youth (these must be planned meticulously to ensure compliance with insurance and health standards) 
• Publications and handbooks
• Providing service and support to 20 Councils across Canada
• Volunteer servicing expenses
• World Scouting fee 
• Insurance premiums

The remainder of the fee is levied by your local council. Each council is different, and in fact, fees differ from group to group. Your council may need fees to cover their basic overhead as well as providing service, support and programs to the groups and areas within their jurisdiction. Your council takes into consideration these costs, and calculates their fee based on the lowest possible amount necessary to cover all costs. 

Dollar for dollar, Scouts Canada’s programs provide significant value to its members. Programs run all year long and include many adventures such as camping trips that kids will remember for a lifetime. Most importantly, Scouting makes a difference in the lives of children, youth and young adults. They are more likely to demonstrate greater self-confidence and optimism about what the future holds. They express a strong sense of civic responsibility and have a desire to “pay back” the community. They become more physically fit, energetic, outgoing, conscientious and compassionate.

 

Does Scouts Canada Admit Both Boys and Girls? 

Yes, Scouts Canada became completely co-ed in 1998. 

 

Do You Have to Believe in God to Join Scouts Canada? Is Scouting a Christian Organization? 

No, but you must have a basic spiritual belief. Spirituality has been one of the three main principles of Scouting around the world since its inception more than 100 years ago. Scouts Canada is proud of its commitment to diversity and welcomes members of many different faiths and denominations.

You need not belong to an organized religion, but all members must take the Scout Promise in good faith and leaders may include some form of spirituality in their program for the youth. “God” represents spirituality and for some may represent an actual deity, but it may also mean an expression of your personal spirituality.

"Duty to God" as defined by the World Organization of the Scouting Movement, means "a person's relationship with the spiritual values of life, the fundamental belief in a force above mankind."

Are Homosexuals Allowed to Join Scouts Canada? 

Scouts Canada does not discriminate for reasons of gender, culture, religious belief or sexual orientation.

 

How Are Prospective Leaders Screened, and What Safety Precautions Does Scouts Canada Have in Place? 

Prospective leaders must undergo a stringent screening process. This includes a Police Records Check, a Screening Interview plus three personal references. Until the screening procedure is fully complete and signed off, individuals may not participate with children. Our thorough Risk Management policies include “two-deep leadership”, which means there must always be two registered leaders present with any number of children. Leaders are well versed in risk management and our Duty of Care during their training process.

 

What is Scouts Canada’s Policy on Parents/Guardians Participating in Scouting Activities? 

We encourage parents to get involved in their child’s Scouting activities. This can mean assisting at an event or becoming a leader. In fact, the majority of our leaders are parents. 

 

What is a Parent’s/Guardian’s Role at a Scouting Activity? 

The primary responsibility of Parents/Guardians lies with their own child. Parents/Guardians are often asked to help as a program resource person (sharing a skill or hobby) or helping prepare meals for Beaver Scouts or Cub Scouts outings. Parents are always under the supervision of at least two registered Scouters.

 

What Can Parents Expect Before They Come to Activities? 

There are three simple steps to screening parents – it won’t take more than 10 minutes.

• Leaders will discuss what is expected of parents at the activity
• They will explain our Duty of Care 
• They will introduce the parents to the rest of the youth and explain their role at the activity

 

Do Parents Need to Sign an Individual Release and Hold Harmless Agreement? 

No, not if they have been screened.

 

What Should We Do About Siblings Who Aren’t Members of Scouting? 

Sometimes parents have to bring younger siblings with them to Scouting events. They are not program participants. They are observers and parents are responsible for supervising them. Parents must sign an Individual Release and Hold-Harmless Agreement for these youth.

 

What is Scouts Canada’s Policy on Resource People Recruited to Help at Scouting Activities? 

Successful leaders know that bringing in resource people to help with activities is a good idea. Whether it’s the fire department, someone from the orienteering club or any other resource person, people who participate in day events need to be advised exactly the same way as a parent.

 

Are Resource People Also Screened if They Stay Overnight at a Scouting Activity?

Yes, if resource people are participating in an overnight activity they must:

• Complete the parent/daytime resource person screening, 
• Provide a current police record check clear of criminal conviction, verified by the Group Commissioner, and 
• Have three personal references checked.

 

Do Other Resource People Need to Sign an Individual Release and Hold Harmless Agreement? 

No, not if they have been properly screened.