Registration fees support the cost of delivering a quality Scouting program in communities across Canada, including:
The true cost to support a robust Scouting program is significantly higher than the registration fee that we charge. This is where Scout Popcorn fundraising, retail sales through our Scout Shops, donations and sponsorships contribute towards keeping Scouting affordable.
Scouting parents consistently give our programs high scores for value, and Scouting costs significantly less than many other youth activities. Add the fact that many Scouting Groups and camps are active year-round and the result is even greater value for dollar. Visit our Online Support Centre to learn more about how registration fees are utilized.
Yes, Rover Scouts became co-ed in 1993, with all remaining Sections following in 1998.
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 Scouters 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.
Yes, Scouts Canada does not discriminate for reasons of gender, culture, religious belief or sexual orientation.
Traditionally, the Scouting year has run from September 1 to August 31. As a result of COVID-19, which forced the shutdown of in-person Scouting activities in March 2020, Scouts Canada has extended 2019–2020 membership to December 31, 2020.
The Scouting year for 2021 will run from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
The Scouting year for 2022 will run from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. If you registered your child anytime between Sept 1, 2021 and January 1st, 2022, you can receive a full refund up until January 31st, 2022. For registrations after January 1st, 2022, the standard 30-day refund policy applies. All refunds are issued in the manner in which original payment was made.
Our refund policy allows for refunds within 30 days of an individual’s registration date.
Scouting makes a difference in the lives of children, youth and young adults. Providing opportunities for youth to grow, achieve new “firsts” and develop into citizens of the world.
Scouts 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. And they have a lot of fun!
Scouts is the start of something great.
It starts with Scouts.
Registering for Scouts is easy!
You can Register online.
If you need help registering please visit the online support centre.
You can purchase a uniform and many other Scouting supplies online at Scoutshop.ca. Or, visit your local Scout Shop.
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 and special events.
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 No One Left Behind program.
Scouting uses non-formal educational methods to engage youth in the process of their own development, giving them program activities, guidance and tools to help them become self-reliant, confident, caring, responsible and committed to the world around them.
For information on Scouts Canada programs visit the Programs page.
Beavers (Ages 5 -7)
Fun and friendship are the cornerstones of the Beaver Scouts program.
Cub Scouts (Ages 8 – 10)
Challenging hikes, weekend camps, and an introduction to water activities like canoeing or kayaking are just a few of the fun outdoor Adventures that Cub Scouts enjoy.
Scouts (Ages 11 – 14)
Scouts is about having fun while gaining valuable leadership skills and self-confidence.
Venturer Scouts (Ages 15-17)
The Venturer Scout program offers exciting, real life, hands-on experiences for youth.
Rover Scouts (Ages 18 – 26)
Rover Scout programs provide opportunities to practice new skills like mountain climbing or whitewater rafting.
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 bringing snacks for Beaver Scouts or Cub Scouts outings. Parents are required to complete screening (as per the Non Scouts Canada Member screening chart) and are always under the supervision of at least two registered Scouters. Parents are permitted to participate in 3-5 Scouting activities per year before the must become a Scouts Canada member.
There are three simple steps to screening parents – it won’t take more than 10 minutes.
Requirements are the same as if attending a day time activity with one addition.
No, not if they have been screened.
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.
Traditionally, the Scouting year has run from September 1 to August 31. As a result of COVID-19, which forced the shutdown of in-person Scouting activities in March 2020, Scouts Canada has extended 2019-2020 membership to December 31, 2020.
The Scouting year for 2021 will run from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
For the fall of 2020, Scouts Canada is offering a Free Trial to all youth who are not currently Scouting (subject to Group availability). Please refer to the JOIN pages of Scouts Canada for more information.
Kids in Scouts are provided with the opportunity to partake in a range of activities that no other youth program can match. Through camping, hiking, snowshoeing and paddling, they discover the outdoors. With hands on learning youth take an active role in planning camping trips, activities and community service projects like food drives, shoreline clean ups and tree planting. Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, Scouts participate in other outdoor activities like biking, rock climbing and playing games.
Groups typically meet once a week for an hour. In most cases, the program also includes weekend activities like hiking and camping.
Registration opens for currently enrolled members on September 1, 2021. Registration for new members begins on September 15th. Need a reminder so you don’t miss the registration period? Make sure to sign up with your email address and we’ll send you a reminder when Registration opens so you can secure your spot in Scouts.
The annual National Registration fee is $230 per youth with $15 of each membership going directly to the local group to help support fun adventures. Local Groups may also charge an additional registration fee between $0-40.
Throughout the year, additional costs may vary by Group related to uniforms, camping, special events or activities. To learn more about your Group’s additional costs or subsidies, please contact your Group Commissioner or the Help Centre, helpcentre@scouts.ca.
The value of Scouting is much greater than the fee. Youth who are registered in Scouting gain valuable skills through fun and engaging non-formal programming that prepares them for success in the future.
Early registration allows Groups to plan for the upcoming 2022 Scouting Year and enables as many youths as possible to enjoy the benefits of Scouting.
Scouts Canada’s membership runs on an annual basis from January to December. Not many other youth activities are offered for a full year at such a low cost and offering so much value and benefit. Current members can continue Scouting and sign up for 2022 when it is most convenient for them — whether that be in September 2021 up until January 2022.
If your child is currently enrolled in Scouts their spot is secure until the end of December. You can choose to pay for the 2022 Scouting year during early registration (Sept to Dec) or you can wait until the end of December or early January to pay.
All Scouting members were offered free Scouting from September 2020 to January 2021. Many families did not feel comfortable to return to Scouting due to concerns regarding the pandemic.
Scouts Canada has always offered early registration (typically in May) where new members had the opportunity to start Scouting before the actual registration year kicked in (typically in September). This year is no different. The only thing that changes are the dates. We are now offering early registration in September before the actual registration year kicks in (January 2022).
Scouting is needed now more than ever, and our mission and vision has never been so critical. To fulfill that mission Scouts Canada is reaching out to as many children as possible to support the development of critical life skills that will make them the leaders of tomorrow and help make the world better.
As such, we want to eliminate barriers to registration where we can and enable as many youths as possible to benefit from the value of Scouting.
Scouting has always had a challenge with retention, especially between Sections (see chart below).
Moving to a calendar year registration is an opportunity to pilot a suggestion that has been recommended over the years to deal with this issue. Despite efforts to improve linking and integration of programming between Sections via the Canadian path, many parents continue to see the end of a Section and/or achievement of the Top Section Award as the end of their child’s Scouting journey versus a milestone. In addition, there is a natural apprehension felt by children and youth when it comes to joining a totally new group of kids and moving from the top back to the bottom of the totem pole.
By adopting a calendar year registration period, we aim to achieve the following:
NOTE: Summer programming doesn’t have to include meetings every week, a summer camping adventure or 2 or three great summer activities will keep the youth engaged and will allow for diversity within your program.
Your Group Commissioner can transfer your role in MyScouts to the next Section when you move up in September. The correct Section will be offered to you automatically while registering for the 2022 Scouting Year that runs from January 1 to December 31.
(Note: this isn’t a change in process. Swim up logic in the system hasn’t changed at all, only thing that changed is that the Program Year and Registration Year are no longer aligned).
Youth that have been Scouting with us throughout 2021 have benefited from amazing adventures already, such as The Great 8 Challenge and numerous creative virtual and/or in-person programming developed by our dedicated Scouters. Youth have developed leadership skills and resilience as well as friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Youth that have been Scouting in 2021 had something to look forward to amid disruption in their lives.
If you registered in Scouting in January 2021, your membership is valid until December 2021. You are under no obligation to renew until January 2022.
However, if you know you will continue Scouting in 2022, and you wish to register early to get it done – you will have the opportunity to do so starting September 1, 2021.
For security purposes, the only available methods of payment for registrations are VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, and PayPal.
Scouts Canada offers a membership fee subsidy for low-income families called, ‘No One Left Behind.’ To qualify for the No One Left Behind (NOLB) subsidy, members must complete a Low Income Cut Off test that is confidential. Applications for the NOLB are submitted during the registration process and are processed immediately. To find out more, please visit: https://modxtest.scouts.ca/donate/campaign-and-fundraising/no-one-left-behind.html
The Beaver Scout program is for youth aged 5-7. To register for the Scouting year beginning January 1, 2022, youth must be born on or before December 31, 2016.
Scouts Canada will continue to follow the guidance of municipal and provincial guidelines with respect to safety of all our members. We cannot predict the course of the pandemic – we can commit to doing everything necessary to continue to provide fun adventures that enable youth to develop skills that will make them successful in the future.
Scouts Canada is continually reviewing reopening plans for properties based on their individual circumstances. We have 20 properties that are currently available for adventures as restrictions are lifted, we will continue to reopen properties that make sense for the organization.
The Scouting year for 2022 will run from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. If you registered your child anytime between Sept 1, 2021 and January 1st, 2022, you can receive a full refund up until January 31st, 2022. For registrations after January 1st, 2022, the standard 30-day refund policy applies. All refunds are issued in the manner in which original payment was made.
Registering for Scouts is easy!
You can Register online. If you need help registering please visit the online support centre.
The annual National Registration fee is $230 per youth with $15 of each membership going directly to the local group to help support fun adventures. Local Groups may also charge an additional registration fee between $0-40.
Throughout the year, additional costs vary Group by Group related to uniforms, camping, special events or activities, etc. To learn more about your Group's additional costs or subsidies, please contact your Group Commissioner or the Help Centre, helpcentre@scouts.ca.
The value of Scouting is much greater than the fee. Youth who are registered in Scouting gain valuable skills through fun and engaging non-formal programming that prepares them for success in the future.
The registration fee covers 12 months, from January to December in any given year.
Scouting registration fees have always covered the full 12 months. Historically, September through the spring has been our busiest time, but we always encourage groups and sections to conduct summer programming. The summer season offers some of our best weather to do camping, paddling, swimming and so much more.
Typically, formal weekly meetings don’t continue in many areas – but we actively encourage weekends, camps and joining or linking with other groups.
We have expanded and simplified our No One Left Behind (NOLB) Program that includes provision for folks that have faced temporary financial challenges. We encourage the use of NOLB for those families that want to give access to Scouting for their children.
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 No One Left Behind program.
Beavers (Ages 5 -7)
Fun and friendship are the cornerstones of the Beaver Scouts program.
Cub Scouts (Ages 8 – 10)
Challenging hikes, weekend camps, and an introduction to water activities like canoeing or kayaking are just a few of the fun outdoor Adventures that Cub Scouts enjoy.
Scouts (Ages 11 – 14)
Scouts is about having fun while gaining valuable leadership skills and self-confidence.
Venturer Scouts (Ages 15-17)
The Venturer Scout program offers exciting, real life, hands-on experiences for youth.
Rover Scouts (Ages 18 – 26)
Rover Scout programs provide opportunities to practice new skills like mountain climbing or whitewater rafting.
Groups typically meet once a week for an hour. In most cases, the program also includes weekend activities like hiking and camping.
You can purchase a uniform and many other Scouting supplies online at Scoutshop.ca. Or, visit your local Scout Shop.
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 bringing snacks for Beaver Scouts or Cub Scouts outings. Parents are required to complete screening (as per the Non Scouts Canada Member screening chart) and are always under the supervision of at least two registered Scouters. Parents are permitted to participate in 3-5 Scouting activities per year before the must become a Scouts Canada member.
The earlier you enroll your child, the more benefits they will receive; like having fun, meeting new friends, learning new things, being creative, getting outdoors and being part of a larger community. Kids will have something to look forward to each week!
Kids in Scouts are provided with the opportunity to partake in a range of activities that no other youth program can match. Through camping, hiking, snowshoeing and paddling, they discover the outdoors. With hands on learning youth take an active role in planning camping trips, activities and community service projects like food drives, shoreline clean ups and tree planting. Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, Scouts participate in other outdoor activities like biking, rock climbing and playing games.
Scouting uses non-formal educational methods to engage youth in the process of their own development, giving them program activities, guidance and tools to help them become self-reliant, confident, caring, responsible and committed to the world around them.
For information on Scouts Canada programs visit the Programs page.
Many people are looking for ways to develop skills that help them achieve personal and professional goals. Scouting has a long tradition of providing such opportunities.
A fully trained leader completes thorough online and experiential learning in understanding youth, program planning, leadership and risk management.
Scouting offers many opportunities to develop marketing, communication, financial management and fundraising skills.
Scouts Canada also offers excellent volunteer development courses.
Volunteering with Scouts Canada is easy, fun and flexible. You will be supported by a team of dynamic adults who get as much fun out of Scouting adventures as the youth they mentor. We provide the training and adventure. You provide the enthusiasm.
Get the process started by opening a myscouts account and completing the registration form or emailing join@scouts.ca.
Our Volunteer Registration Guide below will walk you through the process. We will direct your application to your local Council office. Scouts Canada has a great record of accommodating persons with disabilities.
Contact The Help Centre at helpcentre@scouts.ca with any question that you may have.
Yes, Scouts Canada encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Scouts Canada has a great record of accommodating persons with disabilities. Contact The Help Centre at helpcentre@scouts.ca or 1-888-855-3336 if you need accommodation at any stage of the application process or want more information on our accommodation policies.
Scouts Canada places great importance on creating a fun and safe environment for our members, especially children and youth. How do we create this environment? It’s a reflection of the culture of safety that extends throughout the organization.
As Canada’s largest youth organization, we are deeply committed to showing leadership in the area of child and youth safety. We truly believe we have a responsibility to help make Canada safer for our children and youth.
If you have questions about Scouts Canada’s safety policies, or have a particular safety issue that you would like to bring to our attention, please contact our Safe Scouting team at safety@scouts.ca or 1-800-339-6643.
For more information about our safety our policies and procedures, screening and training of volunteers and tips and tools to help you and your child get the most out of their Scouting experience visit the Scouting Safety Section.
Prospective Scouters 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 a “Two Scouter Rule”.
The Two Scouter Rule is the requirement for two registered Scouters to be with youth at all times. Notwithstanding Section ratios, two Scouters must always be within the field of view and within earshot of one another when with youth. The Two Scouter rule is an integral part of the Code of Conduct that applies to all Scouts Canada Volunteers and staff.
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.
Yes, if resource people are participating in an overnight activity they must:
No, not if they have been properly screened.
We encourage parents to get involved in their child’s Scouting activities. In fact, the majority of our volunteers are parents. This can mean assisting at an event or becoming a Scouter. However, Scouts Canada believes that it is important for all individuals working with our youth to have proper training and screening to ensure the safest experience for our members.
Since March 2020 commendations received through the Thanks Button for participant programming during the Covid Pandemic have received recognition for their continued service to Scouting.
This recognition includes moving a Scouting Volunteer a step closer to the next Outstanding Service Award for their act of service.
The Long Service Awards are currently out of stock.
There was a delay in ordering Long Service Awards in 2019 which affected the stock on hand. The pandemic resulted in suppliers closing their processing operations. The Long Service Awards will be restocked. A notice will be made here when we have ordered and they are in stock again..
Scouts Canada Charity Number: 107761694RR0028