Download the Code of Conduct (PDF)
Adult Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all adult members of Scouts Canada over the age of 18, and all employees regardless of location and role. Parents and guardians who wish to participate in Scouting activities must also follow this Code. When accepting any role in Scouting, you agree to follow this Code when engaging with youth and adults either in-person or on-line.
The purpose of this Code is to protect youth and to help adults work safely with them and with each other.
Commitment
My behaviour reflects Scouts Canada’s values, promise and law and thus protects the safety and well-being of all Scouts Canada members. I will set an example that I would wish others to follow.
THEREFORE, I WILL:
- Remember that my conduct must always be obviously safe to others and that my intention does not make a situation safe.
- Follow our youth protection policy at all times, including Scouter-to-Youth ratios, separate sleeping and washing facilities and consider these points when planning Scouting activities.
- Follow all safety requirements of Scouts Canada including risk and hazard reviews for all activities.
- Notify Scouts Canada if I am the subject of any criminal investigation or any allegation or concern related to youth safety that may impact my ability to participate in Scouting activities.
- Treat everyone with fairness, respect and dignity.
- Always ask a youth’s permission before I touch them, and ensure that any physical contact is respectful and safe.
- Encourage people to speak up about issues related to personal or Group safety that concerns them.
- Respectfully challenge behaviour or attitudes that I believe are inconsistent with Scouting values.
- Immediately report any concern for the welfare of youth or allegations of abuse to the authorities and to Scouts Canada.
- Protect the personal information of others, keeping it secure and using it for Scouting purposes only.
- Immediately report any breaches of this code and Scouts Canada policy to Scouts Canada.
- Ensure that I follow the two-Scouter rule and always have another Scouter present or copied when I am in contact with youth, whether in-person or online.
- I will use positive discipline, promoting good behavior by guiding youth towards positive solutions during disciplinary discussions rather than focusing exclusively on bad behavior.
I WILL NOT EVER:
- Behave in such a way that anyone could misinterpret my actions no matter how well-intended.
- Use my role in Scouting to have contact with youth members outside of Scouting.
- Engage in any form of inappropriate relationship with youth or exploit them in any way.
- Ignore or trivialize abuse, harassment, bullying, hazing or bad behaviour.
- Have one to one contact with youth online or in-person or in transit.
- Swear or use inappropriate language in front of youth.
- Use punishments and discipline that are demeaning, embarrassing or degrading.
- Smoke in front of youth.
- Consume alcohol on Scouting activities for youth.
- Take part in Scouting if I am impaired by any substance.
- Allow any allegation or concerns of abuse to go unreported.
- Rely on just my good name to protect me.
- Engage in inappropriate conduct or behavior with youth, including suggestive remarks threats, even in fun.
I will subscribe to the Mission, Principles, Practices and Methods of Scouts Canada. I will abide by the By-Laws, Policies and Procedures of Scouts Canada. I understand that participation in Scouts Canada is voluntary and involves a certain degree of inherent risk when participating in some Scouting activities, including the risk of possible accidents, physical injury, or exposure to the COVID-19 virus or other infections or infectious diseases. After carefully considering the risks involved, I have full confidence that reasonable precautions and protocols will be taken and/or implemented by Scouts Canada to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. I will take, to the best of my ability, reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of other members (youth and adult) as well as my personal safety. I have read, understood, agreed to and signed the Code of Conduct, and I will abide by the Code of Conduct as a condition or membership.
Name: __________
Date: ___________
This Code of Conduct must be completed at the start of each Scouting year before participating in any activities.
Youth Scouter Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all Scouters under the age of 18. A separate Code of Conduct applies to anyone aged over 18. This Code will help you work safely with other youth, protecting them and yourself.
You have a responsibility to look after yourself and others. Other Scouts will look up to you and follow your lead. It is important to set a good example and remember your Scout Promise and Law.
To ensure the safety and well-being of all Scouts Canada members both on and offline, I will:
- Think and act safely.
- Remember that I have influence and power over others and will not take advantage of this.
- Follow activity rules and Scouter-to-Youth ratios.
- Encourage people to speak up about issues related to personal or Group safety that concern them.
- Not exploit others, show favouritism, engage in a relationship or flirt with the youth I supervise.
- Not swear or use inappropriate language.
- Not smoke in front of youth or refer to consumption of tobacco, drugs or alcohol.
- Not take part in Scouting if I am negatively affected by any substance or prescription drugs.
- Immediately report any concerns of abuse, bullying, harassment or other inappropriate conduct.
- Act to prevent and stop hazing, bullying and harassment.
- Only touch youth I supervise after asking permission, and in a safe and respectful way.
- Not play physical contact games, make suggestive remarks or jokes with the youth I supervise.
- Think carefully before I post online, including giving out my personal details and sharing without permission.
- Remember that I am entitled to be respected, safe from harm and not be exploited.
- Say “no” to anyone who asks me to do something that makes me feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
- Ask for help from an adult I trust if anyone makes me feel uncomfortable, worried or scared.
- Have fun and enjoy Scouts!
I understand that participation in Scouts Canada is voluntary, and involves a certain degree of risk when participating in some Scouting activities, including the risk of possible accidents, physical injury, or exposure to the COVID-19 virus or other infections or infectious diseases. After carefully considering the risks involved, and having full confidence that reasonable precautions and protocols will be taken and/or implemented by Scouts Canada to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. I will take, to the best of my ability, reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of other members (youth and adult) as well as my personal safety. I understand and agree to follow this Code of Conduct. I understand that my violation of any part of it may result in suspension, discipline or termination of membership from Scouts Canada.
Name: _________
Date: __________
This Code of Conduct must be completed at the start of each Scouting year before participating in any activities.
If you are worried about yourself or anyone else or need to report something, you can get help from:
- An adult you trust
- kidshelpphone.ca | 1-800-668-6868
- cybertip.ca to report online sexual content or abuse
- Safe Scouting: safety@scouts.ca or 1 (800) 339-6643 (24 hours)
- Emergencies: 911
