Existing Participant Renewals
- When does registration for the current Scouting year close?
- Will there be a blackout period in MyScouts?
- When do volunteer renewals open?
- When can returning members renew for the 2026–2027 Scouting year?
- What happens after May 31?
- Is there a late registration opportunity later in the year?
- What happens if returning members do not renew before the end of the year?
New Member Registration
- When can new members register?
- Will new member registration be staggered this year?
- When does membership begin for new registrations?
- Can prospective youth attend meetings before June 1?
- Can parents join a waitlist between April 1 and June 1?
- Do Groups need to offer programming during the summer if families register early?
- What do Groups need to do to prepare for the upcoming registration period?
Fees and Financial Support
- How do Group bonus payments work?
- Is there an early registration discount?
- Will the No One Left Behind (NOLB) program apply to renewals and new registrations?
- What is the refund policy for 2026–2027 registrations?
Technical access
Existing Participant Renewals
When does registration for the current Scouting year close?
Registration for the current 2026 membership year (January 1 – December 31, 2026) closes on March 31, 2026.
After this date, new registrations for the 2026 calendar year will no longer be available.
Will there be a blackout period in MyScouts?
Yes. Youth participant registration will be temporarily disabled from April 1–14.
This allows time for system testing, troubleshooting and financial reconciliation during the transition.
During this period, MyScouts will still be available for:
- volunteer renewals and registrations
- Group and Section updates
- reporting and other administrative functions
When do Volunteer renewals open?
Volunteer renewals open March 1.
Opening volunteer renewals earlier helps Groups confirm leadership capacity before youth renewals begin.
When can returning members renew for the 2026–2027 Scouting year?
Returning members can renew between April 15 – May 31 for the January 1 – August 31, 2027 membership portion.
During this period:
- Pro-rated National registration fee: $197
- Group bonus payment: $20 per youth registration
Renewing during this window helps Groups confirm membership numbers early and plan for the upcoming program year.
What happens after May 31?
Beginning June 1, registration opens to both returning and new members, as space allows.
From June 1 – November 30:
- National registration fee: $295 (applies to both renewals and new members)
- Group bonus payment: $29 per youth registration
Families registering during this period are securing a place for the 2026–2027 Scouting year.
Is there a late registration opportunity later in the year?
Yes.
Beginning December 1, both returning and new members can register at a prorated rate for the remainder of the Scouting year.
From December 1 onward:
- National registration fee: $210
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Group bonus payment: $21 per youth registration
What happens if returning members do not renew before the end of the year?
Members who registered for the 2026 calendar year may continue participating until December 31, 2026.
To retain their place in the Group for the new Scouting year, returning members must renew before December 31.
Beginning January 1, 2027 spaces held by members who have not renewed may be offered to new youth.
New Member Registration
When can new members register?
New member registration opens June 1.
Groups with available capacity can welcome new members at any point during the year.
Will new member registration be staggered this year?
There will be no staggered registration in June. Fall registration staggering is still under review. With a six-week renewal period, demand may naturally spread out. Any updates will be shared if plans change. If staggered windows are used in the fall, they are expected to be brief.
When does membership begin for new registrations?
This depends on when the registration is completed.
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Registrations completed in August or earlier
Membership runs September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027. -
Registrations completed in September or later
Membership runs from the registration date through August 31, 2027.
This allows Groups to welcome new youth throughout the year while maintaining a consistent program cycle.
Can prospective youth attend meetings before June 1?
Yes.
Before June 1, prospective youth may attend up to four trial meetings, where Groups offer them.
No registration is required for trial meetings.
Can parents join a waitlist between April 1 and June 1?
No.
During this period, 2026–2027 registration and waitlists are not available in MyScouts.
Parents can still:
- create a MyScouts account
- create a profile for their child starting April 15
This allows them to register or join a waitlist when registration opens June 1.
Do Groups need to offer programming during the summer if families register early?
No.
Registration between June and August secures a place for the upcoming program year. Groups are not required to offer summer programming.
Most youth will begin participating when the regular program year begins in September.
What do Groups need to do to prepare for the upcoming registration period?
Groups can use the How to Prepare for Registration Periods - For Section Scouters & Group Commissioners guide and video tutorial below. You may also find helpful information and tools on the 2026 Registration Year Transition Information Session article.
Fees and Financial Assistance
How do Group bonus payments work?
Groups receive a bonus payment per registered youth, based on when the registration is completed. Scouts Canada is committed to helping local volunteers deliver high-quality programs in their communities, therefore, group bonus payment is going to be increased to approximately 10% for Scouting Year 2026-2027.
| Registration Period | National Fee | Group Bonus |
| April 15 – May 31 (returning members only) | $197 | $20 per youth |
| June 1 – November 30 (open registration) | $295 | $29 per youth |
| December 1 onward (prorated registration) | $210 | $21 per youth |
These payments are automatically processed the following month based on completed registrations. For example, for any youth registrations completed in the month of September, Groups should expect a group bonus payment in the second half of October.
Is there an early registration discount?
There is no separate early-registration discount. However, returning members who renew April 15 – May 31 pay a reduced transition-year fee of $197.
Will the No One Left Behind (NOLB) program apply to renewals and new registrations?
Yes.
The No One Left Behind program will continue to support both renewing and new members.
For the 2026–2027 Scouting year:
- the program funding has increased
- the goal is to support approximately 2,000 more youth compared to FY 26
Families with the greatest financial need may receive up to 50% support toward national registration fees. Please reference No One Left Behind Subsidies article for more details.
What is the refund policy for 2026–2027 registrations?
Refund eligibility will depend on whether the member is new/lapsed or renewing as well as registration date.
New or lapsed members
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Registrations completed on or before September 15, 2026
Refund requests must be received by October 15, 2026. -
Registrations completed after September 15, 2026
Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of the registration date.
Existing member renewals
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Renewals completed on or before January 1, 2027
Refund requests must be received by January 31, 2027. -
Renewals completed after January 1, 2027
Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of the renewal date.
Refund requests received outside these timelines cannot be processed.
Technical access
Can families complete registration from outside Canada?
MyScouts can only be accessed from Canada or the United States during registration due to system security controls.
Families planning to travel during registration periods should strive to complete their registration before leaving Canada or the U.S.