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.
What does Scouts Canada do to ensure my child is safe at Scouts?
As Canada's largest co-ed 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.
Here are some of the ways we put Safety first.
a. 24/7 Emergency Safety Line - to be called after 911 / emergency procedures have taken place
b. Prospective Scouters must undergo a stringent screening process: Please see the Volunteer Screening Procedure for a detailed understanding of our screening procedure. Our employees complete the same process as our Volunteers.
Until the screening procedure is completed Volunteers may not participate with children.
Volunteers must
- Provide a clean Police Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Complete a screening interview conducted by two Active Scouters who have received interview training.
- Provide three passed reference checks. Note: These references may not be a conflict of interest. Reference checks are conducted primarily by a professional reference checking company Sterling Backcheck.
- Complete 5 hours of eLearning that teaches safety and our program, The Canadian Path
- Agree to the Code of Conduct
c. Our 'Two Scouter Rule' is the requirement for two Scouters to 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. See Supervision Guide for Scouting Activities for a comprehensive understanding of The Two Scouter Rule, Youth:Scouter Ratios and Scouter Team Composition.
d. Section (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, etc...) ratios. We operate on a 1:8 ratio (1 Scouter for every 8 youth with a minimum of 2 Scouters as per the 2-Scouter Rule). The same ratio rule exists for every section. Our ratio is the lowest Scouter to youth ratio when compared with other comparable Canadian youth organizations.
e. A comprehensive set of Policies, Procedures and Standards to guide Volunteers on Youth Protection and Managing Risk .
f. First Aid Standards that ensure youth always have First Aid Certified Scouters ready.
g. A library of Safety Tips for over 50 topics/circumstances. For example: Safety Tips: Lyme Disease and Ticks / Safety Tips: Toboggan Safety / Safety Tip: Bunk Bed Safety
Registering for Scouts is easy! You can Register online.
How do I purchase a uniform and what will my child need?
You can purchase a uniform and many other Scouting supplies online at Scoutshop.ca, however, we recommend getting to know your Group and attending couple section meetings first in order to find out about uniform needs. Every Scout Group is different and some may require wearing a uniform to every meeting while others would only request it to be worn at special events. Your Group may also have some uniform pieces on hand which will allow you to avoid paying shipping fees.
The annual National Registration fee will be going up to $295 per youth as of June 1, 2026. Local Groups may also charge an additional registration fee. 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. 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.
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 apply for the Scouts Canada No One Left Behind Program.
What will my child gain from Scouts Canada programming?
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.
The Canadian Path is a program unique to and developed by Scouts Canada. This well-rounded program offers youth ages 5 to 26 the opportunity to experience new things, have more adventures and develop into confident and capable individuals, better prepared for success in the world.
There are 6 main Program Areas:
Environment and the Outdoors: Learning about and interacting with nature and the environment.
Leadership: Learning about and practising the skills of being good leaders in their section (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts etc...) local community and Canada.
Active and Healthy Living: Learning about being active while developing good mental and physical habits for happy and healthy living.
Citizenship: Learning about being good citizens in their community, Canada and the world.
Creative Expression: Learning about exploring and sharing their own creative expression and trying out the creative expression engaged in by others.
Beliefs and Values: Learning about personal values and beliefs as well as the diversity of cultures and faiths that make up our communities, our nation and our world.
From Beaver Scouts to Rover Scouts, youth take the lead, youth will organize ways to achieve goals, and will collectively reflect on their experience after the goal is met. With support from adult Scouters, this “Plan-Do-Review” method is one of the many ways that the Canadian Path can help youth develop into critical thinkers, extend their personal progression, and encourage active participation in an inclusive team dynamic.
What Section should my child enroll in?
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.
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 bringing snacks for Beaver Scouts or Cub Scouts outings. Parents are required to complete screening (as per the Scouts Canada Non-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 in total before they must become a Scouts Canada member and pass all screening requirements of a regular volunteer.
What can parents expect if they need screening to participate in a daytime activity?
There are three simple steps to screening parents – it won’t take more than 10 minutes.
- Scouters will discuss what is expected of parents at the activity.
- Parents will need to read, understand and sign our Code of Conduct annually.
- They will introduce the parents to the rest of the youth and explain their role at the activity.
What screening is required for parents/guardians to attend an activity overnight?
Requirements are the same as if attending a daytime activity with one addition.
- Scouters will discuss what is expected of parents at the activity.
- Parents will need to read, understand and sign our Code of Conduct annually.
- Scouters will introduce the parents to the rest of the youth and explain their role at the activity.
- Parents will need to take the Safe Scouting for Parents course.
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 Scouts Canada?
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 happens if there is a custody disagreement about a youth participating in Scouting?
Scouts Canada understands that family situations can be complex. However, Scouts Canada and its local Groups are not responsible for interpreting, enforcing, or intervening in custody agreements, parenting orders, or access arrangements.
We are not in a position to determine which parent or guardian has decision-making authority, nor can we enforce court orders related to custody or attendance. Any disputes regarding parental consent, access, or decision-making must be resolved directly between the involved family members or through the appropriate legal channels.
Our role is limited to ensuring that:
- Youth are properly registered and fully active before attending programming.
- Volunteers follow Scouts Canada’s established registration and safety procedures.
If both guardians agree on changes related to a youth’s participation and communicate that agreement to us jointly, we are happy to update our records accordingly.
Where there is an ongoing dispute or unclear direction, the matter must be addressed outside of Scouts Canada. We encourage families to seek legal guidance if clarification is needed.
When does the Scouting year start/end?
Scouting/Program Year runs from September 1 until August 31 of the following year with a break for summer. Weekly meetings normally start in mid-September and run until May/June. Most Groups do not meet regularly during summer months.
Please refer to Early 2026-2027 Registration FAQ - For Parents article on most up-to-date registration information and dates.
What type of activities do Scouts undergo?
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.
When and where do Groups meet?
Groups typically meet once a week for 1 to 1.5 hours. In most cases, the program also includes weekend activities like hiking and camping.
Help Centre
Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Help Centre.
