As Scouts Canada transitions back to a school-year membership cycle (September–August), registration timing will look a little different this year. Below you’ll find important dates, fees and what to expect if your child is returning or joining for the first time. Please reference Registration Year Transition 2026-2027 – Parent FAQ for details on Scouting Year Transition.
- When does the 2026 calendar year registration close?
- Will there be a registration blackout period?
- How do I sign up for Scouts?
- When can returning members renew and what is the fee?
- What happens if we miss the renewal window?
- When can new members register and what is the fee?
- When does the part-year fee apply and how much is it?
- What’s the difference between registering on June 1 and September 1?
- How long is my child enrolled for?
- How do waitlists work for new members?
- Can my child attend before registering?
- Can we register while outside Canada?
- What Section should my child enroll in?
- What is the refund policy for the 2026-27 Scouting Year?
- Is financial assistance available and are there any changes to No One Left Behind Program?
When does the 2026 calendar year registration close?
The current 2026 calendar year membership (January 1 – December 31, 2026) will close on March 31, 2026.
Will there be a registration blackout period?
Yes. Participant registration will be temporarily unavailable in MyScouts from April 1 to April 14, 2026 while system updates and financial reconciliation are completed.
During this time, families will not be able to renew or register youth members. Regular registration access resumes on April 15 for returning members.
How do I sign up for Scouts?
Registering for Scouts is easy!
You can Register online. If you need help registering, please refer to the instructions on How to register or renew a youth participant article as well as registration dates below.
When can returning members renew and what is the fee?
Returning members can renew between April 15 and May 31, 2026.
During this six-week window, families will pay a prorated renewal fee of $197, which extends membership through August 2027 as part of the transition back to a September–August Scouting year.
Renewing during this window confirms your child’s place for the January 1 – August 31, 2027 portion of 2026-27 Scouting year and secures the lowest transition rate.
What happens if we miss the renewal window?
If the April 15–May 31 renewal window is missed, the prorated $197 rate will no longer be available.
If you renew between June 1 and November 30, 2026, the full annual fee of $295 will apply.
Beginning December 1, 2026, a part-year prorated fee of $210 will apply for the January 1 – August 31, 2027 portion of the 2026–2027 Scouting year.
Your child’s current membership remains active until December 31, 2026, but spaces for the upcoming Scouting year may begin filling once open registration starts. Families intending to continue are strongly encouraged to renew during the April–May window.
When can new members register and what is the fee?
Open registration for new members begins June 1, 2026 for the 2026–2027 Scouting year (September 1 – August 31).
New members registering between June 1 and November 30, 2026 will pay the full annual fee of $295.
Starting December 1, 2026, new members will pay the prorated part-year fee of $210 for the remainder of the Scouting year.
When does the part-year fee apply and how much is it?
The part-year fee of $210 applies beginning December 1, 2026.
This fee applies to:
- Returning members who renew on or after December 1, and
- New members who register on or after December 1
The $210 fee covers participation for the remainder of the 2026–2027 Scouting year (ending August 31, 2027).
What’s the difference between registering on June 1 and September 1?
There is no difference in fee or registration process. Opening registration on June 1 gives families an earlier opportunity to secure their child’s place for the upcoming Scouting year.
Because registration activity is typically lower in June than in late August and early September, families who register early may experience less site traffic and have a better opportunity to secure space in their preferred Group or Section.
Most regular programming begins in September. Some Groups may offer optional summer activities, but this varies by location.
How long is my child enrolled for?
The registration fee covers one full Scouting year, from September 1 to August 31 of the following year.
If you register your child after September 1, the membership will still end on August 31 of that Scouting year. The enrolment period does not extend based on the date of registration.
How do waitlists work for new members?
New families will not be able to register or join a waitlist between April 1 and May 31. However, beginning April 15, parents may create a MyScouts account and set up their child’s profile in preparation for registration.
Starting June 1, families may register or join a waitlist if their preferred Group or Section is full.
If a Group reaches capacity, families are encouraged to join the waitlist, as spaces may become available.
Can my child attend before registering?
Prospective youth may attend up to four trial meetings, where available, prior to completing online registration. Registration is not required for trial participation. Availability of trial meetings varies by location.
Can we register while outside Canada?
MyScouts can only be accessed from Canada or the United States due to system security controls. Families who expect to be travelling internationally during registration periods should strive to complete registration before departure where possible.
What Section should my child enroll in?
Beavers (Ages 5 -7)
Fun and friendship are the cornerstones of the Beaver Scouts program.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
Scouts (Ages 11 – 14)
Scouts is about having fun while gaining valuable leadership skills and self-confidence.
Learn More
Venturer Scouts (Ages 15-17)
The Venturer Scout program offers exciting, real life, hands-on experiences for youth.
Learn More
Rover Scouts (Ages 18 – 26)
Rover Scout programs provide opportunities to practice new skills like mountain climbing or whitewater rafting.
Learn More
What is the refund policy for the 2026-27 Scouting Year?
To qualify for a refund of a 2026-27 membership fee, requests must be submitted within the following timelines:
New or lapsed Members
Registrations completed on or before September 15, 2026: Refund requests must be received no later than October 15, 2026.
Registrations completed after September 15, 2026: Refund requests must be received within 30 days of the registration date.
Existing Member Renewal
Renewals completed on or before January 1, 2027: Refund requests must be received no later than January 31, 2027.
Registrations completed after January 1, 2027: Refund requests must be received within 30 days of the registration date.
Refunds cannot be issued outside of these timeframes.
Is financial assistance available and are there any changes to No One Left Behind Program?
Yes. The “No One Left Behind” program will continue to support both renewing and new members with regards to membership fees.
For the 2026–2027 Scouting Year, the program will introduce a two-tier funding model based on family Net income and size. Families with the highest level of need will be receiving up to 50% discount on new or renewed memberships.
More details can be found in our No One Left Behind Subsidies article.