When does early 2026 registration open?
2026 participant registration opens exclusively for returning members on August 5, 2025. Anyone currently registered in Scouting can renew their membership in the same Group for 2026 between August 5 and September 3.
Registration for 2026 will be available for new members on a staggered, regional-based schedule starting September 4, 2025. Existing members may renew their membership into a different Group once registration is available for that Group's Region.
Why is new member registration being staggered this year once agian?
Decision was made to once again offer staggered regional registration in Fall 2025 based on positive feedback from parents and volunteers from last year. This approach significantly reduces the load on MyScouts, shortens wait times, and provides an improved registration experience for parents and volunteers.
What is the staggered, regional registration schedule?
September 4-7 - New and existing members can register in Groups located in Alberta, British Colombia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut ONLY.
September 8-11 - New members and existing members can register in Groups located in Ontario ONLY.
September 12 - New members and existing members can now register in Groups located in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. New and existing members who could not register during their regional window can also register at this time.
*MyScouts will remain fully available for volunteer functions during all windows but will require entry through the waiting room.
What is the fee for a yearly membership?
Starting August 5, the annual membership fee will be increased to $277 to keep up with yearly inflation. This does not include any Group fees charged to defray local programming costs or any weekly dues that the Group may require.
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.
Early registration allows Groups to plan for the upcoming Scouting Year and enables as many youths as possible to enjoy the benefits of Scouting.
If I paid for registration earlier this year, why do I have to pay for membership twice in the same year?
Scouts Canada’s membership runs on an annual basis from January to December. Not many other youth activities are offered for a full year with so much value and benefit. Current members can continue Scouting and sign up for next year when it is most convenient for them — whether that be in September or January 2026.
My child is a returning member. Can I secure my spot now, but pay in January?
Scouts Canada does not offer a differed payment option. To guarantee your spot for next year, it is recommended that you renew your child's membership during early renewal on August 5, 2025. Every Section is different, while some Sections may have limited capacity and fill up quickly, others may have open spots in January. As a result, you can choose to pay for the next membership year during early registration or you can wait until the end of December (provided there is still room in your child’s Section) because your child is still a member until December.
NOTE: A child is only considered registered once they have paid for their membership fees. Sections will not be holding spots for the next membership year for renewing members once registration opens to new members on September 4th.
Why do new members get an extra few months of Scouting for free?
Scouts Canada has always offered early registration where new members had the opportunity to start Scouting in September before the actual registration year kicks in January next year.
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.
If I am already a registered member and I am supposed to move up to the next Section in September, how do I register in the new Section?
Your Group Commissioner can move your child's 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 next Membership Year that runs from January 1 to December 31.
What benefit do I get from having registered for Scouting this year for the next Membership Year?
If you registered in Scouting in January, your membership is valid until December 31st. You are under no obligation to renew until next January.
However, if you know you will continue Scouting next year, and you wish to register early to save your child's spot in their preferred Group – you will have the opportunity to do so starting August 5th.
What payment methods can I use to pay for my youth’s registration?
For security purposes, the only available methods of payment for registrations are VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and PayPal.
What if a family cannot afford the full membership fee?
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 No One Left Behind Subsidies article.
How old do you have to be to be able to register in Beavers?
The Beaver Scout program is for youth aged 5-7. When using early registration for the Membership Year beginning January 1 next year, youth must be 5 years old on or before December 31 of this year.
What is the refund policy for the upcoming 2026 Membership Year?
The Membership Year for 2026 will run from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026. If you registered your child anytime between August 5th (returning members)/ September 4th (new members) in 2025 and January 1st, 2026, you can receive a full refund if your refund request is received by January 31st, 2026. For registrations after January 1st, 2026, the standard 30-day refund policy applies. All refunds are issued in the manner in which the original payment was made.
What are the Registration and Refund Terms and Conditions?
You can view the Registration and Refund Terms and Conditions here.
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.
How long is my child enrolled?
The registration fee covers 12 months, from January to December in any given year.
Why am I paying for the summer?
Scouting registration fees have always covered the full 12 months. Historically, September through the spring has been our busiest time, however, groups and sections are encouraged 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.
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.
Help Centre
Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Help Centre.
