Early Registration FAQ

  1. When does early registration open?
  2. Why is new member registration being staggered this year?
  3. What is the fee for a yearly membership?
  4. Why offer early registration?
  5. If I paid for registration earlier this year, why do I have to pay for membership twice in the same year?
  6. My child is a returning member. Can I secure my spot now, but pay in January?
  7. Why do new members get an extra few months of Scouting for free?
  8. 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?
  9. What benefit do I get from having registered for Scouting this year for the next Scouting Year?
  10. What payment methods can I use to pay for my youth’s registration?
  11. What if a family cannot afford the full membership fee?
  12. How old do you have to be to be able to register in Beavers?
  13. What is the refund policy for the upcoming 2025 Scouting Year?
  14. What are the Registration and Refund Terms and Conditions?
  15. How do I sign up for Scouts?
  16. How long is my child enrolled?
  17. Why am I paying for the summer?
  18. What Section should my child enrol in?

When does early registration open?

2025 participant registration opens exclusively for returning members on August 1, 2024. Anyone currently registered in Scouting can renew their membership in the same Group for 2025 between August 1 and September 7.

Registration for 2025 will be available for new members on a staggered, regional-based schedule starting September 8, 2024. Existing members may renew their membership into a different Group once registration is available for that Group.

 

Why is new member registration being staggered this year?

To protect the registration system, reduce wait times, and provide an improved experience for parents and volunteers, we have staggered the peak new member registration period to reduce the load on the system.

 

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September 8-14 - New and existing members can register in Groups located in British Colombia and Alberta. MyScouts access is unrestricted for volunteer functions but remains protected by the waiting room.

September 15-21 - New members and existing members can register in Groups located in Ontario. MyScouts access is unrestricted for volunteer functions but remains protected by the waiting room.

September 22 - New members and existing members can register in Groups located in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island. New and existing members who could not register during their regional window can also register at this time. MyScouts access is unrestricted for volunteer functions but remains protected by the waiting room.

 

What is the fee for a yearly membership?

The fee is $270 for a 2025 youth membership. 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 or the Help Centre, helpcentre@scouts.ca

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. 

 

Why offer early registration?

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 up until January next.

 

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 membership during early renewal on August 1st. 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 Scouting 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 Scouting Year, for renewing members, once registration opens to new members on September 8th.

 

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 transfer your 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 Scouting Year that runs from January 1 to December 31.

(Note: this isn’t a change in process. Swim up logic in the system hasn’t changed at all, only thing that changed is that the Program Year and Registration Year are no longer aligned).

 

What benefit do I get from having registered for Scouting this year for the next Scouting 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 1st.

 

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: https://www.scouts.ca/donate/campaign-and-fundraising/no-one-left-behind.html 

 

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 Scouting 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 2025 Scouting Year?

The Scouting Year for 2025 will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.  If you registered your child anytime between August 1st (returning members)/ September 8th (new members) in 2024 and January 1st, 2025, you can receive a full refund up until January 31st, 2025.  For registrations after January 1st, 2025, 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.

 

How do I sign up for Scouts?

Registering for Scouts is easy!

You can Register online. If you need help registering please visit the online support centre.

 

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 enrol 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

 

Help Centre

Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Help Centre.

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