One of the most proven successful ways to have new youth and adults explore the benefits of Scouting is to Bring a Friend to a meeting or event.
For non-member guests, it is an opportunity to try Scouting. They will receive a taste of our activities and experiences that are unique to Scouting.
For Scouting youth, it’s an opportunity to show off how super cool Scouting can be!
For the Group, it provides an opportunity to increase the number of youth in their Sections and to connect with parents who may choose to become Scouters.
What are the rules when a non-member friend is in attendance?
The Two Scouter Rule and Section Ratios must be maintained to include non-members in attendance. For reference see “The Two Scouter Rule and Section Ratios: Supervision for Scouting Programs.”
Non-member friends are welcome to participate in four weekly program meetings before being asked to register and pay fees.
The Section is responsible for making certain they are prepared for the non-member’s visit by ensuring The Two Scouter Rule and Section Ratios are maintained to include the non-member friend in attendance.
How does a non-member friend participate in an overnight camp?
Non-member friends are also welcome to attend overnight camp before being required to register and paying fees.
Bring-a-friend to Camp is acceptable when:
- ALL camp information has been approved by the Group
- ALL parents have complete information about the camp
- The camp is held at a Scouts Canada property
- A Hold Harmless form has been completed and submitted by the non-member
- At the conclusion of the camp, the non-member youth either registers or discontinues their involvement with the Section.
Note: The same rule with meetings also applies at camp. The Two Scouter Rule and Section Ratios must be maintained to include non-members in attendance.
What does a non-member friend have to bring with them when they attend Scouting activities?
Non-member friends should bring any information requested by the Section Scouters prior to the meeting or event. For example: Section Scouters may request non-member youth provide parent’s contact information, emergency contact information, allergies, etc...
The information requested may vary depending on the event and Section. For example: If Scouters know during a meeting where a non-member is in attendance that food will be served the Scouter may feel it necessary to ask the non-member to make them aware of any food sensitivities or allergies.
Communication is key! Non-member friends must ensure they communicate with the Group Scouter prior to attending any meeting or event.
Are the parents of the non-member youth attending required to attend the meeting or event with their child?
Parents are not required to attend meetings or events with their child. Parents are welcome to attend however it is not mandatory.
Can the parent of a non-member friend act as a Parent Helper for the Group?
Yes! The parent of a non-member youth can act as a Parent Helper during the meeting their non-member youth is attending if they meet the required Volunteer Screening Criteria.
Are all non-member friends welcome to participate?
Non-member friends are welcome to participate if they are the same age as the other youth in the Section they are a guest of. Non-member friends must also agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and be respectful of the Section’s participants and Scouters.
How can Scouters encourage members to bring a friend?
A simple way to begin to encourage members to bring a friend is by reminding members that Scouting provides more youth with an opportunity to learn and to experience things that they cannot experience elsewhere. This is why Membership Growth is one of Scouts Canada’s Five Priorities for Success.
Specifically, Scouters can designate ‘Bring-a-Friend’ nights or events. The Group could play a game or design an activity to welcome their non-member guest.
How should Scouters prepare for their non-member guests?
Scouters should prepare by ensuring they communicate with the non-member youth’s parents prior to the meeting or event. Scouters should be aware if the non-member youth has any special needs and/or concerns prior to attending an event as a guest.
Also, Scouters should be prepared to explain to non-member’s parents how to move forward with youth registration if they choose to join the section and to answer questions about registration fees, program information and how to register as a Volunteer.
Help Centre
Still need help? Please feel free to contact the Scouts Canada Help Centre:
