Moving Back to a September–August Membership Year
- What is changing?
- Why is Scouts Canada making this change?
- How does this benefit my child?
- How does this benefit parents?
- What will happen during the transition year (2026)?
- What if I miss the early renewal window?
- Will summer programming change?
- Why not wait longer to make this change?
- What stays the same?
What is changing?
Starting in 2026, Scouts Canada will move its membership year from the current January–December calendar year back to a September–August Scouting Year.
This means your child’s membership will run from September 1 to August 31, instead of January 1 to December 31.
This was the model Scouts Canada used before COVID. During the pandemic, the year was temporarily shifted to align with the calendar year. After several years of experience and feedback, we’re returning to a structure that better reflects how Scouting naturally operates.
Why is Scouts Canada making this change?
This decision is largely based on feedback from volunteers and families.
In a national consultation held in late 2025:
- 84% of respondents supported making the change
- Only 5% preferred keeping the current calendar-year model
- Most respondents indicated they were ready to implement the change in 2026
Families told us that Scouting already feels like a school-year activity. Programs typically ramp up in September, youth move up sections in the fall, and many groups pause or scale back programming over the summer. Aligning membership with that rhythm simply makes sense.
The goal is to reduce confusion and make Scouting easier to understand and plan for.
How does this benefit my child?
One of the biggest benefits is a smoother, more natural start to the Scouting year.
Right now, January 1 is technically the start of the membership year — but most youth begin attending in September. That disconnect can feel confusing for new families.
With the September–August model:
- Youth start at the same time as their peers
- New members join at the beginning of the program cycle
- Section transitions (for example, Beavers moving to Cubs) align cleanly with the new school year
Scouters also won’t need to repeat major programming mid-year to accommodate multiple large intake waves. Your child benefits from a more cohesive experience, progressing alongside peers from the start of the year.
How does this benefit parents?
For parents, this change makes planning much simpler.
Most families organize extracurricular activities around the school calendar. Aligning Scouting with that same timeline allows you to plan fall activities in one place at one time, rather than navigating a January renewal that feels disconnected from the actual program start.
Another improvement is the elimination of “extension vouchers.” Under the current system, families who joined in the summer often required administrative adjustments because they were technically joining before the official January start. This created confusion and extra support requests. The new model removes that complexity entirely.
In short, it simplifies the registration experience and aligns it with how families naturally plan their year.
What will happen during the transition year (2026)?
To make the change fair and smooth, 2026 will be a transition year.
- April 15 – May 31, 2026: Early renewal period for current members
- June 1, 2026: Registration opens to New members for the upcoming 26-27 Scouting Year
- September 1, 2026: Membership and Program 2026-2027 Scouting Year begins
- August 31, 2027: Membership and Program 2026-2027 Scouting Year ends
If your child is renewing in 2026, you will not be double charged. Because families will have already paid for part of 2026 under the old system, renewal fees during the transition will be pro-rated (adjusted) to reflect only the remaining months needed to complete the shift.
This pro-rated structure is a one-time adjustment designed to ensure fairness. For further details on fees and dates, please refer to Early 2026-2027 Registration FAQ – For Parents article.
What if I miss the early renewal window?
Scouts Canada will be putting significant effort into communication to ensure families are well informed about renewal timelines.
You will receive reminders and guidance from both Scouts Canada and your local group. Renewing during the designated window ensures you receive the appropriate transition pricing. After the transition year, renewals will follow a consistent spring schedule each year.
Clear communication is a priority, and we are committed to making this straightforward and transparent.
Will summer programming change?
Not necessarily.
Some groups run active summer programs, while others pause or reduce activities. That flexibility remains.
The change simply aligns the membership year with the natural September program start. Groups will continue to make decisions locally about summer activities, camps, and events.
Why not wait longer to make this change?
Feedback showed strong readiness:
- 66% of respondents said they were ready within six months
- Only 3% felt they needed more than a year to prepare
- 84% supported implementing the change in 2026
There is broad agreement that aligning with the school year reduces confusion and better supports long-term growth and retention. Making the change now allows Scouts Canada to stabilize the model rather than extend a system that families and volunteers find less intuitive.
What stays the same?
While the timing of the membership year is changing, the heart of Scouting remains the same:
- The program experience
- Section structure by age
- Leadership and volunteer commitment
- Focus on youth development, safety, adventure, and community
This change is about improving planning and experience for both parents and volunteers — not altering what makes Scouting meaningful.