Scouts Canada is an organization that works to help Canadian youth become resourceful and responsible citizens. It provides opportunities and guidance for young people to develop physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. Scouts Canada accepts both boys and girls as members.
The principles of Scouts Canada are:
“Duty to God: Defined as, The responsibility to adhere to spiritual principles, and thus to the religion that expresses them, and to accept the duties therefrom.
“Duty to Others: Defined as, The responsibility to one’s local, national and global community members to promote peace, understanding and cooperation, through participation in the development of society, respect for the dignity of one’s fellow-beings, and protection of the integrity of the natural world.
“Duty to Self: Defined as, The responsibility for the development of oneself to one’s full potential physically, intellectually, spiritually and socially.”
Age groups.
Canadian Scouts are divided into five age groups: (1) Beaver Scouts, (2) Wolf Cubs, (3) Scouts, (4) Venturer Scouts, and (5) Rover Scouts. Each group follows a program designed for its specific needs. Programs may be adapted to meet local conditions, such as those of Arctic communities, and the needs of ethnic groups and of disabled members.
Beavers
are from 5 to 7 years old. They are organized into groups called colonies, most of which consist of 20 to 25 members. The Beaver program emphasizes sharing. There are no badges or awards. Beaver Scouts wear brown vests over cream-colored knit shirts, and blue hats. They make “beaver tails” of felt and sew them onto their hats. The color of the tail indicates the Beaver’s age and degree of development.
Cub Scouts
are from 8 to 10 years old. Groups of Cub Scouts are called packs. Most packs consist of 24 Cubs and are divided into four small units called sixes. Wolf Cubs learn to work and play in groups. They try various hobbies and handicrafts. Cubs can earn stars and badges for their achievements. Cub Scouts wear gray shirts. The uniform consists of a tan shirt, navy trousers or skirt, and a navy beret.
Scouts
range in age from 11 to 14. They form troops of 20 to 30 members and smaller groups called patrols. Scouts go on camping trips and learn such skills as hiking, swimming, outdoor cooking, and first aid. They also develop individual hobbies, physical fitness, and leadership skills. Scouts can earn achievement badges and challenge badges for their accomplishments. Scouts wear green shirts.
Venturer Scouts
are from 14 to 17 years old. They form groups called companies, which elect officers and plan activities based on the interests of their members. Venturers wear navy shirts.
Rover Scouts
range from 18 to 26 years old. The Rover program is determined by the Rover group. It provides members with opportunities for individual development and a chance to explore various careers. Rovers wear red shirts.
Organization.
Each Scout pays an annual fee. Local Scout units are sponsored by churches, service clubs, schools, and other community groups. Scouts Canada grants charters to the sponsoring organizations. It works closely with L’Association des Scouts du Canada, a separate organization that provides Scouting programs for French-speaking Canadian Scouts. The Chief Scout of Canada heads both organizations. Traditionally, the governor general of Canada serves as the Chief Scout. Scouts Canada’s national office is in Ottawa.
History.
The Scouting movement in Canada began in 1908. On June 12, 1914, a Canadian Scouting organization was incorporated as the Canadian General Council of the Boy Scout Association. Between 1946 and 1976, the group was known as the Boy Scouts of Canada. In 1976, the group became known as Scouts Canada. Membership has been open to both boys and girls since 1992.
