SCOUTING IN CANADA
SCOUTS CANADA

Royal Charter granted by King George V in 1912 incorporated the Boy Scout Movement as “The Boy Scout Association” throughout the British Commonwealth. Scouting came to Canada in the sspring of 1908 - just a month after the book
“ Scouting for Boys” was published in England. The Canadian General Council of the Boy Scout Association was incorporated by an act of the Canadian Parliament on June 12,1914. The Canadian General Council was a branch of the Boy Scout Association until October 30, 1946, when it became an independent member of the Boy Scout World Conference. A subsequent amendment changed the name to Boy Scouts of Canada. In 1976 the Scouts Canada logo was introduced and since then Scouting in Canada has become commonly referred to as SCOUTS CANADA.

Baden-Powell (B-P.)wrote to Earl Grey in 1910 to ask him to organize Scouting in Canada. Since that time, every Governor General has been either the Chief Scout for Canada (prior to 1946) or Chief Scout of Canada (after 1946).

The "Aim" of Scouts Canada is to help children, youth and adults develop their character as resourceful and responsible members of the community by providing opportunities and guidance for their mental, physical, social and spiritual development. This aim has been restated as program objectives. These objectives provide opportunities and guidance for members to develop and demonstrate a personal: understanding of God; ability to accept responsibility for themselves mentally, physically, socially, spiritually and for the consequences of their actions; ability to respond to others in caring ways; awareness of and concern for the environment.

Each program section emphasizes meeting these program objectives at a level appropriate to the age range and capabilities of the members in that section. Together the programs for all sections combine towards the development of the whole person and an in-depth appreciation and commitment to the principles of Scouting.

Program Sections:

Beavers - a program for 5 to 7 year olds designed around the concept of sharing.

Cubs - designed especially for 8 to 10 year olds, this program provides children with the opportunity to work and play with others developing responsibility and increasing their skills in hobbies and crafts.

Scouts – This section provides the opportunities for children aged 11 to 14 (with the option to remain until age 16) to have membership in small friendship and interest groups, to try a variety of challenging and appealing activities based on learning by doing, to develop health and fitness, an appreciation of and experience in the community and the outdoors.

Venturers - is a program for youth, ages 14 to 17 which helps them adapt to a rapidly changing world by meeting people, going places and doing things.

Rovers - is a program for adults ages 18 to 26 which helps individual development and self-discovery.

The affairs of Scouts Canada are administered and managed by an executive committee called the National Council. Scouts Canada grants charters to Provincial Councils to administer Scouting within the area as defined in the charter. Provincial Councils can also charter local councils to administer Scouting within defined areas.

Motto: Be Prepared

Scout Oath:

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to God and the Queen,
To help other people at all times,
And to carry out the spirit of the Scout Law.

Scout Law:

A Scout is helpful and trustworthy
A Scout is kind and cheerful
A Scout is considerate and clean
A Scout is wise in the use of all resources.