Youth-led Programming
Scouting is one of the few places where young people gain leadership skills by leading their peers on meaningful adventures. Scouts Canada’s program encourages youth to set their own goals, create organized plans to achieve these goals, and collectively reflect on their experiences and personal development. Youth leadership is one of the many ways that the Scouts Canada program helps youth develop into critical thinkers and team players, better prepared for success in the world.
Kaelem Moniz
Scouting Youth
Scouting has taught my son so many skills and given him opportunities to try so many great adventures! I’d highly recommend the program to any parent who is looking for a value-packed, fun, challenging and diverse program where they can participate with their child.
Kathleen Lehman
Scouting Parent
Program Satisfaction
Parents reported a 0% Satisfaction Rate with Scouts Canada’s Program.
Youth Report Increased Confidence
Youth Report Leadership Skills
Youth Report Sense of Community
*Source: Parent Satisfaction Survey
Outdoor Adventure
Nature is a Scout’s playground. A place to discover new things and embark on great adventures. A place where Scouting youth discover the best in themselves.
From Beavers Scouts to Rover Scouts, 2017–2018 was a great year that saw youth challenge themselves in the outdoors.
18,709
Beaver Scouts…
… discovered the world through adventures like camping, hiking, playing games, having campfires, and forging new friendships.
21,005
Cub Scouts…
… discovered new things by living the Section motto of “Do Your Best”, all while enjoying outdoor activities like hikes, weekend camps and canoeing.
14,006
Scouts…
… gained valuable leadership skills and self-confidence by embarking on outdoor adventures like mountain biking, rock climbing and a lot of camping.
3,790
Venturer Scouts…
… led exciting, real-life, hands-on adventures. Along the way they learned to nurture an active and healthy lifestyle, acquiring knowledge and skills for career development.
1,371
Rover Scouts…
… embarked on a journey that allowed them to set their own personal goals and work to accomplish them in life, academics and professional spheres.
Tell us about your greatest Scouting adventure
One of my greatest Scouting adventures occurred at Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park near Squamish, BC. We spent the entire day hiking with our gear, and when we finally reached our campsite we decided to drop off our packs and climb the Gargoyles. The additional two hours of hiking through the snow to reach the peak was worth it. The view from the top was phenomenal as we found ourselves at the top of the mountain while the sun was setting.
Inara Mawji
Rover Scout
My greatest Scouting adventures have been those that pushed me to my limit, most notably the hikes. Climbing Mount Washington and hiking the Long Trail to Jay Peak have pushed my body to its limit; however, with the right gear and equipment, I was able to pull it off. The view from the top of both peaks was amazing and gave me a great spiritual feeling.
Thomas Scoffield
Rover Scout
My greatest Scouting memories are all coupled with first experiences. Sleeping in a tent for the first time, my first campfire, participating in two Canadian Jamborees — the first one allowing me to travel on a plane, alone, for the first time. All these experiences are things that I cherish and enjoy sharing because they are components of Scouting that have become amazing memories that will last a lifetime, but have also made me a confident and well-rounded person.
Kaitlyn Patterson
Rover Scout
Active Citizenship
Scouting youth from across the country contributed to bringing our Vision to life throughout the 2017–2018 year.
Youth took on active roles as environmental stewards, encouraging the Canadian public to embrace the protection of nature by carrying out over 2,550 environmental service projects like shoreline clean-ups and tree planting.
Due to the remarkable accomplishments of our youth, Scouts Canada was nominated for a category in the 2017 Nature Inspiration Awards.
As active members of their local communities, Scouting youth rolled up their sleeves and took part in 2,550 community service projects — such as food and clothing drives — totalling 426,000 service hours.
Scouts’ strong sense of civic responsibility positively impacted over 2,000 Canadian communities over the past year.
*Approximations based on membership numbers & program guidelines.
Nature Inspiration Award Nomination
Due to the remarkable accomplishments of our youth, Scouts Canada was nominated for a category in the 2017 Nature Inspiration Awards.
Organized by the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Nature Inspiration Awards recognize individuals and organizations that, through their work or specific projects, encourage Canadians to take an interest in natural history, create links with nature and contribute to its preservation.
International Impact
Scouting is a global movement. As a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Scouts Canada youth are provided with a wide array of opportunities to travel abroad. They develop an understanding of the world and its many cultures.
2017–2018 saw over 2,300 Scouts Canada youth travel to 14 countries.
Youth even travelled abroad to give back to other countries — like youth from the Tri-Shores and Central Escarpment Councils, who ventured to Uganda to build a clean water source for the village of Kaazi.
Ugandan-Canadian Scouts Unite a Village through a Clean Water Initiative
“Recognizing the different lifestyles we live in Canada was a huge awakening for our youth. It reminded them of how lucky we are and how much we take for granted,” said Canadian Scouter, Myles Vanni. “If we’re thirsty, we turn on the tap and take a glass of water. Many people around the world have to hike and fill a jug to carry back home—and then after all that, the water is dirty.”
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As Scouts, the program leads us on our journey to become the best we can be. And with a focus on Youth-led planning and adventures, we are limited only by the boundaries of our imagination. It is a fun, hands-on learning experience where you can discover your potential in a safe, adventurous and inclusive way.