Guidelines for Venturer Scout Company Membership

Recently, an updated statement concerning Venturer Company membership was approved by the National Service Team. This change was necessary to set out clearer direction to Companies as it relates to Scouts Canada’s membership criteria:  “Open and inclusive to young people”. 

 

In the past, it was somewhat confusing, as Companies may have imposed a process of voting or ‘approving’ prospective members. This barrier to membership was seen to be sending the wrong message to both existing members of Scouting and to potential members. Please ensure that your Company is following the protocol as described below: 

The Venturer Scout program is an inclusive program open to all young people aged 14-17 who accept and live by the Venturer Promise and the bylaws of the Company being joined. 

 

All Companies are encouraged to develop a set of by-laws to govern their operations. Where a company decides they will form under a specific vocation or special interest, they must develop and live by a set of by-laws that are appropriate to their vocation or special interest. 

 

Companies may only exclude new youth who accept the Venturer Promise from joining, if the applicant is demonstrably unable to meet any attendance, physical or skill requirements specific to the chosen vocation or interest that have been previously identified in their duly approved bylaws. 

 

Should a candidate be declined due to not meeting the requirements stated in the by-laws, it is the responsibility of the Executive and the Advisor to make every effort to find a suitable placement with another Company.