Registered Members: official recognition, and protection for members

Registration is an annual process and consists of filling out an Application for Membership form (either manually or on-line), and bringing the completed form and the membership fee to a group registration night or program meeting night.

The group reviews each application and, if accepted, processes the fee and confirms membership for the year in the Membership Management System. Adult volunteers must complete all steps in the Volunteer Screening Process before their membership can be confirmed. Once processed, all forms are forwarded to a Council Office for archiving. A portion of the fee stays with the group; a portion is forwarded to the Council; a portion goes to the National Office for payment of the Scouts Canada membership fee and insurance.

Once an application has been accepted and membership for the year has been confirmed by the Group, the individual become a member of Scouts Canada, and eligible for the benefits of membership. .

 Some benefits of membership with Scouts Canada include:

• a card attesting the individual's membership in the world's largest youth movement
• the right to wear the Scouting uniform and to participate in its programs
• indemnity and liability insurance
• a copy of Scouting Life Magazine for every adult volunteer in the group
• program and training support from your local council

For the 2008/2009 Scouting year, the National portion of the membership fee is $45.00 which includes the World fee; plus an insurance premium of $15.00, for a total of $60.00.

It is not uncommon to have additional members join a section after the initial registration has been processed. Bring-a-Friend nights, special promotions during Scout/Guide Week or word of mouth often result in attracting new members. It is imperative that fees are paid and forms completed and processed promptly for these additional members even after the initial registration has been processed. Membership fees are collected in trust for the youth and the Movement; with the expectation that they will be passed along quickly.

As spring arrives and we begin to head outdoors for hikes, Scoutrees or various cuborees, camporees or summer camps, it is essential that section leaders check that all additional members have been registered. An unregistered but active individual not insured and is a legal liability to the group and to the Movement.

Registration in the fall and throughout the year is necessary, and everyone from section leaders through to council officials have a responsibility to process registrations in a timely fashion.