OUR IMPACT

SCOUTS CANADA'S
MISSION IMPACT

2019 - 2020 ANNUAL REPORT


Letter from the NK3

Friends in Scouting,

What a year! We are immensely proud of your determination, resilience and commitment as we continue to Scout through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scouters — you are giving youth a sense of normalcy despite so many changes happening around them. You are enabling them to stay active, connect with friends and have fun!

While our youth across the country are bringing our vision to life by helping those in need in their communities.

Despite the challenges, every single one of you has demonstrated the meaning of community. You stayed connected, supported each other and celebrated Scouting.

Download Annual Report
Andrew Price, Executive Commissioner & CEO
Andrew Price Signature

Andrew Price

Executive Commissioner & CEO

Tim Welch, National Commissioner
Tim Welch Signature

Tim Welch

National Commissioner

Annabelle Loder, National Youth Commissioner
Annabelle Loder Signature

Annabelle Loder

National Youth Commissioner



Friends in Scouting,

What a year! We are immensely proud of your determination, resilience and commitment as we continue to Scout through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scouters — you are giving youth a sense of normalcy despite so many changes happening around them. You are enabling them to stay active, connect with friends and have fun! You are innovative and creative, like the 36th Oshawa Group who led a first aid course online, and a meeting where the 1st Winona Scouts “visited” an apiary to learn about bees. By providing these meaningful experiences you continue to positively impact your community as you help youth develop into well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world.

We are seeing firsthand that youth are living Scouting values. Our youth across the country are bringing our vision to life by helping those in need in their communities. Quinn Callander of 1st Laityview quickly saw the need to help our frontline workers by crafting and providing them with thousands of ear guards. The 1st Crestview Group also contributed to the well-being of their community by collecting nearly 800 kg of food for their local food bank. Meanwhile, Insiyah Dharsee of the 13th Southwest Ismaili Group inspired her community with “hope rocks”. These few are merely representative of the many contributions across Canada from Scouting youth.

Despite the challenges, every single one of you has demonstrated the meaning of community. You stayed connected, supported each other and celebrated Scouting. Our two National Virtual Campfires brought thousands together to enjoy songs, skits and games. The 4th Spruce Grove Group even moved the camp site to the backyard so they didn’t miss their annual spring camp.

Scouts is needed now more than ever. We have heard loud and clear from parents that what matters most to them during this time is getting their children outdoors - away from the screen- in a safe and fun environment where they can interact with their friends. Guided by the inputs of parents & Scouters and adhering to government guidelines, our Step-By-Step Return to Scouting puts us in a strong position to deliver a meaningful program youth have come to rely on and enjoy. But we can’t do it with each and every one of our members- youth, volunteers and staff.

As we enter 2020-2021, we ask that you continue to support each other as a community, use your passion to deliver a quality program for youth, and give back to those in need. Together, we can accomplish our vision of Canadian youth making meaningful contributions to creating a better world.

Yours in Scouting,

Andrew Price Signature

Andrew Price

Executive Commissioner & CEO

Tim Welch Signature

Tim Welch

National Commissioner

Annabelle Loder Signature

Annabelle Loder

National Youth Commissioner

What we have heard from the Scouting community

Scouts is needed now more than ever. We have heard loud and clear
from parents that what matters most to them during this time is
getting their children outdoors — away from the screen — in a safe
and fun environment where they can interact with their friends.

*June 2020 Member Survey: Scouting in a Post-Pandemic World

Smiling face of Jason Gingrich, Council Youth Commissioner, Tri-Shores.
“The people I’ve met and adventures I’ve had in Scouting have undoubtedly shaped me into who I am today. Each leadership role I’ve had — from my Cub Pack to the National Service Team — has been an adventure with its own small team, challenges, plans, reviews, comfort zone stretches, and life lessons that have prepared me for success in the world, better than anything else I’ve been a part of.” — Jason Gingrich, Council Youth Commissioner, Tri-Shores

OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

Scouting is about being outdoors. It gets kids away from the screen
and immerses them in nature where they can explore with their
friends. Let’s see what they got up to this past year.

Four Scouts wearing backpacks are enjoying the view from a mountaintop vantage point.

Saskatchewan Wilderness Rendezvous

Over 500 Scouts, Scouters and their families hiked over 12,500 km as part of the Wilderness Rendezvous (WR) Hiking Challenge. This total represents the distance from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia and almost back again!

Two girls preserving nature by planting tree shoots.

PCC Rovers head outdoors to
appreciate & preserve nature.

Girl Scout wearing large backpack is walking outside in winter and looking back to camera.

23rd Nepean Scouts set out on
a winter camping adventure

“As Scouts we learn to be prepared for whatever might come our way. As a Troop we find better ways to improve our previous camps. This past weekend we slept in quinzhees, which are basically dug-out piles of snow! We spent a meeting planning, then we did it, then the meeting after, we spent time reviewing and decided what we could do better next time.”

— Cadence James, Scout, 23rd Nepean
Three young Scouts from 1st Haney set out in their canoes on Whonnock lake to enjoy some canoeing and kayaking.

1st Haney Scouts set out on
Whonnock Lake to enjoy some
canoeing & kayaking.

Scouts delivered its promise to over 50,000 Canadian youth in
2019-2020. Kids had fun adventures discovering new things and
experiences they wouldn’t have elsewhere. Along the way, Scouting
youth developed into capable, confident and well-rounded
individuals, better prepared for success in the world.

0%

of parents would recommend
Scouting to a friend.

0%

of parents report an improvement in
their child’s confidence.

0%

of parents noted an increase in
their child’s leadership skills.

0%

of parents report their child
developed a sense of community.

*Per Parent Satisfaction Survey 2019-2020

SCOUTING COMMUNITY

2019-2020 saw our members demonstrate the meaning of
community by staying connected, supporting each other and
celebrating Scouting, despite our need to physical distance.

A young Scout watching virtual campfire activites on his laptop while sitting beside a live backyard fire.

NATIONAL VIRTUAL CAMPFIRE

On May 23, 2020, thousands of Scouts and Scouters from Coast to Coast to Coast grabbed their camp blankets for Scouts Canada’s (first-ever!) virtual campfire, where they enjoyed skits, cheers and had a lot of fun.

RUBE GOLDBERG CONTEST

The pandemic did not stop BC-Yukon Council from hosting the Rube Goldberg Contest. Participating online, members put their creativity and STEM skills to the test, building over 31 unbelievable contraptions using dominos, matchbox cars, catapults and much more.

Check out the winner’s submission:
Congratulations to Hailey & Natalie Bodman from the 5th Juan de Fuca.

Two girl Scouts pearing out of the door opening in their backyard tent.

4TH SPRUCE GROVE BACKYARD CAMPOUT

Closed campgrounds, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, did not stop 4th Spruce Grove Scouts from embarking on a camping adventure. They simply brought the campground to their backyards! Gathering virtually, these youth made memories and enjoyed a night under the stars.


The Core of Scouting — The Group

We continued our journey of supporting Groups in delivering the Mission.

0

Groups have grown by
more than 10%.

>0

Groups have higher youth
membership than 2018-2019.

Every
Group

was assigned a Relationship Manager,
dedicated to helping Group
Commissioners succeed in their role.

THE 2ND TILSONBURG GROUP

“Knowing I have someone like Darlene, our relationship manager, behind me has helped me contribute positively to 2nd Tilsonburg Scouting and made me a better resource for the members within our Group. Although I am confident that I can handle this role, there is still so much information that I am sure I am not aware of. I want to do the very best I can for 2nd Tilsonburg. Knowing that I can reach out at any time for anything — it is very comforting, knowing she is there.”
A group of young Scouts inside a craft room holding up their creations made from plastic bottles and cardboard.

0

NEW
BEAVERS

0

NEW
CUBS

0

NEW
VENTURERS

THE 1ST LEDUC

“This Group has found success through a shared leadership model that has its basis firmly rooted in strong relationships and is led by their GC, Scott Schram. Scott strives to ensure every member of the team is in a role that not only supports the development of the youth but also provides a sense of personal fulfilment to each Scouter. This approach was inspired by the Group Commissioner training he participated in March 2019 and by the direct support he received through his Relationship Manager. By working with his Relationship Manager, Scott implemented techniques learned at the GC Orientation course and helped his Group achieve amazing success. This team—from the youth, to the Scouters, to the parents—are committed to making the world a better place through the positive development of their youth. Every youth is given the opportunity to explore their strengths, challenge themselves, and push their boundaries through fun, safe adventures.”

0

NEW
BEAVERS

0

NEW
CUB

0

NEW
SCOUTS

THE 8TH AJAX GROUP

“For 8th Ajax Scouts, the new Group Support Model has really helped us improve the quality of our Group. Having a dedicated Group Support Scouter has allowed me to provide better support to our Scouters and improve our overall Group health. This has helped us maintain a high level of Group quality, which is displayed by our high membership-return rate. Group Commissioners are essential to having a strong Group and partnering them with a Group Support Scouter gives us the opportunity to take our Groups to the next level.”
A group of young Scouts dressed for winter, posing outdoors while making a snow fort in the evening.

0

NEW
BEAVERS

0

NEW
CUB

0

NEW
SCOUTS


Group Commissioner Orientation

2019-2020 saw us enter our second year of the Group Commissioner Orientation program. For new Group Commissioners the program provides the skills required to deliver a quality Scouting program, coach a team of engaged Scouters and effectively manage operations.

0

Group Commissioners have
now graduated from the
Orientation program.

0%

of Scouts Canada youth are
represented by a Group Commissioner
Orientation graduate.

>0%

of Group Commissioners
would recommend Group
Commissioner Orientation.

SUPPORTING ADVENTURE

Through generous supporters, donors and fundraising in 2019-2020, we
were able to provide even more youth with the adventures of a lifetime.

Smiling faces of a group of Scouts posing together with linked arms.

No One Left Behind

With our  No One Left Behind program, Scouts Canada provides children and youth from low-income families with the opportunity to participate in Scouting.

This year alone (2019-2020) over 4,300 kids accessed No One Left Behind so they could join Scouts Canada — amounting to over $800K in subsidies.

Without No One Left Behind, Paula shared that “[Scouting] would not be possible”. She goes on to say that she is a  “firm believer that all kids and young people with an interest in Scouting should have the opportunity to be a part of its life-changing experiences, even if their parents can’t afford it.”  
— Paula Daley, No One Left Behind Recipient
A young boy Scout digging the soil and planting seeds into a backyard raised garden box.

Scout Seeds

This spring, Scouts Canada piloted a new spring fundraiser called Scout Seeds, which aimed to support Scouts in their home communities while also helping the planet!

The Scout Seeds pilot fundraiser ran from March 30 to April 30, 2020, in partnership with Make It Sow. This fundraiser was designed to complement our national Scout Popcorn campaign, which takes place each fall and funds Groups to support more great, safe Scouting adventures.

  • 90 Groups Participated
  • Almost $50,000 raised
  • 270 trees will be planted in 2021 on behalf of participating Groups as part of “Make it Sow’s Plant a Tree” bonus
Three girl Scouts smiling and holding the popcorn and trail mix bags they are selling.

Scout Popcorn

Simply put — great adventures start with Scout Popcorn. Groups and individual youth across Canada benefitted from funds raised through Scout Popcorn, powering more adventures and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Fundraising with Scout Popcorn is youth-led and helps youth be better prepared for success in the world! In addition to raising money, youth develop valuable business skills and learn about financial responsibility, marketing strategy development and time management, while also increasing their self-esteem and confidence in the process.

  • 813 Groups participated
  • Almost $5.7 M in gross sales
  • $2.5 M directly to Groups

OUR MEMBERS

0

BEAVERS

0

CUBS

0

SCOUTS

0

VENTURERS

0

ROVERS


0

VOLUNTEERS

0

GROUPS

0

EMPLOYEES


0

TOTAL MEMBERS

*Scouts Canada’s longstanding partnership with the LDS Church ended in December of 2019, reflecting the Church’s decision to establish its own youth programming on a global basis. Youth members of the LDS Church enrolled in Scouting accounted for 3,625 Scouting members in 2018 and 3,000 Scouting members in 2019 respectively. Scouts Canada’s youth membership at year-end (August 31st), excluding LDS members, was 53,802 in 2019 and 53,259 in 2020. This drop is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, with in-person programming suspended in March of 2020. At that point, youth membership was running approximately 800 members higher than the previous year, reflecting the impact of initiatives to drive membership growth. Due to the pandemic, no new youth members were registered between March and August 31, 2020. In recent years, approximately 1,500 new youth have joined Scouting during that period.

FINANCIALS

Financial Summary

Scouts Canada National Operation
Summary Statement of Financial Position
as at August 31, 2020


  2020 2019

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Current assets $7,103,851 $12,135,590
Investments $16,213,699 $15,869,147
Tangible capital and intangible assets 571,311 647,304
Prepaid pension costs 5,798,200 3,459,300

  $29,687,061 $32,111,341


 
LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES
Current liabilities $4,027,032 $3,541,833
Employee future benefits $3,059,000 $2,819,000
Fund balances $22,114,985 $18,107,062

  $29,687,061 $32,111,341


See accompanying notes to summary financial statements.

Scouts Canada National Operation
Statement of Operations
For the year ended August 31, 2020


  Operating Fund Restricted &
Endowment
Funds
2020 2019

REVENUE
Membership Fees $ 10,471,630 $ - $ 10,471,630 $ 10,977,190
Retail 2,744,817 - 2,744,817 4,033,500
Fundraising 4,529,442 1,203 4,530,645 5,519,801
World Scout Foundation donations - 447,769 447,769 60,786
Investment and other 4,786,549 254,477 5,041,026 2,393,822
World Scout Jamboree - - - 2,441,578
 



  22,532,438 703,449 23,235,887 25,426,677
 



EXPENSES
Salaries and benefits 11,306,424 - 11,306,424 11,460,783
Recovery of salaries and benefits (827,560) - (827,560) (1,738,870)
Retail 1,847,458 - 1,847,458 2,826,123
Program services 244,068 - 244,068 159,258
Grants 124,861 - 124,861 119,921
Technology services 552,431 - 552,431 455,785
Financial services 614,552 38,709 653,261 961,547
Marketing and Communications 606,623 - 606,623 657,494
Fundraising 2,904,940 - 2,904,940 2,752,753
Administration 397,131 30,000 427,131 782,851
Compliance and governance 694,943 753,000 1,447,943 2,232,139
Human resources and volunteer services 408,064 492,130 900,194 699,293
Field operations 457,451 - 457,451 684,123
Field services 223,971 - 223,971 628,256
World Scout Jamboree (5,964) - (5,964) 2,441,578
Other - 147,931 147,931 210,374
 



  19,549,393 1,461,770 21,011,163 25,333,408
 



Net revenue (expenses) before the undernoted 2,983,045 (758,321) 2,224,724 93,269
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments (193,445) 90,044 (103,401) (477,450)
 



NET REVENUE (EXPENSES) 2,789,600 (668,277) 2,121,323 (384,181)
FUND BALANCES - BEGINNING OF YEAR 7,644,584 10,462,478 18,107,062 21,528,343
 



  10,434,184 9,794,201 20,228,385 21,144,162
Interfund transfers (350,004) 350,004 - -
Remeasurements and other items related to employee future benefits 1,886,600 - 1,886,600 (3,037,100)

FUND BALANCES - END OF YEAR $11,970,780 $10,144,205 $22,114,985 $18,107,062


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Kelly Huibers McNeely, Chartered Professional Accountants

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR ON THE
SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

To the Board of Governors of Scouts Canada National Operation

The accompanying summary financial statements of Scouts Canada National Operation, which comprise the summary statement of financial position as at August 31, 2020, and the summary statement of operations and changes in fund balances for the year then ended, and related notes, are derived from the audited financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, of Scouts Canada National Operation as at August 31, 2020, and for the year then ended.

We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those financial statements in our report dated November 4, 2020.

The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations applied in the preparation of the audited financial statements of Scouts Canada National Operation. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial statements of Scouts Canada National Operation.

Management's Responsibility for the Summary Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial statements on the basis described in Note 2.

Auditor's Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Canadian Auditing Standard (CAS) 810, Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.

Opinion

In our opinion, the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial statements of Scouts Canada National Operation as at August 31, 2020, and for the year then ended are a fair summary of those financial statements, in accordance with the basis described in Note 2.

signed

Stittsville, Ontario
November 04, 2020

Authorized to practise public accounting by
The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

Kelly Huibers McNeely, Chartered Professional Accountants

SCOUTS CANADA NATIONAL OPERATION
NOTES TO THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2020

1. ORGANIZATION

Scouts Canada National Operation (the "National Operation") is a national organization operating programs aimed at contributing to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities through the application of Scouts Principles and Practices.

The National Operation is a registered charity and is responsible for the national activities of Scouts Canada and provides services to the Councils of the National Operation.

2. SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The summary financial statements are derived from the complete audited financial statements, prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, as at August 31, 2020 and for the year then ended.

The preparation of these summary financial statements requires Management to determine the information that needs to be reflected in the summary financial statements so that they are consistent, in all material respects, with or represent a fair summary of the audited financial statements.

These summarized financial statements have been prepared by Management using the following criteria:

(a) whether information in the summary financial statements is in agreement with the related information in the complete audited financial statements; and

(b) whether, in all material respects, the summary financial statements contain the information necessary to avoid distorting or obscuring matters disclosed in the related complete audited financial statements, including the notes thereto.

Management determined that the statement of cash flows do not provide additional useful information and as such has not included it as part of the summary financial statements.

The complete audited financial statements of Scouts Canada National Operation are available upon request by contacting the Management of Scouts Canada National Operation.

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