Onwards with Resilience and Purpose

It is with a sense of pride and determination that we reflect on the last 2022/23 year, when our Scouting community faced residual challenges of the pandemic and saw a moderate 22% rebound of our youth membership compared to our membership numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, getting us closer to pre-pandemic membership levels. Through our collective resiliency and commitment to our Mission—preparing youth for success in the world—we celebrate our achievements as we continue to work through obstacles together. As we move forward in 2024 to action the remaining goals of our current Strategic Plan, we look inward to sustain success.

Our efforts during the pandemic have had a resonating impact. Amidst the rising living costs across the country, we've worked diligently to keep our membership fees consistent despite inflation to support families in Canada, support local Groups and explore new avenues for revenue. While these initiatives are yielding positive results, it's evident that the pace of financial recovery is lower than initially anticipated. The progress towards recovery made by our young members, volunteers and staff, as highlighted in the accompanying report, is truly remarkable and speaks volumes about our dedication.

However, particular challenges persist. While Scouts Canada consolidated our properties across the country in 2021-2022, which alleviated the operational and financial burdens from local properties, we remain in deficit.

Additionally, our membership numbers have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels fully, and our traditional income streams such as fundraising and shops continue to lag. To address these realities, we must extend our efforts to execute our Strategic Plan. Simultaneously, we must implement measures to optimize our financial performance as we work to generate increased revenue.

In the coming year, we are poised to achieve remarkable milestones. Our collective goal of enhancing our program's impact and accessibility is within reach. We're focused on engaging families that have been underrepresented in Scouting, as well as reaching audiences who might not have considered our traditional offerings, by creating custom programming that is based on community needs rather than a standardized, national approach. This ambition will coexist with our ongoing commitment to facilitating memorable Scouting adventures for our youth and volunteers.

It is essential, however, that we address certain pressing matters head-on. Membership fees, which have not kept pace with inflation, demand our attention. Moreover, the post-pandemic landscape presents various financial pressures that focus on a fiscally conservative measured approach to spending. In navigating this complex terrain, we remain steadfast in our resolve to safeguard our frontline Scouting activities, which form the heart of our organization.

As we forge ahead, let us remember the values that have always defined us: resiliency, lending a helping hand to each other and those around us, unity and commitment to our Mission. By aligning our actions with our Mission and Vision, we will overcome challenges and continue to flourish, as one Scouting community.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication. Together, we will welcome a new era of accomplishment and positive, lasting impact.

Warm regards,

Justin Chenier, National Youth Commissioner

Stephen Loney, National Commissioner

Liam Burns, Executive Commissioner and CEO