Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada is a Canadian Scouting association providing programs for young people, between the ages of 5 and 26,[7] with the stated aim "To help develop well rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world".[8] Scouts Canada, in affiliation with the French-language Association des Scouts du Canada, is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. In 2021–22, youth membership stood at 33,899,[9] a 48% decline from 64,693[10] in 2014–15. Over the same period, volunteer numbers also declined 43%, from 20,717 in 2015 to 11,765 in 2022. Scouts Canada has declined significantly in size since its peak: youth membership is down 82% from 288,084 in 1965 and volunteer numbers are down 50% from 33,524 in 1965.[11]
Scouts Canada
Scouts Canada states a commitment to the Scouting Method approach, which emphasizes the following elements:[12]
As part of its greater Canadian Path program, Scouts Canada has a "Religion in Life" emblem, that is awarded upon completion of a particular denomination's program by a Scout.[13] In 2009, a "Spirituality Award" for Scouts and Guides who did not belong to any denomination was also established.[14][15] In the summer of 2020, alternative promises for Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, and higher levels were offered for individuals, to allow them to commit to their country or personal affirmation, rather than to God or the King specifically, if they so choose.[16]
Scouts Canada has several major youth awards which include:
Initiatives[edit]
Scouts Canada is in the process of actively increasing its membership nationwide.[71] This process includes more direct program support to leaders; building on such things as a partnership with the Robert Bateman Foundation, a program help line,[72] an award-winning Climate Change program[73] and a variety of camping programs across the country.[74][75][76]
Controversies[edit]
Organizational structure[edit]
Scouts Canada is governed, like all incorporated non-profit organizations,[77] by a Board of Governors. Each Council elects three Voting Members of whom at least one must be a youth. All members are able to vote for and or be nominees for Council Voting Members. At the National Annual General Meeting of Members, Voting Members elect the Board of Governors and the National Commissioner.[78]
There are Scouters, most notably members of an organization called SCOUT eh! who believe there is a lack of representation and lack of accountability of this governance structure.
Child protection[edit]
In 2012, the CBC ran a documentary suggesting that Scouts Canada had not always reported leaders who had sexually abused children to the police, relating to incidents that took place between 1960 and 1990.[79] Scouts Canada subsequently posted a video apology[80] followed by "a thorough, arms-length review of all records held by Scouts Canada on Leader suspensions or terminations that are related to abuse" by KPMG's forensic investigations unit.[81] The report from KPMG subsequently "found no systemic intent to cover up or hide incidents of abuse".[82][83][84]