Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
What is Scouting All About?	SCOUTS CANADA is Canada's leading youth organization. We learn by doing using small groups of young people engaged in fun, age-appropriate activities. Much of our program is centered around the use of the outdoors. Our activities are guided by our three principles: - duty to God - duty to others - duty to self
Isn't Scouting just for boys?	No. For twenty years, Scouting has been open to both boys and girls.
I have heard of Beavers and Cubs and Scouts? What's the difference?	Scouts Canada runs five related programs. Each of the programs is geared to a different age group. Beavers: 5-7 yrs old Wolf Cubs: 8-10 yrs old Scouts: 11-14 yrs old (with an option to remain until 16) Venturers: 14-17 yrs old Rovers: 18-26 yrs old
My child has special needs. Can he or she take part?	In most cases, your local group can accommodate a child's special needs, especially with your help.
How much does Scouting cost?	Regular Youth Fee: $180 Second Child Fee: $150 Third Child Fee: $100 Additional Child Fee: No Charge Half-year Fee: $125 (after Feb 1) Late Year Fee: $100 (after April 15) Rover Program (Any rover who is a full-time student and who serves as a Leader or Service Scouter): No charge It is the policy of Wabanaki Area to find a way to include all children, so contact your local group.
Where does the money go?	Registration Fees are paid to Provincial Council and National Office to pay for insurance, program development, support services for Leaders and youth and staff salaries and benefits. Council does provide some funding for training and Area expenses.
Are Membership Fees tax-deductible?	Yes, they are! Recently, in a move to encourage youth to become more active, the Federal Government enacted legislation to make fees associated with "Active Living" activities tax-deductible. Contact your Group's Treasurer for more information.
What is Scouting Life Magazine?	Scouting Life is an interesting and informative magazine that members can subscribe to.
What about uniforms?	Beaver uniforms consist of a hat and vest. Cub and Scout uniforms consist of a uniform shirt Most groups provide neckerchiefs, woggles and necessary badges. Please check with your leaders before purchasing any uniform items. Second-hand uniforms are often available for considerably less. Contact your local group.
Do my child and I have to take part in fund-raising?	Most groups take part in fund-raising activities to finance activities and to pay for supplies and camping equipment. Those activities cannot take place without your support.
What kind of screening and training is available for leaders?	All Scouters must obtain a Police Record Check, and be interviewed by a pair of interviewers. They must give three references. The references are contacted and questioned regarding the suitability of the prospective Scouters as Leaders. The new Scouters then begin to serve a three-month probation. New Scouters take training, beginning with Woodbadge I. This training teaches the Scouters about the Scouting program, about how to deliver it and how to conduct safe and fun activities in the outdoors. Further training in First Aid, Winter Skills and more advanced outdoor training is also available.
What is a Scouter?	Scouters are the adult members of Scouting. This includes leaders, Group Committee Members and Service Scouters.
Do I have to stay for every meeting?	No. But you may be asked to help out from time to time though.
Can I become a Scouter?	If you are interested in becoming a Leader or Group Committee Member, please tell one of your child's Leaders.
Do I have to go camping with my child?	Cubs and Scouts do not ordinarily need their parents to accompany them camping. If your child has special needs however, your Scouters may recommend your attending. Beaver camps take the form of day camps. Overnight Camps for Beavers are Family Camps, with parents attending and providing the majority of caregiving for their children.
Return to Home Page Modified 2011-12-28