The volunteers who lead the Sections at the 3rd Ottawa and in Scouts Canada are referred to as Scouters. Scouters are trained adults who lead a Scout unit, as well as a person who takes part in Scouting.
Scouters must be at least 14 years old and they must complete screening requirements that include Police Records Checks (PRCs) with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS), interviews, reference checks. They must also complete training requirements including Respect In Sport (for activity leaders), Scouting Fundamentals and extensive training in the Scout Canada Canadian Path programming. Scouters must also re-certify their PRC every three years while in a Scouting role.
The Canadian Path program is the way Scouting is done in Canada. From Beaver Scouts to Rover Scouts, youth take the lead in deciding what program areas they will pursue, organizing ways to achieve these goals and collectively reflecting on their experience after the goal is met. With support from adult Scouters, this “Plan-Do-Review” method is one of the many ways that The Canadian Path program can help youth develop into critical thinkers, extend their personal progression, and encourage active participation in an inclusive team dynamic.
Our Scouters are strongly supportive of the Scouts Canada program in particular the outdoor and adventure elements of the Scouting program. We believe strongly in the community and youth leadership aspects of Scouting and give our youth opportunities to test their own skills as well as learn new ones.
In the past year we have enjoyed many camps and events with our youth, helping youth have experiences like building and sleeping in a quinzhee (snow igloo) in the winter, learning how to canoe in light rapids, canoe-over-canoe rescue (learning how to right a flipped canoe), along with many hikes, explorations, skating, sporting and camping experiences. We participate in regional events like Cub Car and Beaver Buggy rallies (where youth build toy vehicles and race them), klondike derby (winter challenges for Scouts), winter fun days and much more.
If you have any questions about Scouters or Volunteering with Scouts Canada, please feel free to contact our Group Commissioner via the Contact Us form.