Founded in 1914, Scouts Canada aims to prepare kids for success in the world through adventures and new experiences. Worldwide, the Scouting program has approximately 40 million members in more than 160 countries. Scouts Canada supports the programming, safety, and administrative needs of smaller local Scout groups. In Canada, more than 60,000 young people between the ages of 5 and 26 participate in Scouting.

Scouting participants are divided into five groups: Beaver Scouts (ages 5-7), Cub Scouts (ages 8-10), Scouts (ages 11-14), Venturer Scouts (ages 15-17), and Rover Scouts (ages 18-26). Groups participate in exciting and challenging outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and mountain climbing. Scouts also challenge themselves with community service, physical activity, and hands-on learning. While participants can receive badges for completing activities, Scouts Canada emphasizes that the badges should not be used as an indication of personal progress.

Between September and November each year, Canadian Scouts sell popcorn to raise money for summer camps, canoe trips, group excursions, and the No One Left Behind program. Since 1989, Scouts have sold more than $100m worth of popcorn in Canada. The charity reports that more than 50 cents per dollar in revenue from popcorn sales is used in programming.

Through the No One Left Behind program, Scouts Canada provides financial assistance to allow Scouts from low-income families to participate in activities. In 2018, Scouts Canada reports allocating $509,000 to subsidize the registration fees of 3,000 youth and help others in purchasing handbooks, outdoor gear, and paying for summer camp fees.  

Scouts Canada reports that donations support initiatives such as EnvironMentality, STEM Programming, Good Turn Week, and the Youth Spokesperson Program in addition to core programming. Through these initiatives, Scouts learn to take responsibility in caring for the environment; pursue interests in science, technology, engineering, and math; do good deeds in their community; and build leadership and communication skills. Scouts Canada estimates that youth members participated in more than 5,000 community and environmental service projects in 2018, including organizing food and clothing drives, cleaning up garbage from shorelines, and planting trees.

Scouts Canada is a medium-sized charity with donations of $4.4m in F2018. The charity’s largest revenue source is fees for service from members, representing 55% of total revenue in F2018. Administrative costs are 18% of revenues less investment income, and fundraising costs are 71% of donations. For every dollar donated, 11 cents go to the cause, which is significantly outside of Ci’s recommended overhead spending. Scouts Canada has $22.4m in funding reserves which could cover 1.9 years of program costs.

This charity report has been sent to Scouts Canada for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 7, 2019 by Madison Kerr.