FAQs
FAQs
Each section (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers) runs their own programs from September through June that are delivered by trained volunteers. Weekly meetings are 1.5-2hrs long. Each section has a meeting space in the Mountainside area, which serves as the "base" but we often meet off-site for a variety of other indoor and outdoor activities
Activities are balanced to include various program areas such as social, intellectual and physical activities and creative projects.
Programming is heavily influenced by participants (youth-led), which means no two years are the same. We adjust activities to match the interest of the sections for that year.
Here are some sample activities: Crafts, outdoor skills, hiking, camping (summer and winter), food preparation, emergency preparedness, community service (food bank, SPCA, garbage pickup, etc), games, STEM, learning to use a variety of tools and much more!
Of course we also go camping several times a year and go on many day trips!
The goal is to foster leadership and citizenship skills, develop a sense of community service and learn a wide range of soft and hard skills in a structured and safe environment.
Cost is made up of four categories:
1) Registration fee to Scouts Canada is approx $280 per year to be paid annually. This fee goes to the national and regional offices to cover insurance, marketing, administration and other costs.
2) Dues: We collect monthly dues (approx $10/mo) to help offset the cost of programming.
3) Camps and outings: The cost of camps and day trips varies. A camp for two nights with all food provided typically costs $50 to $75.
4) Uniforms cost approx $50 and they last for 3 years as youth progress from Beavers to Cubs to Scouts, Venturers and beyond.
Youth and their families will be asked to participate in fundraising actives during the Scouting year to help offset program costs. Learn more about fundraising.
There is financial aid available via No Child Left Behind initiatives.
Yes. We have boys and girls and women and men of all ages participating in each of our sections and as members of our leadership team.
Scouting welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and orientation. We support and encourage the youth in our program to share their beliefs with others so everyone can understand and appreciate diversity.
See the page about uniforms to find out what is provided and what you need to purchase
Sign in and out required at Beavers and Cubs meetings
Each meetings has at least one SFA certified leader and a first aid kit
There are always a minimum of 2 scouters present when interacting with youth.
All volunteers are trained and vetted before they work with youth.
You can report safety concerns or questions to any scouter or the group commissioner. Contact details.