Figure 1.--Some Canadian Cub and Scout groups give considerable attention to the uniform. This varies from group to group, but is generally more important than in Europe. Here is a Canadia Cun in the 1990s.

We have begun to compile some limited information on Scouting in Canada. Our information, however, is very limited at this time. Few of our Canadian readers have to date provided us information about their Scouting experiences. Scouting was founded only a year after the program began in Britain and before the American Scouting ptogram was founded. The British influence on Canadian Scouting is stronger than on the American program. One topic we do not yet have information about is to what extet it was an integrated natinal movement or a movement separating English and French-speaking boys.

Background

We have little information about Canadian Scouting at this time. One topic we do not yet have information about is to what extet it was an integrated natinal movement or a movement separating English and French-speaking boys.

History

We have some basic information on the history of Scouting in Canada. Wcoting quickly crossed the Atlantic from England to Canada. The Boy Scouts of Canada were founded in 1907. Baden Powell first visited Canada in 1908. The idea of a boy's youth organization was new to Canadians, but after a brief period of adjustment it quickly became seen as a valuable civic institution. For a few years, Canadian Scouting was conducted under the auspices of the (British) Boy Scouts Association Overseas Department. The Canadian Parliament incorporated the Canadian General Council of the Boy Scout Association as an officvial act of parliament (1914). This meant, however, that Canadian Scouting was still strongly associated with British Scouting and the program showed that influence. A Cubbing program was introduced as the same time as in Britain. (1916). Canadian Scouts became an independent member of the Boy Scout World Conference (1946).

Associations

We do not know very much about Canadian Scout associations. We believe there is primarily one national Canadian Scout Association. This is similar tothe American and British model rather than the European model with a number of associations often with membership focused on religious or ethnic groups. We also note an European Scout Federation (FSE) association which is commonly called Baden Powell Scouts in Britain and Canada. Hopefully Candian readers will tell us more about Canadian Scout assiciations.

Levels

Canadian Scouts are organized into Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and ????? groups.
Beavers:
Cubs:
Scouts:
Ventuerers:

Canadian Scouts like American and British Scouts have been all boy organizations. The Boys Scouts of Canada decided to go co-ed in 1992, officially opening it's doors to girls. "We're not the Boy Scouts of Canada anymore, We're Scouts Canada," said John Rietveld, Scouts Canada executive director of communications. Rietvel said Canada was influenced by Scouts organizations in Europe and Austrailia, which also allow girls to join. Boy Scouts in the United States and Britain remained and exclusively male preserve.

The decision appears to have followed decisions already taken by individual units. One Canadian Scouter reported at the time that This is new to me, from a practicle point, I had "observed" co-ed units from Canada for some time. Emblems and scout items have used SCOUTS Canada for a number of years. Scouts Canada has had a nice rectangular, multi color jacket patch for a number of years, The logo on the bottom of the patch "Scouts Can." Was that just a play on words, or a preminition of things to come?

So how long for American Scouts? As an Eagle Scout and adult scouter I would first like to say that I support BSA's policy of only admitting male youth into the Cub and Boy Scout programs. In the case of the United States, I believe that because there currently exists a program for female youth in the Girl Scouts of America, that the BSA should not consider modifying there existing policy. I also believe proposals to modify BSA's existing policy to go co-ed should not be submitted by third parties because the Girl Scouts of America exists to meet these needs. Keep in mind the the explorer program exists for various carrer oriented groups and does admit female youth. In Canada's case I don't believe the transformation should have happended. Mainly because the Canadian Equivalent to Girl Scouts are the Girl Guides, and always have been. Scouts Canada has allowed male/female Venturer Companies, and Rover Crews for some time.

Figure 2.--Scots Canada redesigned the Cub and other Scout uniforms in the 1990s. The beret is no longer official Scout gear. Note the traditional English-style peaked cap.

Uniforms

HBU has some limited information about Canadian Scout uniforms. We notice several changes over time in the uniforms at the different level of Scouting. Our information at this time, however, is still very limited. Hopefully our Canadian readers will provide more information on the Canadian uniforms.

Garments

We are just beginning to collect details about Canadian Scout garments. A French Canadian reader who was a Scout in the late 40s and early 50s writes, "When I was a boy, knee-socks were long enough to be pulled up like long stockings. I remembver well I did that when , in winter, I went each week at my scout meeting. It was easier to do that because the only alternative in winter in the 40s and 50s was knickers for boys until 12-13. There were no long pants for Cubs and younger Scouts at the time and it could be really cold."

Figure 3.--Scout and Venture helpers wear the same uniform as the Cubs in this Canadian Scout unit.

Discussions about the Uniform

Canadians like Americans have discussed their new uniforms in detail.

The beret is intended as part of our formal uniform. We don't really have an "activity dress" (usually we dress casually for activities where a uniform would be inappropriate). The reasion why we want the beret's is its a more traditional uniform. In fact red beret's were worn by rovers until about 5 years ago, when Scouts Canada changed the uniform. Its a common feeling in my crew that Scouts Canada is trying to make the program more attractive to new members (which is good), but we feel that too much of the tradition and cerimony that was part of the Scouting program has been lost.

If that is the case, why not go the whole hog and adopt the Stetsons? I can point you to some sources offshore where you can get them. Karl Pollak

It's too bad that Scouts Can would not allow for an option. I know of a lot of leaders that would pay the extra money for a Stetson if it was allowed and available. I know of some Rover crews that would do the same if allowed also. The uniform is missing a big something without a head dress. If there was an option for shorts and knee socks versus long pants (or no uniform pants as a lot of groups do) then why not allow for a head dress option with perhaps Stetsons (primarily for leaders and senior members) and berets or a decent looking ball cap available. Limited stocks could be kept on hand at various Scout shops or ordered as required in the case of the Stetsons. There are enough suppliers out there. All we have to do is take a look south and see that BSA had Stetsons, ball hats and "fore and aft" caps (the ones that look like an envelope, lol) at one time. I believe that they just have the Stetsons and ball caps now. It's all still uniform, just different options. Just my two cents worth but I see nothing wrong with listening to what the members want (and don't give me that line about no hats is what the members wanted cause I still refuse to believe that mostly because I have yet to meet or speak with anyone who was actually asked). Offer an option and that way it is still uniform but there is some leeway for individual units to decide what fits their financial limits and personal tastes. Blair

One Canadian Scouter insists that his Cubs where the full uniform, "WHY FULL UNIFORM? The Scouting program is a winning and unique organization. The current uniform is versatile and wears well. Collectively we install a sense of belonging, and pride, after all when one joins Scouting, one is joining a very unique, special and exciting youth organization. The complete uniform effectively helps install this message amongst our youth and adult members. When you join a team - dress to look like a team - a winning organization! For our Cubs and Scout members, the scout shorts and traditional knee socks are worn... simply put... there are no knees to tear or wear out, cooler for active events and summer events while lasting longer before they need to be replaced due to natural growth in height amongst our youth members. During colder weather track pants are simply worn over shorts to and from meetings/indoor events. Full and complete Scouting uniform is a membership requirement within our Scouting family.... financial assistance is available on request. It works... give it a try - you will be amazed with the positive feedback and impact on your group. They provide all badges, epaulets, and group neckerchief."