Myth # 1:
My child can't join Scouts, because she's a girl. Scouting is just for boys!
BUSTED:
Scouts does not discriminate. Period. Two of our leaders are girls. We've had a female Venturer President. We've had female members. Girls are more than welcome to join up with their local chapter of Scouts Canada in any level, Beavers to Rovers!
Myth # 2:
Scouts is a Christian organization. My child can't join Scouts because we aren't Christian (or aren't religious).
BUSTED:
Scouts is NOT a Christian organization (nor is it an organization, but we'll get to that later). Scouts does offer what we call Spiritual Fellowship, but does not promote a particular religion, nor does it push religion at all. During ceremonies, children are invited to be thankful for what we are given, but to be thankful to whomever or whatever they believe in. Nature is a popular thing to be thankful to. Thankful for water, for sunshine, for nice weather etc.
Myth # 3:
Scouts is too competitive for my child.
BUSTED:
Children are naturally competitive. Our focus is on good sportsmanship and teamwork. While children do compete against one another in games or races, we encourage them to challenge THEMSELVES. To do better than they did last time. This is especially big in badge-earning and acquiring new skills.
Myth # 4
Scouts is too traditional.
BUSTED:
Lord Robert Stevenson Smyth Baden-Powell, our founder believed that Scouting was not an "organization" but a movement. Once the group stopped moving forward and became an organization, it would cease to be Scouting. Scouts adapts to the needs of society and the people (and youth) in it. While it has traditional elements, it has grown too.
Myth # 5
Scout leaders are all middle aged men with no zest for the material.
BUSTED:
Our group is a living testament to the contrary. We are young and enthusiastic and LOVE Scouting. We feel we have so much to offer and so many skills to share that it would be a crime not to be doing this
Myth # 6
Scouts is a waste of time.
BUSTED:
Au Contraire! Scouts is dedicated to being a part of a child's educational network. In conjunction with parents, school, etc... Scouts wants to help your child to expand their mind, open their eyes to new possibilities, experience new things, learn new skills, and shape them into a contributing member of society. We include playacting, music, games, art, storytelling, projects, physical fitness, outdoor adventure and so much more into our program. What more could you ask for??
