What kind of Insurance coverage does BPSA provide?
How do I join the BPSA in Ontario?
How much do I need to budget for manuals and handbooks for each child?
How much does leader training cost?
Are local groups obligated to participate in national or provincial fundraising campaigns?
Does a group need to have a sponsor?
How do I become a leader? I have no experience.
What about uniform & badge supplies?
What kind of Insurance coverage does BPSA provide?
We have a cost-effective insurance package. It is a comprehensive general liability insurance package, with coverage for land and water activities for anywhere in Canada. It also offers sport accident coverage and directors and officers coverage. A copy of the insurance certificate is provided to each new group. Groups can also request to have certificates for their meeting halls covered as well.
How do I join BPSA in Ontario?
Click the Groups link to see if there is a group near you. Otherwise you could consider starting your own group!
How much do I need to budget for manuals and handbooks for each child?
We do not charge for our handbooks. They are provided electronically and can be printed off as required.
Some groups may ask for a small printing charge.
How much does leader training cost?
The only cost is your time. All training materials, adult or youth, are all available electronically. Any new amendments or adjustments will be provided electronically for download. You either read them on screen or print out only those parts you decide that you need in hard copy. Leader training is provided at no cost at Introductory Courses and at Wood Bead courses.
Are local groups obligated to participate in national or provincial fundraising campaigns?
No, they are not. Our association is based on local autonomy and local initiative. It is the responsibility of the Group Auxiliary to raise enough community support to make sure that their children can participate in exciting programs. Field trips and camps do cost money. All the funds raised by a group in their community stay in the group to support the operations of the group.
Does a group need to have a sponsor?
While it is desirable for a group to be sponsored by a community organization, a business enterprise, a service club or a local church,
a parents group is also acceptable as a group sponsor. Most of our groups are currently sponsored by parents.
How do I become a leader? I have no experience.
No problem. You will have to meet our Leader Screening requirements, however, being a leader is a rewarding experience.
We have a full range of training programs for leaders, both "on the job" and in weekend or week long training courses. Our trainers are highly experienced Scout Leaders and are available to all section leaders via e-mail at all times to help with advice and encouragement.
What about uniform & badge supplies?
Uniforms, Badges and regalia are available directly through the Quartermaster Store.
How long has the BPSA had its programs here in Ontario?
The very first Canadian BPSA Group in was chartered in 1997 in BC. and was registered as a society in 2000. The first groups in Ontario started shortly after that. The Canadian version of the B-P scouting programs are based on the UK traditional scouting programs. The BPSA in the UK was formed in the 1970s.
What is the legal standing of the association?
The BP Service Association is legally incorporated in the Province of British Columbia under the Provincial Societies Act. We are members of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS) along with many other independent associations in Canada, the Americas and the world. The BP Service Association is also a Registered Charitable Organization with Revenue Canada. BPSA is a Registered Trademark and may only be used with permission of The BP Service Association.
BPSA Ontario