Why are we asking? Because every section follows a program that is appropriate to your age, but is still designed to follow the values and aims of traditional Scouting. Traditional Scouting uses training in small groups that allow you to learn team work as well as give you enough room for individual development.
Within the age sections, you are usually organized into even smaller groups of 4 to 8 youth, where most of your training takes place. Each smaller group has its own youth leader as well as an adult leader helping them with their work.
Click on the age group below to read more details about that section's programs.
Their motto is "Busy and Bright".
The Otters are the youngest section in our Association with children joining at the age of 5 years of age and going to the Timber Wolf Pack at the age of 8. The unit is known as an "Otter Raft" and both boys and/or girls may join, depending upon the composition of the Group. Otters learn useful family skills, community skills, and learn to play safely together. There is a proficiency badge system of four "paws", a Safety Badge, Service Badge and a Camping Badge. The highest award is the Swimming Otter Badge.
Boys and/or girls may join this section between the ages of 8 and 11, depending upon the composition of the Group. Their motto is "Do Your Best".
They join in many games and practical activities based on the Jungle Book as written by B-P's friend Rudyard Kipling. Much of their learning is 'by doing'. The program is based on the "Tenderpad to Second Star" and starts to focus more on outdoor activities. "New Chums" join and are invested becoming Tenderpads. They progress then from First Star to Second Star with the highest award being the Leaping Wolf Badge.
Boys and/or girls may be members between ages 11 - 15. Their motto is "Be Prepared".
The emphasis is by training through hands on training in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing and backpacking. The Explorer Troop operates in Patrols of 6 to 8 members led by a Patrol Leader who shares responsibility with an adult leader for discipline, activity planning and training the less experienced members. The new Explorer starts as a Tenderfoot and then progresses to Second Class.
A section for 15 - 17 year olds in which they become increasingly responsible for their own management and programming. Their motto is "Be Prepared".
They are encouraged to help with the younger sections and may continue as Patrol Leaders. They complete their First Class and then work on the bushman's Thong with the highest award being the St George Award. Senior Explorers are also encouraged to earn the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Senior Explorers focus their attention on First Class Requirements.
A section for men and/or women over the age of 17 who may also become leaders, but who wish to remain uniformed members of a section. Their motto is: "Service".
As B-P originally intended, there is no upper age limit. Rovers are organized in a self-organising Crew. Their motto is put into practice both in the group and in the community. The highest award is the BP Award.
BPSA Ontario