BPSA Ontario

Questions about BPSA?

What kind of Insurance coverage does BPSA provide?

How do I join the BPSA?

Where can I find a BPSA Group in my Community?

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?

I would like to become a leader but have no experience.

What about uniform & badge supplies?

How long has the BPSA had its programs here in Ontario?

What is the legal standing of the association?

Are Explorers related to Scouts?

What kind of Insurance coverage does BPSA provide?

We have an excellent insurance package. It is a comprehensive general liability insurance package, with coverage for land and water activities for anywhere in Canada. It also covers sport accident coverage and directors and officers coverage. A copy of the insurance certificate is provided to each new group showing all the details.

How do I join the BPSA?

Contact the Provincial Commissioner. If you are not from Ontario, please go to the Links Page on this site, where you will find links there to other BPSA Associations in Canada and abroad: Links

Where can I find a BPSA Group in my Community?

Drop us an email and we will let you know the Group closest to you. Our traditional style of scouting is mirroring the way scouting just popped up all over England in 1907/08, and then spread around the world. The BPSA-Ontario registration has been very successful. Parents, Schools, churches can all start a new group. The Association will provide you with all the practical advice and assistance necessary to get your new group off to a good start.
There are no group charter or section fees payable to the Association.
Information is available on the rules governing the starting of groups in your community through the Provincial or District Councils.

How much do I need to budget for manuals and handbooks for each child?

There is no charge for handbooks. They are provided free of charge on a CD ROM and can be printed off as required. The electronic distribution method ensures that all the members can have the latest version without any additional costs.

How much does leader training cost?

The biggest cost is your time. All training materials, adult or youth, are all available on CD ROM. 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 Wood Bead courses that are offered annually.

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. Even the provincial parks are now charging daily fees. 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 or a local church, a parents group is also acceptable as a group sponsor. Most of our groups are currently sponsored by parents.

I would like to become a leader but have no experience.

No problem. 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.
In addition your local District Commissioner is also available to help out with advice on programs and any other issue that may come up, be it suggestions for a fundraiser, dealing with a disruptive difficult child in a section, disagreements amongst leaders or group committee (yes, we are human). You are never left on your own to cope. Any time you as a leader or a committee member feel you need help or advice from your Association, you will have the support of the dedicated experienced volunteers on the Provincial Council.

What about uniform & badge supplies?

Uniforms items are available directly through the Quartermaster.
Badges and shoulder knots may be ordered directly from the Badge Secretary.

How long has the BPSA had its programs here in Ontario?

The very first Canadian BPSA Group in was Chartered in 1997 in BC. These days new Groups are forming in communities all across Canada. The Canadian version of the B-P scouting programs are currently available to registered members from your Provincial or District Commissioners. What is wonderful about BPSA-Ontario is that your programs can start on a shoestring budget.

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. The Association is fully recognized, and chartered, by the Baden-Powell Scouts Association of the United Kingdom, and is entitled to use their intellectual property, symbols, programs, and badges. The BP Service Association is also a Registered Charitable Organization.

Are Explorers related to Scouts?

Yes, in every way but name. Copyright restrictions (only in Canada) prevent our using the word "Scout" in association or section names. Our parent Association is the B-P Scouts (UK) and all our brothers worldwide are known as Scouts.

Be Prepared !