Scouts Canada's Mission



To contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities through the application of our Principles and Practices.

Scouting is based on three broad principles which represent its fundamental beliefs. These include:

Duty to God: Defined as, Adherence to spiritual principles, loyalty to the religion that expresses them and acceptance of the duties resulting therefrom.

Duty to Others: Defined as, Loyalty to one's country in harmony with the promotion of local, national and international peace, understanding and cooperation, and Participation in the development of society, with recognition and respect for the dignity of one's fellow-being and for the integrity of the natural world.

Duty to Self: Defined as, Responsibility for the development of oneself. This is in harmony with the educational purpose of the Scout Movement whose aim is to assist young people in the full development of their potentials.

We define Scouting Practices as a system of progressive self-education including:

  1. a promise and law,
  2. learning by doing,
  3. membership in small groups,
  4. progressive and stimulating programs,
  5. commitment to the values of doing one's best, contributing to the community, respecting and caring for others, contributing as a family member,
  6. use of outdoor activities as a key learning resource.