BPSA British Columbia

SECTION INFORMATION

Traditional Scouting uses training in small groups that allow the youth to learn team work as well as give them enough room for individual development. Youth are organized in smaller groups called "sections" according to their age.

OTTERS

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 Den" and both boys or girls may join. Otters learn useful family skills, community skills, and learn to play safely together.

TIMBER WOLVES

Boys or girls may join this section between the ages of 8 and 11. 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'.

EXPLORERS

Boys 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.

SENIOR EXPLORERS

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. The highest award is the St George Award comparable in standard to the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

SEA PROGRAMS

A special branch of Scout training called Sea Scouting for the Explorer and Senior Explorer sections is also supported. Their motto is "Be Prepared".
B-P Seafarers and Senior Seafarers follow the same program as Explorers and Senior Explorers do with the added element of learning seamanship, learning about marine navigation, boat handling and water safety.

LONE PROGRAMS

The Lone Scouting Plan serves children in isolated areas, or who cannot take part in a nearby Timber Wolf pack or Explorer troop on a regular basis because of such factors as distance, weather, time, or disability. These children apply for membership as individual Lone Timber Wolves or Lone Explorers.

The program has been in existence in various countries since 1913. BPSA-UK continued the tradition of Lone Scouting upon its formation in 1970 and BPSA-BC also offers this program. Although the Lone Scouting member might miss the opportunity to participate in activities in the pack or troop, the program makes it possible for such children to become members of BPSA - BC and to know the fun, values, and achievements of traditional Scouting. Every child registering as a Lone Timber Wolf or Lone Explorer is assigned a advisor. The advisor encourages, instructs, examines, and reviews the child's progress at all steps toward traditional Scouting advancement. This person also helps the Lone Scouting member take part in local council activities. If you would like further information about our Lone Scouting Program, or have any questions about our association, please e-mail us for detailed instructions.

ROVERS

A section for young men 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.