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Scouting around the world has developed many different traditions and nuances that other Scouting members may recognize. Some are also group / section specific. But no matter their reach, they are still apart of Scouting in one form or another.
This page is a collection of "Traditions" and Scouting nuances that 3rd Kanata members may experience. If you believe any are missing from this list, please let us know.
A Brief History of Scouting
A Brief History of Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, began in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, a British Army lieutenant-general, organized the first experimental camp on Brownsea Island in the UK with 20 boys12. This camp was a success and led to the publication of “Scouting for Boys” in 1908, which became immensely popular12.
Scouting in Canada began in early 1908, shortly after Robert Baden-Powell’s book “Scouting for Boys” was published. The first Scout groups were established almost simultaneously in Merrickville and St. Catharines, Ontario, and Port Morien, Nova Scotia. Scouting’s principles of outdoor activities, community service, and personal development have inspired millions of young people worldwide. Today, Scouting is a global movement with over 57 million members in more than 200 countries1.
Scouting is rich with traditions that foster a sense of community and shared values. Here are a few notable ones:
Scout Sign and Salute: The three-finger salute represents the three parts of the Scout Promise. The Scout sign is made with the right hand, with the thumb holding down the little finger.
Patrol System: Scouts are organized into small groups called patrols, each led by a Patrol Leader. This system encourages leadership and teamwork.
These traditions help create a unique and enriching experience for Scouts around the world. Have you experienced any of these traditions firsthand?
Learn more: 1 scout.org , 2 scoutsmarts.com
Left Hand Shake
Left Hand Shake
The left-handed Scout handshake has an interesting origin tied to the founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell. When he met Ashanti warriors in West Africa, they offered their left hands as a sign of bravery and trust. The Ashanti chiefs explained that only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand because it requires dropping their shields and protection1.
Additionally, the left hand is closest to the heart, symbolizing friendship and sincerity1. This tradition has been adopted by Scouts worldwide as a unique way to greet each other and signify their shared values and brotherhood.
Learn more 1 blog.scoutingmagazine.org
"Hooray for standing up!"
"Hooray for standing up!"
Sitting is so boring. So when someone asks a group to stand up, as they are standing up, everyone says out-loud "Hooray for standing up!"
After a few months of doing this at meetings and camps, you may find yourself saying this out loud at other times beyond Scouting. 😁
The dreaded "A" word
The dreaded "A" word
In life, this word is heard unfortunately too often and thusly makes people sigh. So when you hear a SCOUTER say the "A" word, the following song is sung loud and proud. (Watch for body movement too).
🎵🎵🎵
Announcements. Announcements. Annowwwuncements!
Bologni. Bologni. Boloooongi!
I had a cow. I lost my cow. I have no need, for your bull now.
A terrible way to die! (*stomp your feet once*)
A terrible way to die! (*stomp your feet once*)
A terrible way to be talked to death. A terrible way to die. (*stomp your feet once*)
Announcements. Announcements. Annowwwuncements!
Bologni. Bologni. Boloooongi!
Note that this song can only be sung if a SCOUTER says the "A" word completely.
It does not work if:
youth says it
the word is not completely said by a Scouter (watch out for those tricky Scouters who catch themselves)
Yes, the song must be sung if the "A" word is said again by a SCOUTER after the song had been fully sung. (IE: the song completes. The Scouter attempts to start their direction again and says the "A" word again.).
Terminology
Terminology
New terms added: 2026-01-12
There are lots of different terms used in Scouting both in Canada and world-wide. Here are some we wanted to share, in alphabetical order.
Beaveree, Cuboree, Camporee, Jamboree – A large gathering of members within the same Section from multiple groups. These are skill-building camps that provide opportunities to network outside of one’s own Group/Section.
Group Commissioner (GC) – is a volunteer and recognized as the principle point of contact for the group and assumes the leadership of the Group Committee who looks after a Scout Group (example "3rd Kanata Scouts Group").
Group Committee Member – A volunteer who holds a role with the Committee that assists the Sections within their group. (i.e. Contact Section Scouter, Group Treasurer, Group Commissioner, Group Fundraiser, Group Administrator, Sponsor Liaison, Group Quartermaster, etc.).
Leader – The title we use for Youth members who are in a leadership role such as, Patrol Leader, Youth Commissioner, Peer Mentors, etc.
Neckerchief “Necker” – The term we use for the “Scarves” that our members wear. The unique design traits help to identify each individual group.
Rainbow, Tic Tac, Akela, Bagheera – Historically our Beaver and Cub Scouters had “nick names” that were based on the folklore characters of those programs. Beavers is based on the book “Friends of the Forest” and Cubs is based on “the Jungle Book”.
Scouter – A volunteer in the organization who has completed all screening and training requirements towards filling a Section or Committee role.
Scouts' Own - Scouts’ Own is an inspirational, informal ceremony of reflection. A Scouts’ Own service is usually short (typically 10-15 minutes), and can include of a mixture of thoughts of appreciation, words of thanks, moments of silence and music.
Section – There is a Section for each level of Youth program (Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts and Rover Scouts). There are Contact Scouters and Section Scouters at each level. Sections fall under a group. (example, "3rd Kanata Scouts - B Colony" is a Beaver section in the 3rd Kanata Scouts Group).
Woggle – A device to fasten the Necker. Each type of woggle signifies the level of the membership. (ie. Beaver Scout, Patrol Leader, Scouter)
Glossary of Common Terms
Glossary of Common Terms
General
Adventure: One of the Four Elements, an adventure is an exciting first-time experience that develops youth by providing unique opportunities to explore one’s self and the world
Badge: An accolade signifying personal progress in the core program or celebrating a member’s personal interests and achievements
The Canadian Path: Scouts Canada’s revitalized program, driven by the Four Elements (SPICES, Youth-led, Plan-Do-Review and Adventure)
Chief Scout of Canada: A volunteer role, the Chief Scout of Canada is an active promoter of the Scouts Canada program to both members and the general public; the current Chief Scout of Canada is Terry Grant
Crest: A memento of a camp or event; a crest is not earned—it is a keepsake that typically signifies participation (not necessarily accomplishing particular goals) in a Scouting activity
Four Elements: The foundation of The Canadian Path, the Four Elements are: Youth-led, Plan-Do-Review, Adventure and SPICES
Group: A local collection of affiliated Sections
Group Administrator: The administrator of the non-program activities relating to the wellbeing of the Group, as directed by the Group Commissioner
Group Commissioner: The principle person of contact for a Group, primarily responsible for ensuring the safety and program quality of all Sections in the Group
Group Committee: The volunteer leadership team of a Group—members may include: a Group Commissioner, a Group Administrator, a Group Fundraiser, a Group Quartermaster, a Group Registrar, a Group Secretary, a Group Treasurer, Section Scouters and a Group Youth Commissioner; multiple roles may be taken on by single individuals
Investiture: The official induction of a member into a Section and, by extension, into the worldwide Scouting movement
Linking: Specifically, the continuation of membership from one Section to the next; more generally, any activity that encourages this continuation
Meeting: The regular (typically weekly) mustering of a Section from a specific Group
Outdoor Adventure Skills: Nine progressive, competency-based outdoor skill areas, running through all of the Sections, including: Camping, Aquatics, Vertical Skills, Paddling, Trail, Scoutcraft, Winter Skills, Sailing and Emergency Aid
Patrol (Team) System: Part of the Scout Method, the concept of dividing youth into smaller units within a Section (for example, in a Scout Troop, its Patrols); these teams should be made up of 6-8 youth
Patron Scout of Canada: The Governor General of Canada, currently the Right Honourable Julie Payette; David Johnston is the first Patron Scout of Canada, as previous Governors-General were Chief Scouts
Personal Achievement Badges: Patches worn on the uniform, presented in recognition of fulfilling a number of personal goals related to a particular theme; these are pursued individually, often on a youth’s own time out of a meeting or outing context
Personal Progression: Part of the Scout Method, the concept of encouraging individual growth through a structured set of expectations
Plan-Do-Review: One of the Four Elements, this is the process that Scouting youth and Scouters in all Sections should apply to all Scouting activities
Program Areas: The Canadian Path activities that help Scouting to impart the SPICES fall under six categories: Active & Healthy Living, Beliefs & Values, Citizenship, Creative Expression, Environment & Outdoors and Leadership
Scout Law: Part of the Scout Method, the Scout Law is a code of living to guide Scouts: “A Scout is helpful and trustworthy, kind and cheerful, considerate and clean, wise in the use of all resources.”
Scout Method: A non-formal education process unique to Scouting, made up of seven elements: The Scout Law and Promise, Learning by Doing, The Team System, A Symbolic Framework, Nature, Personal Progression, Adult Support
Scout Promise: Part of the Scout Method, the Scout Promise is a pledge to follow the Scout Law
Scout Salute: The Scout Sign, raised to one’s temple (palm out) as a sign of respect (as to the flag)
Scout Sign: The index, middle and ring fingers of the right hand held up alongside one another, raised to the level of one’s face; the Scout Sign is used to silently call the attention of any collection of the Scouting community
Scouter: Any trained and screened Scouting volunteer
Section Contact Scouter: The lead Scouter for any given Section (for example, typically in Cubs this will be the Pack’s Akela)
SPICES: The attributes that Scouting aims to foster in its youth members: Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Spiritual
Symbolic Framework: Part of the Scout Method, the theme of a Section (for example, in Cubs, The Jungle Book)
Top Section Award: The most difficult honour to attain in each Section, the Top Section Award challenges and engages youth at a high level, encouraging their personal progression
Trail Cards: Program activity cards providing guidance in the Plan-Do-Review model for short and long games, projects and adventures
Youth-led: One of the Four Elements, Youth-led Scouting demands the influence and direction of youth membership in all Sections, for all activities
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