Parents Resource

Welcome to the 12th Coquitlam Scouts Parents Resource page. This page is dedicated to providing parents with information about the Scouting program. New families are encouraged to read this carefully and to bookmark it for future reference.

Communication and Scheduling

12th Coquitlam uses a Scouts Canada supported tool called ScoutsTracker for scheduling and email communication. It provides customized features for badge tracking and other Scouting-specific functions that are not available on platforms commonly seen outside Scouts. 

 A helpful feature provided by our system is the ability to Subscribe to our calendars on your personal device. This can be useful for keeping up on coming events and among the many other commitments that families have with different activities.

Our email system generally provides RSVP buttons in the emails. These are personalized to you and you can log your response by tapping or clicking on the buttons provided with no requirement to log in or have a special app. It is quick and painless but really helps our Scouter teams with knowing who to expect at our meetings and for tracking participation.

Uniforms

Uniforms may be purchased from the Scout Shop though there may be second hand items available in the community. Each section has its own uniform requirements:

• Beavers: bucket hat, vest

• Cubs: uniform shirt

• Scouts: uniform shirt

Since shipping costs from the Scout Shop can be significant, 12th Coquitlam make a "group order" approximately twice a year and covers the cost of shipping (which is free over $500).

Parents to NOT need to purchase woggles or neckers as these are provided to your youth upon their Investiture ceremony which should occur soon after they are fully registered with the group. We will also provide a Campfire Blanket which can be used as an extra layer for warmth at camps as well as a place to sew activity badges. (more on this later)

For badge-placement, consult this resource: https://scoutstracker.ca/common/docs/canadianpath/insignia-placement.pdf 

Camping Gear

12th Coquitlam has a good assortment of camping gear that is used by all sections for camps. This includes tents, cooking equipment, shelters and other common items.

Youth are required to provide their own personal gear. For each camp, Scouters will provide a packing list to inform you what you must (and must not) pack for a given camp. A youth who is not properly equipped may not be allowed to continue an activity if there due to health and safety concerns.

Note that cotton is not a good choice for camping as it can get wet and stay wet.

As a basic guideline:

• Beavers typically do sleep-overs inside buildings, though they may get to do a night or two in a tent, usually in warmer weather. 

• Cubs do 3-4 camps per year in tents, typically on sites with vehicle access. They generally do not need expensive back-packing gear.

• Scouts do more camps and more advanced adventures including hike-in camps, snowshoeing, canoe camps. Lightweight gear may be an asset depending on who is running the program and what they have planned.

Key camping items a Scout must have access to the following:

• Sleeping Bag - recommend a bag rated -9C or colder, especially in the older groups as much of our camping is off-season. Synthetic is probably best for youth (vs. down), but talk to your Scouter team for more details on the adventures ahead.

• Sleeping Pad - this is a pad that goes under the sleeping bag to protect you from moisture, provide comfort from the hard ground and warmth. It must be an insulating pad (i.e. have an "R value", higher the better), not just an air mattress. One style that works well are "self inflating" as there is a foam core inside that flattens when rolled and lifts when you open the valve. NO COTS please as they increase wear and tear on our tents.

• Waterproof Footwear - consider that Cubs and Scouts will hike in wet weather so look for something comfortable. We understand that it may not be practical to buy hiking boots each year, especially in the Beavers and Cubs level. However its worth considering at the Scouts age. Note: all levels MUST bring AT LEAST two pairs of footwear to all camps!

• Waterproof Jacket - Cubs and Beavers can get away with a regular rain coat. Scouts may want something more breathable.

• Synthetic Clothes - What you have on hand may already work. In many cases, big box store synthetic track pants and workout shirts are fine. Check the labels. For more advanced adventures, consider a "base layer" set which can be purchased at an outfitter (like MEC or Skyview) or consider affordable alternatives online. You may also consider purchasing a section-specific "tech shirt" in addition to the uniform from the Scout Shop, though this is not required. Finally: synthetic socks please!

• Fleece Sweatshirt or Soft Shell - should fit under the rain jacket. Following the theme: not a cotton hoodie, go with fleece or polyester. 

• Mess Kit - mesh bag with a draw string and a carabiner (or clothes pin in a pinch) containing unbreakable plate, bowl, mug, knife, fork and spoon (does not need to be a fancy camp set, could use a kids plate from your local Swedish furniture store, for example at $2 for a 6-pack). We will hang the bags from a rope at the camp and that is where the dishes will dry after they are washed. Please avoid sending disposable plates and cutlery as they don't stand up well and create a lot of garbage.

• LED Headlamp (preferred) and/or Flashlight - always pack a full set of spare batteries. Not a bad idea to have a backup light.

• Camp Chair - something that folds up. Make sure its one that your youth can carry, set up, pack up, etc. on their own.

• Backpack - your youth should have a pack large enough to carry their clothes and gear (40L-45L). Also important for them to help pack their gear so they know where everything is. All levels should be able to carry their pack from the car to the tent. You may also want to consider a smaller pack for day hikes depending on the fit of the larger pack (for lower levels this could be a repurposed school backpack). Again the major outfitter companies will have good quality options and there are affordable options available from online retailers as well. For backcountry, 12th Coquitlam has a limited number of hiking packs that can be loaned out.

Note that families that are experiencing financial hardship can apply for a Participation Subsidy to help offset various costs associated with the program. Refer to the Scouts Canada website for more details. 

Please note that electronic devices are forbidden at camps and other activities. No phones, game systems, smart watches, etc.

Badges

The Scouts Canada program has a number of different badges that are handed out for various purposes:

• Identification: we will provide a 12th Coquitlam Badge and a Fraser Valley Council badge that must go on the uniform. 

• Outdoor Adventure Skills (OAS): merit badges for core outdoor skills (e.g. camping, swimming, paddling, climbing, etc.). These go on the uniform once awarded. There are multiple levels and only the highest level should appear on the uniform.

• Personal Achievement Badges (PAB): each section has its own assortment of badges that Scouts may earn through their own initiative. These are typically done outside the Scout meetings with support of parents/guardians. Once awarded, they go on the uniform.

• Activity Badges: typically larger and more colourful than OAS and PAB, these are handed out for participation in various activities such as camps, fundraisers, holidays, etc. There are no skill or testing requirements and these are awarded to all who participate in the event. These can be sewn onto the campfire blanket, but do NOT go on the uniform.

There are other, more advanced badges available in the Scouts Canada program. 12th Coquitlam does not necessarily promote all these programs, but if your youth is keen on any badge that is found on the Scouts Canada website, be sure to highlight this to your Scouter team and we will do our best to support the initiative.