Scouting in Low Income Areas Scouts Canada, Greater Toronto Region
Elements:
Shared Values,Systems,Skill
Year: 1995
265 Yorkland Blvd., 2nd Floor North York Ontario M2J 5C7 (416) 490-6364 (416) 490-6911
Scouting programs for youth in low-income areas enhance self-esteem and provide a worthwhile value system by empowering youth and adults.
Scouts Canada's basic program is well known, effective and constantly updated to meet the needs of current youth. Because of the program's efficacy in promoting self-esteem and worthwhile values, its potential for helping disadvantaged youth has long been realized.
Its use has been encouraged by waiving fees where appropriate and helping individual youth with camping costs. However, Scouting's full potential has not been recognized because of the cost and additional support required to establish and maintain a Scouting group in a low income area. These issues have been addressed in a determined effort to provide this growth opportunity for many more disadvantaged boys and girls.
A test group was established in the Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority (MTHA) community of Momelle Court. The community was involved in the project from the beginning, with input from the MTHA, the local Family Services Program and the local school. The region paid for uniforms for all leaders, purchased neckerchiefs, craft supplies, program books and achievement badges. Resource people gave six weeks of hands-on training, a two-day training course and provided additional help as needed. The region also paid for camping sites and fees for the Beavers to attend the area Beaveree.
