As the summer comes to an end, and children go back to school, Bracebridge’s scouting groups are preparing for another busy year.

2011 Registration will be on Tuesday September 13, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Bracebridge Sportsplex and Wednesday September 14 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre (131 Wellington St.).

The 2011-2012 registration fee is $175 per youth (financial assistance is available). You can register for Scouting all year round.

Scouting is recognized world-wide for its role in helping young people to develop physically, intellectually, socially, and spiritually. Scouting is all about building confidence and self-esteem, learning important life skills and leadership skills, team building, outdoor adventure, education, and fun!

All of the local Scout programming is done by volunteers, who recognize the value of Scouting in the lives of our youth. These dedicated individuals put together exciting, challenging, and fun programs that keep the youth motivated throughout the year.

In Bracebridge there are two Scouting groups. First Bracebridge is sponsored by the Rotary Club and meets at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre. Third Bracebridge is sponsored by, and meets at, the Bracebridge United Church.

To register your child in Scouting, contact Diana MacDonald at 645-2171 (First Bracebridge) or Shawn Forth at 645-2530 (Third Bracebridge). You can also surf over to www.scouts.ca to find a group near to you.

Programs are offered to youth – both boys and girls – from ages 5 to 17. Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Venturer Scouts are the four Scouting programs that aim to challenge the youth.

Beaver Scouts — Sharing, Sharing, Sharing

A positive group experience for children aged 5-7 designed to develop in them a love of nature, an ability to share and play together, and an ability to express their creativity.

Cub Scouts — Do Your Best

Cub Scouts is a program for children aged 8-10 designed for maximum enjoyment and learning through activities in such areas as outdoors, acting, games, music, Badge and Star work, handicrafts, and stories.

Scouts — Be Prepared Venturer Scouts — Challenge!

Scouts and Venturer Scouts are adventurous programs for young people aged 11-14 and 14-17 in which the members develop skills, earn Badges and Awards, and have fun in the outdoors through hiking and camping, all designed to help guide them as they move towards good citizenship.