about us

Serving the youth of Ingersoll since 2003,  our aim is to  promote good citizenship,  good physical, emotional, and spiritual development through training in habits of observation, discipline, self-reliance, loyalty and useful skills as originally taught by our founder Lord Robert Stevenson Smythe Baden-Powell.

You can join 1st Ingersoll Traditional Explorers Association for about $75.00 a year (which is the cost of the insurance and national registration).  Uniforms are reasonably priced, and must be ordered while registering.

We welcome you to attend any of our meetings.  Check the "PROGRAMS" link for appropriate day & time of meetings.  We are located at St. James Anglican Church, Oxford St., Ingersoll  (Side entrance @ Frances St. - Basement Gymnasium).

"THERE ARE NO SALARIED OR PAID POSITIONS IN THIS NOT-FOR-PROFIT YOUTH ORGANIZATION!"
&
WE ARE FULLY INSURED!

We live by Lord Baden-Powell's original laws and mottos, as found in his book "Scouting for Boys."

We are a Scouting group that will stand behind our program, youth and leaders; and will not abandon them when they need them the most!

What is the Traditional Explorers Association?

We are committed to Traditional Scouting!!

Traditional Scouting refers to using the original program and principles as outlined in "Scouting fo Boys" by Lord Baden-Powell, (BP), founder of the Scouting movement around the world.  Although his program was originally intended for boys, interest by girls could not be ignored.  Both male and female youth are equally welcome as members. 

Lord Baden-Powell envisioned a program for youth that concentrated on building services and programs to excite and lead youth on their life journey.  His vision had leaders leading and encouraging youth, building their confidence and allowing them to share in that leadership through a patrol and court of honour system.

BP's vision was for a program that did not put the cost out of the reach of the average youth, or that took the program into the corporate world rather than with the leadership team and community.  BP's vision started with Explorer aged children with a strong focus on the outdoors.  Soon, as interest evolved, younger youth were incorporated into their own "Timberwolf" section, implementing "Learn-By-Doing" ideals and centered on the book "The Jungle Book" by BP's friend, Rudyard Kipling.

In keeping with Baden-Powell's vision, our movement, the Traditional Explorers Association Council of Ontario, has instituted a well rounded program to lead, encourage and excite youth through Traditional Scouting activities.

Some requirements have been adjusted to meet changes in technology and the world today, but the basic principles and ideals are maintained.

The Association is Committed to Traditional Scouting.
A uniform dress code encourages respect for the uniform, the group and recognition in    the community.

Five section levels are offered - Otters, Timber Wolves, Explorers, Sr. Explorers, & Rover Knights.

It is the objective of the Association to offer all Sections in all Groups, but often groups start with one or two sections until interest and leadership strengths develop.

Service to the community and younger sections is part of the program for well established groups.

All sections develop a knowledge and respect for the outdoors and nature.

Registration fees pay for insurance and a small charge for office administration.

There are no paid positions in the organization at any level.

Group Council under the Group Scouter manages the program and leadership team.

The Group Committee manages the finances and administration of the group.

Fundraising is handled by the Group Committee and adults not the youth.

Youth are challenged through a series of program levels and badges.

Community Groups and institutions may act as sponsors providing facilities and guidance.

Depending on Sponsor and community needs, program options offered can be all female, all male or co-ed. Depending on the options chosen, appropriate leadership must be provided.
Otters Timberwolves Explorers Sr.Explorers Rover Knights
Local Group Scouter Group Council
Sponsor Group Group Committee Fundraising Committee
District Council
Area Council
Traditional Explorers Association Council of Ontario (Provincially Incorporated Association)
BPSA (UK) Baden-Powell Scouts Association - United Kingdom

All sections are controlled locally.  The levels above the local level are for guidance, assistance, inter-group promotions and events, training, negotiating insurances and other program wide and cost saving measures, program By-Laws and Policy Organization and Rules (PO&R) translations and conformity.  Any changes to our By-Laws and/or PO&R are by a full vote of all our Adult Membership.  We all have a say in this truly democratic Scouting Movement.

Any Questions?

Contact our Group Scouter,

Ron Millson

519 - 425 - 4556

Click HERE To Select From Top Menu