Who can join?

As the Constitution indicates, membership in the Guild is not restricted to those with previous experience in the Scouting or Guiding movements although the majority of members have had some exposure to scouting. This may range,at one end of the scale, from a stint as a Brownie or Beaver as a child, to those who have never left the movement and have graduated from program scouters to becoming section leaders, Group Committee personnel or even positions with a District Council and associated positions. Such a broad range of experience is typical of many Guilds and the 38th is no exception.

Even if you have absolutely no background in scouting and guiding, you may have children who are registered in either movement or your partner may have some experience. Either way you may be motivated to join a Guild and we welcome you.

How do I join?

The first step is to talk to an existing member of the Guild to find out what we do. We often invite potential new members to our functions as a guest so that they can meet all Guild members and get a taste for the culture and camaraderie. This is an excellent way to gain some insight into the Guild movement. Once you have decided you want to join, the next step is to obtain an application form. You can get a copy from the Secretary,

Once you have completed and submitted your application to the Secretary you will be notified of the date and location of the next meeting when you will be invested.

What is the Investiture Ceremony?

This is a formal occasion complete with flags and stand and candles. Guild executive members are in dress uniform. We try to make the occasion a memorable one.

Ceremony:

1. The Chaplain (a regular Guild member who has been appointed to perform this task as and when required) reads an opening prayer.
2. A second Investiture Officer addresses all Guild members present to welcome you as a new applicants for membership and announces that your membership application has been accepted by the Guild.
3. The Secretary is then asked to read your Scouting/Guiding history from your application form OR the Investiture Officer will briefly acknowledge your history or, in the absence of any scouting/guiding specific background, will acknowledge your desire and interest in joining the Guild.
4. The applicant will then be asked if he/she understands the objectives of the B-P Guild,namely:
   • To keep alive among its members the spirit of the scout promise and law;
   • To carry that spirit into the communities in which you live & work;and
   • While remembering other responsibilities, actively to support scouting and guiding in your communities
5. The applicant will respond: "I Do"
6. All Guild members will be asked by the Investiture Officer to join the new applicant in repeating the Scout Promise:

   On my honour,
   I promise that I will do my best,
   To do my duty to God and the Queen,
   To help other people and to keep the spirit of the Scout law.

7. At this point the Invstiture Officer will present the new applicant with a B-P Guild woven badge (intended to be sewn on to the breast pocket of the Guild uniform jacket) and a lapel pin.
8. The Investiture Officer will then welcome the applicant as a new member of the 38th B-P Guild and the International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF).
9. All those present are then asked to line up and greet and welcome the new member.

Fees

For those who only belong to the Guild the annual membership fee is $25.00. The breakdown of the fee is as follows:

• $11.00 goes to the Canadian Fellowship of B-P Guilds
• $ 4.00 goes to the BC Provincial Fellowship of B-P Guilds
• $10.00 goes to the 38th B-P Guild

Although Guilds are affiliated with Scouts Canada, they are two seperate organizations with their own fee structure. If you also wish to belong to Scouts Canada you must pay their fee of $45.00 over and above the Guild fee. Note: In order to work directly with youth you must be a member of Scouts Canada and you must also submit to a police background check at your own expense.

Uniforms, dress code and badges

While there is no official dress code for guild members for ceremonial occasions (Investitures, Hands Across the Border, Funerals, Remembrance Day services, etc.) an option is a navy blue blazer, grey slacks and black shoes. Male members wear a Guild tie while the ladies wear a Ladies Corporate Bow in place of a tie and they also have the option of wearing a grey skirt. On formal occasions members are encouraged to wear scouting woggles and beads over the top of ties. An option for formal occasions is to wear full scouting uniform as a reminder of our roots. For all other occasions the 38th B-P Guild has a blue sweater and a vest. Both items have the Guild emblem embroidered on them and can be ordered through the secretary - please check with him/her as to the cost of these items. Initial name tags are issued free of charge and members are encouraged to wear them, no matter what the occasion may be.

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