The role of Chaplain within Scouts Canada

Adapted from work prepared by Susan Lukey for CJ 2013

Chaplaincy – what is it?

Scouting can be challenging physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. The youth
and Scouters are working together hitting their limits on all levels, and discovering new things
about themselves and each other.
While first aid provides care for physical injuries and ailments, the Chaplain (or
Chaplain’s Representative – note that in some denominational contexts the role of Chaplain can
only be held by someone who is ordained. A person who is not ordained who takes on this role
may be referred to as the Chaplain’s Representative) is available to provide care for mental,
emotional and spiritual needs. This involves support to everyone who is involved with the
Group: youth, scouters and other volunteers. As well, the Chaplain can be responsible for
leading those aspects of the program which are specifically connected to spirituality such as:
Scout’s Own, Religion in Life Award and the Spirituality Award.
The Chaplain is a Scouter whose main duty is to be available and present to people as
they face mental, emotional and spiritual challenges that may arise throughout their Scouting
experience, as well as offering opportunities for worship and spiritual nurture.
The Chaplain typically serves as a member of the Group Committee and is responsible to
Group Commissioner.

Chaplains – Basic Principles

A Chaplain is first and foremost about being present with people. It is about creating
safety, support and trust. On the surface, the Chaplain may not appear to be doing very much.
But their main job is to listen, to pay attention, to notice and to be ready when the conversation
or need arises. Chaplains are not about giving advice or having all the answers. The Chaplain is
about accepting people for who they are, without judgment or assumptions. It is about
accompanying people wherever they are on their mental, emotional and/or spiritual journey. It
is about helping people find the resources they need and to find their own answers. What is
shared with a Chaplain is confidential, unless the person has given permission for the
information to be shared or unless the information needs to be shared for the safety of that
individual or another person(s).

Example Situations in which a Chaplain may be asked to help:

 A Scouter gets to the point of being totally frustrated with a particular youth in their
patrol. The Chaplain person may just need to let the Scouter vent or may help the
Scouter brainstorm new ways of dealing with the youth. Or while at camp, the Scouter
and the Chaplain may decide a break is needed for both youth and Scouter and will
invite the youth to spend the afternoon with the Chaplain.
 At camp, a youth is extremely homesick or is feeling left out of their patrol. The Chaplain
may spend time listening to what is going with the youth, or may help the youth speak
to their Scouter about how they are feeling and as a threesome think of some ways of
addressing the issue, or be part of a patrol meeting that invites all the youth into hearing
what is going on and finding a solution
 The Group Commissioner is dealing with a tough situation or problem and needs a
chance to talk through the problem situation. The Chaplain provides a confidential space
in which the Group Commissioner can talk through what is going on.
  At camp or at a meeting, one of the members of the patrol has been badly injured in a
patrol activity. The Chaplain meets with the patrol to answer questions, to address any
emotional/spiritual needs or feelings of guilt and to support the Scouter.
 News comes to camp of sudden severe illness or death in a youth’s family. The Chaplain
may be asked to be the one who shares the news or to be present when the news is
shared, and to help make plans for the youth to leave to be with his/her family.

A good Chaplain would be:

 Someone who is willing to spend time listening and learning from another person about
what is going on for them rather than trying to solve things first.
 Someone who has experience dealing with people in stressful and traumatic situations.
 Someone aware of (or willing to make themselves aware of) resources available to the
youth, Scouters and other volunteers.
 Someone who can draw on their own experience and wisdom to have a variety of
possibilities to offer as paths through a given situation.

People with the following backgrounds
Representative):
- clergy/pastors/youth pastors
- school guidance counsellors
- youth workers/counsellors
could do well as a Chaplain (or Chaplain’s
- nurses/nursing aids
- teachers
- social workers

Key Things
- The Chaplain must realize that they are working in a multi-faith setting. Scouting
incorporates and shows respect for the diversity of faith backgrounds.
- The role of a Chaplain is a wonderful opportunity to connect with youth, Scouters and
other volunteers
- The Chaplain can take a poor or difficult Scouting experience and make it into a great
experience by listening, supporting and helping people take the steps they need to turn
things around.