On September 28, the Toronto Buddha’s Light Scouts (6th Meadowvale Scouts) held their first flag-break ceremony of the 2025–2026 term at Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, officially welcoming 15 new members into the Scout Group. The program featured the presentation of scarves and badges, along with the inaugural singing of the Ode to the Triple Gem, inspiring scouts to grow under the blessings of the Buddha.

The ceremony was graced by Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto; Venerable Ru An, Scout Group Monastic Advisor; Venerable Zhi Shen; Commissioner Ken Choi; group leaders; and more than 60 members and parents from all sections.

This year’s new members include six Beaver Scouts (ages 5–7), six Cub Scouts (ages 8–10), three Scouts (ages 11–14), and one Venturer Scout (ages 15–17). Taking their oath, they received scarves and badges from Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan, pledging to uphold wisdom, compassion,and courage by living out the Scout Promise and the Three Acts of Goodness—do good deeds, speak good words, and think good thoughts.

In her address, Abbess Venerable Chueh Fan praised the growth of the Scout Group and emphasized that “service” is the essence of scouting. With 28 years of history, she noted, the Toronto Buddha’s LightScouts is among the longest-standing Scout groups in the region. She encouraged members to cherish this opportunity and extend the spirit of service beyond scouting, benefitting families, communities, and society at large.

Commissioner Ken Choi highlighted that scouting builds discipline and leadership. He explained that the investiture not only marks the admission of new members but also reaffirms the values and commitments that guide every scout.

Venerable Ru An outlined upcoming initiatives, including skill training, tree planting, e-waste recycling, and food drives.The Group will also launch a four-level “Religion Badge” program and hold monthly “Three Acts of Goodness 3G Power-up” sessions, encouraging scouts to integrate Humanistic Buddhist values into daily life.

Through service, discipline, and the practice of goodness, the Toronto Buddha’s Light Scouts continue to nurture a new generation of compassionate and responsible leaders.

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