The Scouting Auxiliary Organization (OPH)
It brings together individuals who support scouting and promote the ideals of the Polish Scouting Association (PSA). The organization’s primary mission is to support the activities of scouting units, promote scouting values, and cooperate with local communities, parishes, and Polish community organizations.
Each Auxiliary Circle (KPH) maintains close cooperation with its affiliated scouting unit, providing moral, practical, and financial support.
The organization’s primary goal is to assist units so they can successfully carry out their programs and planned activities. These efforts are made possible by volunteers who dedicate their time and, in return, gain meaningful relationships and the satisfaction of seeing the results of their work.
The Scouting Auxiliary Organization has been active in Canada since 1952, when the first Scouting Auxiliary Circle was established in Toronto.
In the following years, new circles were formed in many Polish community centers across the country, supporting the emerging scouting communities. Over time, these circles became an important support base for scouting groups, providing them with essential assistance.
Over the decades, members of the KPH have organized fundraising efforts, renovation projects, work trips, and numerous initiatives that enabled the growth of scouting and the development of many scouting centers, including those in Kaszuby, Montreal, and Edmonton. Thanks to their dedication, the Scouting Auxiliary Organization (OPH) has become an important part of Polish community life in Canada.
Today, the OPH in the Canada District brings together over 500 members active in 16 circles, who continue to support their scouting units with commitment in their everyday work and development.
The supreme authority of the entire OPH is the Chair of PSA International, while within the Canada Division the supervising body is the Board of Directors PSA Canada. The work of all Scouting Auxiliary Circles in Canada is coordinated by National Co-ordinator of the Polish Scouting Auxiliary Organization.
The OPH operates in accordance with:
Regulamin Organizacji Przyjaciół Harcerstwa and
Okręgowy Regulamin Kół Przyjaciół Harcerstwa,
which define its principles of operation, structure, member responsibilities, and methods of cooperation with other PSA organizations.
The organization consists of Scouting Auxiliary Circles (KPH) members and memebers with rank of dz.h. OPH.
Currently in Canada, there are 16 Scouting Auxiliary Circles (KPH), as well as a Council of Circles, established by the Board of Directors PSA in Canada to coordinate the activities of individual circles and OPH members around the shared needs of PSA in Canada.
At present, OPH Canada brings together over 500 registered members.
(KPH)
Are established in communities where there is a need to cooperate with local Scouts units. Their members include parents of youth involved in local scouting units, as well as community members who support scouting. The goal of KPH members is to support their local scouting units.
KPH assist in many ways, including purchasing equipment, covering facility costs, organizing transportation and meals, as well as supporting camps, colonies, and leadership training. Members volunteer their time to carry out maintenance and renovation work, prepare campgrounds, and support scouting events.
The Circle’s board is not only the foundation of each KPH but also its driving force, with the chair playing a key leadership role. Under effective leadership, a KPH grows stronger, gains new members, and maintains strong relationships with the scouting units it supports.
Members of the Scouting Auxiliary Organization (OPH) contribute significant time, effort, and skills for the benefit of scouting. Through their dedication and example, they actively promote scouting among their peers and the broader Polish community, helping it grow. Their contribution cannot be overstated.
Council of Circles
(Rada Kół)
The Council of Circles was established by the Board of Directors , PSA in Canada to coordinate the activities of individual circles and scouting supporters around the shared needs of PSA. In addition to its coordinating role, the Council organizes work trips to scouting camps in Kaszuby, as well as other joint initiatives involving members from different KPH, such as preparing meals for the annual Thinking Day celebrations or organizing spring fundraising events.
The Council of Circles is composed of the chairs and vice-chairs of each KPH, along with two delegates from each circle. Its membership also includes OPH activists (dz.h.) and district commissioners (hufcowi).
(OPH scouting rank )
It is the only scouting rank awarded within the Scouting Auxiliary Organization (OPH). It may be granted to a person who belongs to a Scouting Auxiliary Circle (KPH), is prepared to carry out work within the Association, and fulfills the requirements set out in the OPH regulations.
Those who hold the dz.h. rank serve as role models for members of the Scouting Auxiliary Circles, setting an example through their adherence to the Scout Law, service to Poland and Canada, and support for civic engagement in social and public matters.
Scouting activists support PSA not only through their involvement in their home circles and OPH-wide initiatives, but also through their broader service wherever they are needed. They take on roles such as members of the Board of Directors of PSA in Canada and committees operating under it. They are active in their parishes and contribute articles to Polish community media to promote scouting.
Their mission is to uphold and promote scouting values and support the goals of the Association. Through their service, they help ensure continuity of work and the ongoing existence of the Circles and the OPH organization.
We invite all parents of scouting youth to join the Scouting Auxiliary Circles (KPH) connected to their local groups, so that together we can support and promote the Polish Scouting Association in Canada.
If you have any questions or would like to join or support the Scouting Auxiliary Organization (OPH), please reach out to us.
National Coordinator of the Polish Scouting Auxiliary, PSA Canada - dz.h. Gosia Sobolewska
Facebook OPH Kanada
KPH Bałtyk
KPH Giewont
KPH Hamilton
KPH Kitchener/Waterloo
KPH London
KPH Milton
KPH Mississauga
KPH Niagara
KPH Oakville
KPH Oshawa
KPH Ottawa
KPH Podhale i Rzeka
KPH Scarborough
KPH Szarotki
KPH Windsor
KPH Zarzewie