Robert Baden-Powell
The roots of scouting
Baden-Powell founded the scouting movement: learning through outdoor adventure, small teams and service to others.
← Parent guide
What is FNE?
A Catholic youth movement where children grow through friendship, outdoor adventure and service.
Meet FNE Niagara
How it began
FNE means Federation of North-American Explorers. Its story brings together the scouting method, Catholic faith and a Canadian beginning.
Father Jacques Sevin
A Catholic tradition
Sevin helped shape Catholic scouting, bringing prayer and the life of faith into the daily experience of the scout.
Paul Ritchi
FNE’s founder
Ritchi began the group that became FNE in Canada in 1999, with ten members. That small beginning grew into a North American movement.
Faith lived every day
FNE helps children put their faith into practice: telling the truth, keeping a promise, caring for creation and helping others.
- Learn by doing
- Games, crafts and outdoor skills give children room to try.
- Grow together
- Small groups teach friendship, responsibility and leadership.
- Serve others
- Prayer and good turns connect faith with daily life.
The Promise and five aims
God, nature, character, service and practical activity guide the program.
Children prepare with their leaders before making their Promise. Otters begin with simple duties to God and others; Wolves promise to do their best; Explorers commit to service and the Explorer Law. No knowledge of the Promise is needed before joining.
About FNE Niagara
We’re a new group bringing FNE to families in Niagara, with our first meetings in autumn 2026.
Our units welcome Otters, Timber Wolves and girl Explorers. Children learn at their own pace, with leaders who help them take the next step.
Wednesdays, 6:15–8:15 p.m.
St. Andrew Catholic Elementary School, Welland.
Our patron saint:
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Pier Giorgio was a young Italian who loved the mountains, friendship and his Catholic faith. He spent much of his free time helping people in poverty.
His life connects the things we hope children discover at FNE: joy in the outdoors, a strong prayer life and care for others.
A patron saint is someone we look to as an example and ask to pray for us.
St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, pray for us.
Meet the leaders
Our leaders plan meetings, teach skills and help each child find their place.
Photo coming soon
Jacek Nawrot
Group Chief
Photo coming soon
Nick Timmers
Otter leader · Wise Oak
Photo coming soon
Frank Capisciotto
Otter leader
Photo coming soon
Timber Wolf leaders
Team details coming soon
Photo coming soon
Explorer leaders
Team details coming soon
Come to a meeting.
Meet the leaders and see whether FNE is right for your child.
Arrange a visit