Scouting

Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement aiming to develop young people physically, mentally and spiritually, so that they may play constructive roles in society. more...

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Scouting began in 1907 when R.S.S. Baden-Powell, Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment at Brownsea Island, England. Baden-Powell wrote the principles of Scouting in Scouting for Boys (London, 1908), based on his earlier military books, with influence and support of Seton of the Woodcraft Indians, Smith of the Boys' Brigade, and his publisher Pearson. During the first half of the 20th century, the movement grew to encompass three major age groups for boys (Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Rover Scout) and for girls (Brownie Guide, Girl Guide and Girl Scout, Ranger Guide).

The movement employs the Scout method, a program of non-formal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports. Another widely recognized movement characteristic is the Scout uniform, by intent hiding all differences of social standing in a country and making for equality, with neckerchief and campaign hat or comparable head wear. Distinctive uniform insignia include the fleur-de-lis and the trefoil, as well as merit badges and other patches.

In 2006, Scouting and Guiding together have over 38 million members in 216 countries. The two largest umbrella organizations are the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), for boys-only and co-educational organizations, and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), primarily for girls-only organizations but also accepting co-educational organizations.

History

Origins

Robert Baden-Powell laid the foundation for modern-day Scouting during a battle of the Second Boer War (the Siege of Mafeking) in South Africa, where he served as commanding officer. He successfully defended the town of Mafeking against the Boers, who outnumbered his troops eight to one. Baden-Powell brought together volunteer boys in the town, forming the Mafeking Cadet Corps. The youths supported the troops by carrying messages, which freed the men for military duties and kept the boys occupied during the long siege. The Cadet Corps performed well, helping in the defense of the town (1899–1900). Each member received a badge that illustrated a combined compass point and spearhead. The badge's logo was similar to the fleur-de-lis that Scouting later adopted as its international symbol.

As a result of his determined and successful defense of the town, Baden-Powell became a national hero in the United Kingdom. His 1899 military training manual, Aids to Scouting, became a bestseller and was used by teachers and youth organizations.

Read more at Wikipedia.org