We now take Scouting for granted but without the originality of one man, the movement might never have existed at all.
This
man was Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941), a soldier, artist, actor
and free-thinker. Best known for his spirited defence of the small
South African township of Mafeking during the Boer War, he was
propelled to further fame as the Founder of Scouting.
Inspired during the siege by the initiative shown by boys under pressure, BP realised that young people had huge potential that was often left untapped.
Already thinking of developing a training programme for young people in Britain, he was encouraged by friends to rewrite his handbook for soldiers (Aids to Scouting) for this younger audience.
Scouting for Boys was published in 1908 in six fortnightly parts at 4d a copy. What had been intended as a training aid for existing organisations became the handbook of a new Movement, which secured the royal seal of approval the following year when King Edward VII agreed to the introduction of the King’s Scout Award.
In its first census in 1910, Scouting had almost 108,000 participants; over 100,000 were young people.
Lord Baden-Powell died in 1941 but his legacy continued. Scouting became a byword for adventure, usefulness and global friendship.
Forward thinking
Scouting has never stood still. New branches such as Wolf Cubs (for younger members) and the Air and Sea Scouts became increasingly popular and Scouts were on hand to help out at major events such as the Queen’s coronation, helping the crowds who camped out overnight to get a glimpse of the spectacle.
The Movement continued to grow and move with the times. Girls were first invited to join the Venture Scout section and this was introduced to other sections in the early 1990s. In the true spirit of an inclusive organisation, younger children got to experience Scouting for the first time with the official incorporation of the Beaver Scouts in 1986.
Scouting for the 21st Century
At the dawn of the 21st Century, the Association again underwent reform with the launch of a new logo, uniform and training programme and the introduction of Explorer Scouts and the Scout Network by 2002.
In 2007, the Movement celebrated its centenary and the 21st
World Scout Jamboree was held in the UK. Scouting hit the headlines
in 2009 when TV adventurer Bear Grylls was announced as the new
Chief Scout.
