Login
I've forgotten my password

A brief history of Scouting

Our foundation

200px_baden_powell_usz62_96893__retouched_and_cropped_

Scouting began in 1907 and was founded by Robert Baden-Powell, a lieutenant-general in the British Army, serving from 1876 until 1902 in India and Africa.

In 1899, during the Second Boer War in South Africa, Baden-Powell successfully defended the town of Mafeking in a siege that lasted seven months.  Baden-Powell's troops were vastly outnumbered so he used local boys to administer first aid, carry messages and run errands.

On returning to the UK, Baden-Powell realised that boys at home could benefit from similar sorts of activities to the boys at Mafeking.  These activities went on to form the basis of the Scouting Movement.

While Scouting remains relevant, educational and exciting today, it has not strayed too far from its roots; outdoor adventure, helping others and Scouting skills remain the most iconic of its activities.

Milestones of Scouting

Over the years since our foundation we have constantly had to adapt to meet the needs of society and our young people.

1907

Baden-Powell (B-P) runs an experimental camp for 20 boys, from different backgrounds, on Brownsea Island in Dorset, based on the ideas he had begun to formulate.

1908

B-P writes his ideas in a book titled Scouting for Boys (one of the top 10 best-selling books of the 20th century).  Scouting took on a life of its own as groups of boys across the country began to organise themselves into Patrols, using B-P's book as the basis for camps and activities, and persuading adults to become their leaders.  B-P introduced the motto "Be Prepared" (based on his initials) which is still the Scout motto today.

1912

The Boy Scout Association is incorporated by Royal Charter, granted by King George V.

1916

Wolf Cubs begins for younger brothers who want to get involved.  Many years later it would be renamed Cub Scouts.

1918

Rover Scouting begins for young men from 17-25 years old.

1963

The first Little Brothers groups started up in Northern Ireland, they would later go on to become Beaver Scouts.

1966

A report is published recommending the biggest shake-up of Scouting since it began.

1967

Rover Scouts and Senior Scouts amalgamated into a single section called Venture Scouts.

1976

Girls are admitted into Venture Scouts.

1986

Beaver Scouts officially became part of The Scout Association.

1991

The decision is taken to allow girls to become members of all sections.

2002

Venture Scouts replaced by Explorer Scouts and the Scout Network.  The Balanced Programme is introduced.

2007

The Scout Association celebrates the centenary of Scouting.

2009

Bear Grylls appointed Chief Scout.

2014

UK membership reaches 550,000.


Upcoming events

Hill Walking - Training and Assessment weekend
15th November 2024, 18:30 - 17th November 2024

Scouts - Planet Ice
22nd November 2024, 22:30 -
23rd November 2024, 0:30

County 14-24 Awards 2024
23rd November 2024

Latest photos

437376878_10161335242812748_2410367585716200505_n.jpg
439677929_10161335243057748_7022829369817724588_n.jpg
437376878_10161335242812748_2410367585716200505_n.jpg
439677929_10161335243057748_7022829369817724588_n.jpg
IMG_0255.jpeg
IMG_0257.jpeg
IMG_0253.jpeg
IMG_0254.jpeg
IMG_0256.jpeg
IMG_0251.jpeg

2024 St Georges Day Parade
21st April 2024

2024 St Georges Day Parade

A HUGE Thank you to everyone who came to St George’s Day yesterday. It was soo lovely to see so many involved and to get together as a district! We...

Read article
Scout logo