THE SCOUTS Robert Baden-Powell, who led outnumbered soldiers and civilians in withstanding the terrors of the 217-day siege of Mafeking, founded the Boy Scouts in 1907. He was influenced by the courage of the young cadets during the siege. Baden-Powell was an idea man. He intuited that boys want to be inspired, like to be outdoors, and would be thrilled to learn how to be self-sufficient in the wild. He tested his theories by asking about twenty boys drawn from diverse backgrounds to attend the first experimental Scout camp on Brownsea Island.
Camp opened 1 August 1907. During their eight days together, the boys learned how to survive in the wild, and how to live by Encouraged by their response, and and later by Edward VII, Baden-Powell established a scouting movement that inspired teamwork, courage, outdoor skills, citizenship and reverence for God. Led largely by adult volunteers it swept the world and now inspires millions of boys and girls in over thirty countries. Their leaders meet annually at Windsor Castle, where the Sovereign reviews the annual Scouts Parade. The Left Handshake The Scout handshake is the traditional handshake but with the left hand. When Baden-Powell met the Zulu King, Dinuzulu, the King removed his shield which was worn on the left arm and extended to Baden-Powell a handshake with his left hand. The left handshake was a Zulu sign of respect and trust. 100 million Americans More than 100 million Americans have participated in the Boy Scouts. Their motto, oath, law and outdoor code have remained unchanged since 1910. The voice of Baden-Powell can be clearly heard – The Scout Motto The Scout Slogan The Scout Oath The Scout Law
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Girl Guides and Princesses Margaret and Elizabeth, 1943 The girls' movement began in 1909 at The Crystal Palace in London, England. Baden-Powell was surprised to find a number of girls dressed in Scouting uniform who wanted a similar programme. He asked his sister Agnes Baden-Powell to establish the Girl Guides.
Juliette Gordon Low met Baden-Powell in 1911. She brought Scouting to America, founding the Girl Scouts in 1912. Like the boys, Girl Scouts learn the of values of honesty, fairness, courage, compassion, character, sisterhood, confidence, and citizenship.
After his marriage in 1912, Baden-Powell's wife Olave Baden-Powell took a leading role in the development of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.
The Scouts' Outdoor Code
Image: Scouts on the Santa Rosa Plateau in Southern California. The San Jacinto mountains are in the background. rvclark@istockphoto.com
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