THE FOUNDATION OF SCOUTING IN 1907

The Foundation of Scouting in 1907

The Foundation of Scouting in 1907

Introduction

Scouting began in England in 1907 based on Baden-Powell's ideas and book scouting for Boys. The book and program proved to have universal appeal for boys and quickly spread worldwide. While some aspects of the program vary around the world, the principles of the Scout Promise and Law unite the world brotherhood of Scouting and prepare boys for adulthood in today's world.

From its beginning on Brown Sea Island, the Scouting idea spread around the globe until it became what it is now the largest voluntary youth movement in the world, with a membership totalling more than sixteen million. Although there might be some differences in program administration, the whole movement adheres to these fundamental principles. (Peterson,2003)

Discussion

According to the popular historical myth, Baden-Powell was the founder of Scouting. He ran the experimental camp in 1907 on Brown Sea Island, he wrote the scout's bible 'Scouting for Boys' in 1908, and he set up the Boy Scouts organization. Some people may know further that he claimed to be the Scout movement's originator, to the point whereby he swore an affidavit - “Deposition as to Origins of the Scout Movement”(Powell,1933).

Once the scheme was underway it achieved great success, not only in the UK but in other countries also. Yet, in spite of what was world-wide acclaim for Baden-Powell, there were other individuals who laid claim to be the founders of Boy Scouting. The fact that B-P had to provide such an affidavit demonstrates that the matter was not straight forward and there was some dispute in the early period, which has received attention from authors in recent years(Woolgar,2002). Several authors agree that in developing his Boy Scout scheme, there was a gestation period, although the length of this period varies from author to author. Rosenthal places the beginning in 1904 , Dedman in 1904, spring hall in 1906. Tim Jeal although deciding a particular month for a determined effort to produce the scheme for the Boys Brigade (December 1905), he deals with the complexity of events and influences leading to the publication of 'Scouting for Boys' (1900-1908) .

Although Martin Dedman and Tim Jeal tend to favour the civic aims of the movement as being the controlling factor several other authors such as the late William Adams, conclude that the defence of the British Empire formed a very important motive in the creation of the Boy Scouts. As an example Baden-Powell was impressed by the contribution of the Mafeking Cadet Corps which features in camp Fire Yarn Number one in 'Scouting for Boys'. The Cadet Corps had been founded prior to the Boer War and was not in any way unusual. It gained fame, as B-P did, through its work during the siege. Baden-Powell's interest in Boys and the welfare of the young began before then; when in 1899 he began to take an interest in his nephew Donald, playing the part of a ...