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Our foundation
Robert Baden-Powell
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.
2015
Launched a three-year community impact project called "A Million Hands" to support four social issues chosen by their young people. The project works in partnership with six key charities: Mind, Alzheimer’s Society, Leonard Cheshire Disability, Guide Dogs, Water Aid and Canal & River Trust.
2016
The Scout organisation celebrated the centenary of its Cubs section, named Cubs100. Adventurer Steve Backshall was appointed Cubs100 Ambassador to raise the profile of the anniversary year.
2020
The Earth Tribe was launched as a global youth community for environmental action to tackle the impacts of climate change.
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