It is the hundredth anniversary of Scouting today. One hundred years ago, Sir Robert Baden-Powell opened the first scout camp on Brownsea Island in Dorset England, creating the movement that has molded hundreds of thousands of young people world wide. There are National Scouting organizations in 155 countries, with Scouting in another 26 territories controlled by one of them. A further 36 countries have scouting organizations not yet recognized by the world body, it is a true world wide phenomenon.
I spent many years in Scouting, being one of the first cubs to be invested in Roblin Manitoba (A-ke-la we’ll do our best!…), and consider Scouting one of the major influences in my life. In my later life whenever someone called me a "boy scout", because of an adherence to my personal moral code, I would consider it a great compliment. I learned skills, both out door and social, that have benefited me my entire life. My first travel abroad, to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, was because of Scouting, I traveled to the World Jamboree in Lillehammer Norway. It is a great organization.
So thank you Baden-Powell, and thank you Scouting. Hope the next hundred years is as great.
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And don’t forget to run down to your local Canada Post outlet to purchase our commemorative books celebrating the Boy Scouts 100th! This ad shamelessly placed by your loving brother.
Well from Scouting came Guiding and I have been a member since I was 6 years old! That makes it almost 22 years now. I cannot begin to describe how influential it has been to my life!
What a great post. Congratulations to Boy Scouts everywhere. I was a Brownie in the U.S. and a Guide in England; also an honorary Boy Scout for 2 years in Toronto (because the boarding school I attended didn’t have a Guide troop and I wanted to continue earning badges). This was way back in the late 40’s! I had the honour of meeting and escorting Lady Baden-Powell when she came to our school in England, and still have a photo of her somewhere from that time. Another memorable time was as a UK rep.at the World Guide HQ in Adelboden, Switzerland – combined with a high school skiing holiday.
Wow. Spam from Canada Post, and from my brother no less. Actually I consider it a good day when my local Post Office has stamps, a souvenir would be way too much to hope for. It does sound very cool though Bro.
Kara, It is a phenomenal movement there is no doubt.
Wow Pam. Those would be amazing experiences. I had heard that Lady Baden-Powell was a very nice lady.