Baden-Powell Scouts' Association

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Baden-Powell Scouts' Association
B-PSA Logo.png
CountryUnited Kingdom
Founded1970
Website
http://www.traditionalscouting.co.uk/
WikiProject Scouting fleur-de-lis dark.svg  Scouting portal

The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association (B-PSA) is a worldwide youth organisation originating in the United Kingdom, with friendly relationships with similar traditional scouting organisations in various countries. Baden-Powell Scouting focuses on the importance of tradition in the scout movement.

Contents

The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association shares the heritage of the youth scouting movement, however they believe in a traditional way of scouting which closely follows the programme set out by Lt. General Robert Baden-Powell in his book: Scouting for Boys .

The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association was formed in the United Kingdom in 1970 by the Reverend William Dowling when it was felt that the Scout Association was abandoning the traditions and intentions set out by Baden-Powell in 1908. The Baden-Powell Scouts retain the belief that the essence of the movement should be based on outdoor activities related to the skills of explorers, backwoodsmen and frontiersmen.

It is a voluntary, non-formal educational charity association for young people. It is an independent, non-political, and non-military organisation. The B-PSA believes this programme should be available to everyone.

As an independent scout association, they are members of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS). The WFIS was formed in Laubach, Germany, in 1996 by Lawrie Dring, a scouter and President of the B-PSA, and scouts from Laubach. The WFIS is an international body that recognises independent scouts associations in countries around the world that teach traditional Baden-Powell scouting values. Their aim is to improve the standard of future citizens with the object of using their efficiency for service for their fellows. [1]

History

For the origins and history of the scout movement generally see: Scouting

Following the origin of the Boy Scout Movement and, in 1908, the publication of Robert Baden-Powell's book, Scouting for Boys , the Boy Scouts Association was formed in 1910 and, until 1967, it followed the programme established by Baden-Powell. However, the publication of the Chief Scouts' Advance Party Report , introduced major changes to that association's name, uniform, sections and programme. [2]

B-PSA Scouts and Air Scouts marching to the Carr Edge camp site, 22 August 2008 Bpsaundercolours.JPG
B-PSA Scouts and Air Scouts marching to the Carr Edge camp site, 22 August 2008

In 1969, some of those, led by the Reverend William Dowling, who did not agree with changes being introduced following the Advance Party Report formed a pressure group within the Scout Association, known as 'the Scout Action Group'. They asked that Scout Groups wishing to maintain a more traditional approach to Scouting should be allowed to do so. In mid-1970 the Scout Action Group published A Boy Scout Black Paper, which outlined their views. [3]

As a result of discussions, the whole organisation fractioned into two groups on 20 September 1970 – The Scout Association and the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association. [4]

In 1979, due to internal arguments, the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association split into two organisations, with both claiming the name and charity number of the association. The two factions reconciled their differences in June 1990, and in 1994 there were nearly 70 groups in the association.

In the 1990s there was a dip in the number of active groups in the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association, in common with a fall in numbers experienced by the various United Kingdom Scout organisations at that time, and the number of groups had dropped to around 40 in 2001. [5] The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association, as with Scouting in the United Kingdom generally, has shown subsequent growth in numbers with the opening of new groups. [6] [7] A report in The Times in August 2004 gave a membership of 5,000 in 56 groups. [8]

The B-PSA celebrated 100 years of Scouting in 2007, issuing centenary badges and holding their own Centenary Camp in Southampton. [9]

Jamboree 2008, marked the centenary of the first official Scout Camp held by Baden-Powell at Humshaugh. The event included parades at Hexham Abbey and a ceremony at the original Carr Edge camp site. [10]

Aims, methods and ideals

BPSA Scouts developing climbing skills, August 2008 BPSA Scouts climbing.JPG
BPSA Scouts developing climbing skills, August 2008

The main policy is Traditional Scouting  – which is taking Baden-Powell's original nine Scout Laws and the later 10th Scout Law and using them, along with Baden-Powell's original training programme and rank system.

Once a Scout is invested Baden-Powell believed that he would continue to live the Scout Law. This law is kept by Scouts from the age of ten and Adult Leaders must renew their promise on regular occasions. The original Scout Law, written by Baden-Powell, appeared in 1908. The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association uses his 1911 version, which is as follows:

  1. A Scout's honour is to be trusted
  2. A Scout is loyal to the King and to his officers, and to his country, and to his employers.
  3. A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
  4. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout, no matter to what social class the other belongs.
  5. A Scout is courteous.
  6. A Scout is a friend to animals.
  7. A Scout obeys orders of his patrol leader or Scout master without question.
  8. A Scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties.
  9. A Scout is thrifty.
  10. A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.

The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association hold to the ideals of Scouting that were created by Baden-Powell. The association's heritage dates back to the foundations of Scouting in the UK in 1908. The association follows a charter set down in their Policy Association Rules. They have no paid Executive Staff or Leaders.

The traditional programme also develops a sense of duty, personal discipline and honour. In addition to a wide range of activities Scouts in the B-PSA continue to practise traditional Scouting skills:

The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association are members of the World Federation of Independent Scouts. The Baden-Powell Scouts use the original programmes and wear traditional uniforms. Wolf Cubs continue to use the Grand Howl at the beginning and end of their meetings.


The advancement program for members of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association is symbolised by the earning of badges and awards.

In Wolf Cubs this consists of Tenderpad, First Star and Second Star – working towards the final award of Leaping Wolf. The First and Second Stars are worn on the Cub's cap, this positioning leading them to sometimes be referred to as one, then both, eyes open.

In the Scouts section they use the same ranks as in Scouting for Boys with Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, and the Scout Cord. Senior Scouts can earn the Bushman's Thong (with variations for Air and Sea Scouts) and the St. George's Scout award, which takes the place of the Queen's Scout award. Rover Scouts are able to earn the Baden-Powell Award.

The requirements for these badges, and the overall designs of the award badges, remain true to the pre-1967 Boy Scouts Association requirements and designs, with the stars on the original awards being replaced by the initials B and P, and the word "BOY" being replaced by "B-P".

Uniform

BPSA Air Scouts, July 2008 Air Scouts of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association, July 2008.jpg
BPSA Air Scouts, July 2008

The Scout sections wear the traditional uniform designed by Baden-Powell.

Organisation

Sections

The Baden-Powell Scout's Association retains the pre-Advance Party Report (1967) sections, the traditional UK Scout sections [11] developed by Baden-Powell, [12] to which Beavers were added in 1982. The association is open to males and females in mixed and separate sections.

The sections (Beavers to Senior Scouts) are led by a Section Master, who must hold a warrant for the position, aided by assistants. Other adults who help run a section may be volunteers (such as parents of children in the group), Instructors (Scouts, Senior Scouts and Rovers that have been trained to assist the leaders), and members of the Group Executive Committee who help operate the group financially. Rover Crews mainly govern themselves, but are assisted by a Rover Scout Leader who ensures that the crew is working within the rules of the association.

SectionAgesControlled byActivities
Beavers 5–8GroupA program of outdoor activities, creative play, music, and cooperative games.
Wolf Cubs 7½–11GroupIntroduction to the Scouting skills needed for their future life in the Troop.
Scouts 10½–15GroupThe B–P Scouts follow much the same Training Scheme as laid down by Baden-Powell in Scouting For Boys.
Senior Scouts 15–18GroupIncreased emphasis on personal challenge and adventure. The St. George's Award is the highest gained.
Rover Scouts 18+GroupThe final stage in the system of training. The highest award is the Baden-Powell Award.

Group branches

There are Air Scouts and the provision for Sea Scouts within the organisation. These branches follow the same core programme as other sections but add more aeronautical or nautical emphasis depending on the branch.

Child protection

In common with other United Kingdom youth organisations all adults have to undergo extended criminal record checks since their introduction in 1997. New leaders are required to give personal references and complete an interview before taking an appointment. The B-PSA has a child protection officer and there is a full child protection policy in place. [13]

Each international association follows the child protection measures expected in their own country.

International associations

Australia

The 1st Devonport Scouts in Tasmania under Alan Richmond, OAM, several groups in South Australia under Frank Payne and later groups in New South Wales and another in Queensland affiliated with the B-PSA.[ citation needed ]

Canada

The B-PSA was first organized in Canada in Victoria, British Columbia in February 1996 as the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association of Canada (BPSA Canada). Scouts Canada lodged a complaint against this name with Industry Canada. This prompted the association to reorganize on a provincial basis. BPSA Associations currently operate in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Denmark

The Yellow Scouts of Denmark – Baden-Powell Scouts (De Gule Speijdere i Danmark) started on 25 February 1984, as "Det Danske Pige- og Drenge Spejderkorps", aiming to return to a more traditional Scouting approach as a response to changes in the mainstream Danish Scouting movement. [14]

Ghana

The Baden-Powell Scouts Association is active in Ghana. The Baden-Powell Scouts of Ghana operates in Accra, Ghana. [15] It has a Beaver Lodge of 40, two Wolf Cub Packs of 30 and a Scout Troop of 48 members. [16]

Malta

Baden-Powell Scouts Malta was set up in 2011 and there are currently seven active groups located in Mtarfa, Mgarr (Sea Scouts), Luqa (Air Scouts), Qormi, St Paul's Bay (Sea Scouts), Bahrija and Zebbug. BPSM was admitted to full membership of WFIS in 2014.


United States

The Baden-Powell Scout Association became a registered corporation in the United States in June 2002, [17] and was issued federal non-profit organisation status, operating the 1st Tarrant Scout Group in Texas, notable as the first B-PSA group to operate in the United States. [18] B-PSA was affiliated with the Baden-Powell Scouts Association of England before they ceased operations, possibly about 2010.

Also in the US is the Baden-Powell Service Association (United States) (BPSA-US), formed in 2006 and later incorporated [19] in California, 2009. BPSA-US is not directly affiliated with the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association, but is part of the traditional Scouting movement and a member of the World Federation of Independent Scouts. BPSA-US has worked closely with members of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association and the Baden-Powell Service Association in Canada, and is working with others in defining their traditional Scouting program.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouting</span> Worldwide youth movement

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cub Scout</span> Scouting program for young people

Cub Scouts, Cubs or Wolf Cubs are programs associated with Scouting for young children usually between 7 and 12, depending on the organization to which they belong. A participant in the program is called a Cub. A group of Cubs is called a 'Pack'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Scout Association</span> Scouting organisation in the United Kingdom

The Scout Association is the largest Scouting organisation in the United Kingdom and is the World Organization of the Scout Movement's recognised member for the United Kingdom. Following the origin of Scouting in 1907, the association was formed in 1910 and incorporated in 1912 by a royal charter under its previous name of The Boy Scouts Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scout sign and salute</span> Salute of the World Scouting Movement

The three-finger salute is used by members of Scout and Guide organizations around the world when greeting other Scouts and in respect of a national flag at ceremonies. In most situations, the salute is made with the right hand, palm face out, the thumb holding down the little finger, and with the fingertips on the brow of the head. There are some variations of the salute between national Scouting organizations and also within some programme sections.

Scouts South Africa is the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) recognised Scout association in South Africa. Scouting began in the United Kingdom in 1907 through the efforts of Robert Baden-Powell and rapidly spread to South Africa, with the first Scout troops appearing in 1908. South Africa has contributed many traditions and symbols to World Scouting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rover Scout</span> Scouting organization

Rover Scouts, Rovers, Rover Scouting or Rovering is a program associated with some Scouting organizations for adult men and women. A group of Rovers is called a 'Rover Crew'.

The World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS) is a non-governmental international Scouting organization with over 7 million members in 151 affiliated Scout organizations in 65 countries. WFIS was formed in Laubach, Germany, in 1996 by Lawrie Dring, a British Scouter with the independent Baden-Powell Scouts' Association (BPSA).

Traditional Scouting is "old-fashioned" or "back to basics" Scouting in some form, often with an emphasis on woodcraft and scoutcraft activities. As a pluralist movement, there is no one set definition for the term, but most traditionalists share a common set of values and procedures. Traditionalists aim to return the Scout Movement to something approximating its original style and activities; rejecting the trend of modernizing the program in an attempt to widen its appeal and/or use the name "Scouts" for new programs for ever-younger children.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scout leader</span> Trained adult leader of a Scout unit

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scouting 2007 Centenary</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pathfinder Scouts Association</span>

The Pathfinder & Rover Explorer Scouts' Association (P-RESA) is an independent Traditional Scouting Association in the United Kingdom, with International branches. The Association's training programme runs along the lines of Baden-Powell's original Scouting for Boys, upholding the traditions and practices set out by B-P, using the 1938 Boy Scouts' Association Policy Organisation & Rules (POR) as its basis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lawrie Dring</span> British scouting leader

Lawrence 'Lawrie' Dring was a British Scouter who was one of the founding members of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association (BPSA) and of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS). He was President of the BPSA at the time of his death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humshaugh</span> Human settlement in England

Humshaugh is a parish near Hexham in Northumberland, England. The village had a population of 622 in the 2011 census, and is just north of Chollerford, which is located near Chesters Fort (Cilurnum) on Hadrian's Wall and is about 21 miles west of Newcastle upon Tyne. The village of Humshaugh lies just off the military road running from Newcastle to Carlisle which was built by General Wade during the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. Other nearby villages include Low Brunton and Walwick. Humshaugh is usually pronounced Humz-hoff, although some genuine locals have been heard calling it Humz-haff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baden-Powell Award</span> Highest award achievable to Rover (adult) Scouts

The Baden-Powell Award, also known as the B-P Award or Baden-Powell Scout Award (BPSA), is the highest award achievable to Rover (adult) Scouts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamboree 2008 (Northumberland)</span>

Jamboree 2008 was developed as "an Inter-organisational & International event" which was intended to "bring 600 young people from Scouting and Guiding together — to develop skills & friendships that will lay the foundations for the next 100 years of Scouting". The Jamboree was set up to be independent of Associations, and hoped to involve members of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beaver Scouts (Baden-Powell Scouts' Association)</span>

Beaver Scouts, usually referred to as Beavers, is the youngest section of Scouting operated by the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association. The core age range for Beaver Scouts is six to eight years, though exceptions can be granted. Individual sections of Beaver Scouts, known as a Colony, are run by the local Scout Group. After reaching the age of eight, a Beaver Scout will then move on to Wolf Cubs.

As with Scouts in The Scout Association, the Scout section of the BPSA is the direct descendant of the original Scout Patrols which formed in the United Kingdom in 1908. The section is open to both boys and girls between the ages of 10–15 years, and are now formed into local Scout Troops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rover Scouts (Baden-Powell Scouts' Association)</span>

Rover Scouts or Rovers is the final section of the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association for adults aged 18 and over. There is no upper age limit for Rover Scouts and all genders are admitted. The aim of the section is "to facilitate the growth of young adults". Rover Scouts are guided to train themselves, in body, mind and spirit, to become responsible members of their community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BP Service Association in Canada</span>

The BPSA in Canada was established in Victoria, British Columbia in 1996 as The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association of Canada (B-PSAC), rejecting the perceived modernization of the Scout method by Scouts Canada and sharing its aims with the other branches of the B-PSA. It is affiliated with the World Federation of Independent Scouts. The association was incorporated in British Columbia in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outdoor Service Guides</span>

The Outdoor Service Guides (OSG) is an inclusive, co-ed scouting organization in the United States. It accepts scouts without regard to gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, economic circumstances, religion, or other differentiating factors. OSG is a member of the World Federation of Independent Scouts (WFIS).

References

  1. ↑ mt. "Members". www.wfis-europe.org. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  2. ↑ "The growing crisis in the Scout movement". Scout History Society. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 13 October 2007.
  3. ↑ "Scouting Timeline". B-PSA website. Archived from the original on 23 September 2010. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  4. ↑ Traditional Scouting Site United Kingdom
  5. ↑ "The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association". B-PSA. Archived from the original on 20 August 2007. Retrieved 18 August 2007.
  6. ↑ "Fakenham Lancaster: New B-PSA Group". Fakenham Lancaster Baden-Powell Air Scout Group website. Archived from the original on 15 April 2009. Retrieved 6 May 2009.
  7. ↑ "Isle of Axholme: New B-PSA Group". Isle of Axholme Scout Group website. Retrieved 6 May 2009.[ dead link ]
  8. ↑ "Scouting Timeline". www.traditionalscouting.co.uk. The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  9. ↑ "BPSA Centenary Camp". Scouting Radio. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  10. ↑ "News report on Jamboree 2008". Hexham Courant. Archived from the original on 6 September 2008. Retrieved 10 November 2008.
  11. ↑ Jeffrey Hughes, Paul. "Sections". The Baden - Powell Scouts' Association - Registered Charity (No. 278525). Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  12. ↑ B-PSA Ireland, Senior Scouts – Scouting for Men Archived 14 May 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ↑ Child protection Policy [ permanent dead link ]
  14. ↑ Korpsets Historie (Danish)
  15. ↑ "The Roman Ridge School – Pursuing Academic Excellence". www.theromanridgeschool.com. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  16. ↑ Baden-Powell Scouts' of Ghana advert Archived 5 September 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  17. ↑ "Texas Public Accounts" . Retrieved 2 November 2008.[ permanent dead link ]
  18. ↑ "1st Tarrant Group, Baden-Powell Scouts (archived)". Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2014.
  19. ↑ "Business Search - Business Entities - Business Programs". Archived from the original on 2 April 2010. Retrieved 2 April 2010., search for entity number C3190288
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