The Order of World Scouts | |||
---|---|---|---|
Country | Worldwide | ||
Founded | 11 November 1911 | ||
Founder | Sir Francis Fletcher-Vane, 5th Baronet | ||
Grand Scoutmaster | David Cooksley | ||
The Order of World Scouts (OWS), founded in 1911, is the oldest international Scout organisation. It is headquartered in England and has an administration headquarters in Italy.
As of November 2008, the Order of World Scouts includes member associations in 14 countries – the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Peru, Jamaica, as well as two associations each for Poland, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and three associations in Mexico, Ukraine and Nepal, Uganda, Honduras and the United States (United States Trailblazers).
The Order of World Scouts was formed by Sir Francis Fletcher-Vane, 5th Baronet upon the British Boy Scouts which had spread across the British Empire and the National Peace Scouts. The British Boy Scouts were formed in 1908 as the Battersea Boy Scouts. The Battersea Boy Scouts briefly registered with The Baden-Powell Boy Scouts in September 1908 but withdrew out of a concern that Baden-Powell's organisation was too bureaucratic and militaristic. The Battersea Boy Scouts (BBS) were reconstituted as the British Boy Scouts (BBS) and launched as a national organisation in March 1909. [1]
Francis Vane had been the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts London Commissioner. He felt that Scouting should be non-military and pushed for the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts to be a more democratic organization. Through mediation, Vane reconciled the British Boy Scouts with the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts by having the British Boy Scouts as an affiliated organisation. However, Baden-Powell appointed members of the National Service League, a pro-military group to his Boy Scouts Headquarters and Vane's position was eliminated. In a protest meeting, the London area Scoutmasters voted overwhelmingly in support of Sir Francis. Baden-Powell promised to reinstate Sir Francis but never did. [2]
On 3 December 1909, Sir Francis Vane accepted the presidency of the British Boy Scouts taking most London area Troops with him. The Quakers' Birmingham and Midland Troops also followed. Vane was instrumental in gaining Quakers to sponsor Scout Troops, [1] with support given by George and Barrow Cadbury. [3] [ failed verification ] Discussions with the pacifist Boy's Life Brigade led to the creation of the National Peace Scouts, launched on 1 April 1910. The Order of World Scouts was an international extension of these efforts.
With Vane having an Italian summer home, he and his co-founder Remo Molinari were able to launch the Scouting Movement in Italy with the Italian Boy Scouts (Ragazzi Esploratori Italiani) in 1910. [1] [4]
In 1911, in France, Vane assisted Augustin Dufresne, a ship owner, to organise a French Scouting organisation. [5]
With the spread of the British Boy Scouts program throughout the world via the CHUMS (paper) [6] and Vane's efforts, Vane aligned the various national Scout organisations as the "Legion of World Scouts", the first international organization, launched on 1 May 1911. [7] [ better source needed ] This included the 'American Boy Scout'. [8] The relationship with the American Boy Scout was short lived due to its overt militarism.
Vane then launched The Order of World Scouts on 11 November 1911. This day was influenced by the French, as it was the day that Baldwin was crowned King of Jerusalem, on 11 November 1100 (St Martin's Day). [5] [9] Vane became the Grand Scoutmaster of the Order of World Scouts. [9] [10]
Representation covered fifteen countries (counting Ireland as being separate) being; the UK, Ireland, Italy, the United States (isolated troops), Canada, France, Belgium, India, South America, China, South Africa, Canada, Egypt, Australia and New Zealand. [11]
Vane put his wealth behind the World Scouts, BBS and other national Scout organisations: providing a London headquarters and financing the organisations, even the manufacture of Scout uniforms not only for the BBS, but also for the Italian Scouts. [12] This over-burdened his finances to the point of having to declare bankruptcy. Thus the Order of World Scouts and BBS lost their headquarters, source of equipment and uniforms, and their leader, Sir Francis Vane. [1] [5]
The World Scouts was left with member troops in England (remaining to the present), and in Australia. The Australian BBS, proved more resilient than was initially thought. The 4th Alexandria (Australia) British Boy Scouts existed in the 1950s, and possibly beyond that date, [13] Individual members in Australia corresponded with the British Chief Commissioner up until the late 1960s. [14] Robert Campbell, an Australian Scout researcher, traced the BBS in Australia and credits the continuation of membership in Australia to the 1990s, when the Scouts of Australia became the successors to the BBS, which "Ceased activity in Australia c. 1950s but retains members". [15]
In the mid-1980s expansion began again with members joining in Hawaii (USA). [16] In the early 1990s, contact was made by a Scouting organisation in Australia, followed by Scouting organisations in other countries. [17]
After contact in 1991 with the Independent Scouts of Australia Incorporated, [a] the Order was more formally organised with the appointments of a BBS Commissioner for Australia in 1991 and a Chief Commissioner of BBS & BGS in Canada in 1999. [11]
Country | Group | Years |
---|---|---|
Argentina | Unión Scout Tradicionales de Argentina AC. [18] [19] | 2008–present [19] |
Australia | British Boy Scouts (AU) | 1911–1930s [20] |
Australia | Independent Australian Scouts formerly known as 'Scouts of Australia' (1992 to 2001) | 1991– |
Belgium | Troop based in De Panne [3] | 1911–1914 |
Bolivia | Bolivia: USTA | 2008–2016 [19] |
Brazil | Brasil: USTA | 2008–2016 [19] |
Brazil | Brasil: AEMR | 2017–present |
Canada | British Boy Scouts (Canada) | 1911–1919 [20] |
Canada | Canadian Independent Scout Association | 1999–2000 [21] |
China | The British Boy Scouts (Hong Kong) | 1911–1914 [20] |
Chile | FIDES Chile (Federación de escultismo Chilena) USTA | 2008–2016 [19] |
Chile | Agrupación de Escultismo Woodcraft de Chile USTA | 2003–2016 [19] |
Chile | Unión de Scouts de Chile USTA | 2008–2016 [19] |
Dominican Republic | Dominican Republic USTA | 2008–2016 [19] |
Egypt | The British Boy Scouts (Egypt) | 1911–1914 [20] |
El Salvador | Association of Traditional Scouts of El Salvador (ASTES) | 2016–present |
France | French Scouts | 1911–1914 [20] |
Hawaii (USA) | Order of World Scouts Hawaii | 1985–2000 [16] |
Honduras | Association Of The Escultismo Traditional From Honduras (AETH) | 2017–present |
India | The British Boy Scouts (India) | 1911–1914 [20] [3] |
Ireland | British Boy Scouts (Ireland) | 1911–1914 [3] |
Italy | Italian Boy Scouts (Ragazzi Esploratori Italiani) | 1911–1914 [20] |
Italy | National Scout Training School (Scuola Nazionale Formazione Scout) | 2002–present |
Jamaica | Girl Scouts of Jamaica | 2008–present [22] |
Mexico | Union of Traditional Scouts of Mexico (USTmex) | 2017–present |
Mexico | Scouts Mexicanos AC | 2008–2011 [19] |
Nepal | Nepal Peace Scouts | 2016–present |
New Zealand | The British Boy Scouts (New Zealand) | 1911–1914 [20] |
Peru | The Peruvian Association of Scouts Around the World (Asociacion Peruana de los Scouts Del Mundo) | 2008–present [22] |
Peru | Perù USTA | 2008–2016 [19] |
Poland | Drzewo Pokoju [23] | 2002–present |
Poland | Harcerska Gromada Wilkow [24] | 2010–present |
Poland | Stowarzyszenie Harcerskie Knieja [25] | 2012–present |
South America | The British Boy Scouts (Creillos, South America) | 1911–1914 [20] |
South Africa | The British Boy Scouts (South Africa) | 1911–1914 [20] |
Uganda | The Federation of Uganda Scouts | 2017–present |
Ukraine | Organization of Ukrainian Scouts [22] | |
United Kingdom | British Boy Scouts | 1911 [20] –present [22] |
United Kingdom | British Girl Scouts | 1911–present [22] |
United Kingdom | British Girl's Nursing Corps | 1911–1912 |
United Kingdom | The Order of the Redeemer | 1914–present |
United Kingdom | Scout History Association [22] | |
United States | American Boy Scouts | 1911–1912 [20] |
Uruguay | Uruguay USTA | 2008–2016 [19] |
Italian Boy Scouts | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ragazzi Esploratori Italiani | |||
Country | Italy | ||
Founded | 12 July 1910 | ||
Defunct | 1914 | ||
Founder | Francis Vane Remo Molinari | ||
Affiliation | Order of World Scouts | ||
Italian Boy Scouts (IBS) was the first Scouting association in Italy founded by Francis Vane and Remo Molinari lasting from 1910 to 1914. While short lasting, its existence influenced others to start other Scouting organizations in Italy.
1. To do his duty to God, King and Country.
2. To help anyone whatever the cost.
3. To trust the word of a brother Scout and always tell the truth, if he lies he is no longer a Scout.
4. A Scout is loyal, he supports his friend and especially his comrade on any occasion.
5. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout, rich or poor, fortunate or unfortunate.
6. A Scout is courteous to all, especially to the weak, women, children, invalids and the crippled. A Scout is a gentleman, strong and must show his strength helping the weak.
7. A Scout is a friend of every living creature and will never allow an animal to suffer needlessly. He, like St Francis, feels himself brother to all living things, because he loves them and in exploring the hills has come to know them.
8. A Scout follows orders with intelligence, that is he reflects on the meaning of the order given and attempts to execute it. He is a soldier of the world and thinks before he obeys.
9. A Scout does not burden himself with sorrows, he smiles even when he suffers, because his pain will pass faster if he accepts it with a smile.10. A Scout is thrifty but never mean. He saves not for himself but to have the means to help others.
— 1910 Oath, —Scout History Association [27]
# The honour of a Scout is above every suspicion.
- A Scout is loyal.
- The duty of a Scout is to help others.
- A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout.
- A Scout is courteous.
- A Scout obeys orders.
- A Scout loves and protects animals.
- A Scout is always cheerful and smiling.
- A Scout is thifty.
— 1911 Oath, —Scout History Association [27]
Francis Vane's winter home was in Bagni di Lucca, Italy in the Apennine Mountains. Vane started a troop at a local school which spread the ideals of the Scouting movement and the backing of the Catholic Church. On July 12, 1910, an official launch of the Italian Boy Scouts at the Lawn Tennis Club in Bagni, followed with a royal inspection on November 6, 1910, at by King Victor Emmanuel with the co-founders of a troop of 30 boys. The royal inspection led to the patronage of the Italy King for the organization with the King becoming president of the Italian movement. For Rome organizer, Prince Di Cassano was appointed to the position. [28] Initially, the REI had a long 10-point Scout Oath, but was replaced in 1911 with a shorter 9-point oath. [27]
With World War I and other absence of Vane, the IBS ended in 1914 with many of the troops joining the National Explorers Youth Corps. [28]
The National Peace Scout Lily badge was initial used by Vane for the Italian Scouts plus a variant with "Be Prepared" beneath the lily for the Bagni troop. This was soon replaced by an Italian overly ornate lily. Being too ornate, this was replaced by a stone lily in the Lanaivoli Fiorenti Chapel in the Church of Corpoazioni Medioevali di S. Agostino found by a Scout. [22]
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth social movement employing the Scout method. It is a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports. Another widely recognized movement characteristic is the Scout uniform, by intent hiding all differences of social standing in a country and encouraging equality, with neckerchief and campaign hat or comparable headwear. Distinctive uniform insignia include the fleur-de-lis and the trefoil, as well as merit badges and other patches.
Olave St Clair Baden-Powell, Baroness Baden-Powell was the first Chief Guide for Britain and the wife of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell. She outlived her husband, who was 32 years her senior, by over 35 years.
Founded in 1908, The Scout Association of Malta (TSAM) is the Scouting organization in Malta. TSAM has always maintained a high and respectable Scouting tradition. Its leaders and members are committed to further the ideals of Scouting in line with those as traditionally established by the youth movement's Founder, Lord Robert Baden-Powell of Gilwell, and as further developed by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). TSAM is a forward looking youth movement which, as a non-governmental organisation (NGO), enjoys great respect both locally and internationally. It is the only association in Malta which is recognised by the WOSM, and is also a member of the European Scout Region.
Scouting and Guiding in mainland China was reported as banned with the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) by the Communist Party since 1949. Instead, the Young Pioneers of China and the Communist Youth League, led by the Communist Party, have become the dominant youth organization in mainland China for younger and older youth, respectively. However, China now has multiple and originally separate Scouting activities within its borders. In 2004, the Scout Club of Hainan (海南童子军俱乐部), borrowing heavily from Scouting in terms of emblems, uniforms and activities, was founded in Hainan Province; it is, however, not affiliated with worldwide Scouting. An attempt to organize a nationwide Scouting organization in Wuhan was ended by the government in 2004. The Scout Association of the People's Republic of China (中华人民共和国童军总会), founded in 2008 serves Venture Scouts in both genders as well as Rover Scouts. The Rover Explorer Service Association operate groups in China.
The Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) is the national Scouting and Guiding association of India. The national headquarters of BSG is recognised by the Government of India.
The Bangladesh Scouts is the national Scouting organization of Bangladesh. Now The Chief Scout of Bangladesh is Mohammed Shahabuddin. Scouting was founded in 1914 in East Bengal, now Bangladesh, as part of the British Indian branch of The Scout Association, and continued as part of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association until the country's divided sections split in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Following its independence, in 1972, the Bangladesh Boy Scout Association was officially formed as successor of the Pakistan Boy Scouts Association. Bangladesh became an independent member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1974. The organization changed its name to "Bangladesh Scouts" in 1978. The organization has 2,261,351 members as of 2021.
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.
Scouting started in Victoria, Australia, as early as 1907 and local Boy Scout patrols and troops formed independently. Several separate central organisations began operating including Boys' Brigade Scouts, Church Lads' Brigade Scouts, Chums Scouts, Imperial Boy Scouts, Girl Peace Scouts, Imperial Boy Scouts Victoria Section, Imperial Boy Scouts Victorian Section, Gippsland Boy Scouts Association, Australian Boy Scouts, Australian Imperial Boy Scouts, The Boy Scouts Association, Life-Saving Scouts of the Salvation Army and Methodist Boy Scouts.
Scouting and Guiding in Queensland is represented by Scouts Australia, Girl Guides Australia, Plast Ukrainian Scouts, and the Australian Baden-Powell Scouts' Association.
Scouting and Guiding in Italy consists of several associations and federations, including more than 225,000 male Scouts and female Guides.
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.
Non-aligned Scouting organizations is a term used by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and their member national organizations to refer to Scouting organizations that are not affiliated with them. See List of non-aligned Scouting organizations.
There are various controversies and conflicts that involve the Scouting movement. Scouting has sometimes become entangled in social controversies such as in nationalist resistance movements in India. Scouting was introduced to Africa by British officials as an instrument of colonial authority but became a subversive challenge to the legitimacy of British imperialism as Scouting fostered solidarity amongst African Scouts. There are also controversies and challenges within the Scout Movement itself such as current efforts to turn Scouts Canada into a democratic organization.
The Scout and Guide movement in Australia consists of:
The Scout and Guide movement in Malta is served by three organizations:
The Scout and Guide movement in Jamaica is served by
Sir Francis Patrick Fletcher-Vane, 5th Baronet was an Irish-born British Army officer and baronet. Francis became the 5th Baronet of Hutton on the death in 1908 of his first cousin, Sir Henry Ralph Fletcher-Vane, 4th Baronet.
The British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts Association is an early scouting organisation, having begun as the Battersea Boy Scouts in 1908. The organisation was renamed as the British Boy Scouts and launched as a national organisation on 24 May 1909. In association with other Scout organisations, the BBS formed the National Peace Scouts in 1910. The BBS instigated the first international Scouting organisation, the Order of World Scouts in 1911.
Michael John Foster is an English priest, youth leader and an historian of scouting and other youth organisations. He was Grand Scoutmaster of the Order of World Scouts and Grand Scoutmaster and formerly the Chief Commissioner of the British Boy Scouts and British Girl Scouts. He is an ordained Anglican priest and, until 2020 when he retired, was a parish priest.
deals with the history of the BBS from inception to 1914, and includes details of the protest meeting, and following events
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