Scouting, or Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement of multiple organizations for both boys and girls whose aim is to develop young people physically, spiritually and mentally so that youth may take a constructive place in society. This is achieved through non-formal education with emphasis on practical activities in the outdoors, using the so-called Scout method. Most countries have Scouting programs for children and young adults from ages 6 to their early 20s.

Scouting began in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, a retired Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment at Brownsea Island, England. He was at that time a good friend of William Alexander Smith, founder of the Boys' Brigade. Currently Scouting and Guiding have over 38 million members in 217 countries and territories represented through several different Scouting associations at the international level. The works of Ernest Thompson Seton and Daniel Carter Beard were very influential in the early development of Scouting as well as the basis of the Traditional Scouting movement that has become very significant in the last several years. In many countries, Scouting has become a signifcant part of popular culture.

Origins

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Baden-Powell founded the Scouting movement in 1907 in the United Kingdom. He also introduced the parallel movement for girls, the Girl Guides, in 1910 with the aid of his sister Agnes Baden-Powell. (The Guides are known as the Girl Scouts of the USA in the United States.)

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World Scouting News

Volunteers' action makes 'ultimate' statement
Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:41:05 -0000
Copenhagen, Denmark: "Volunteers do. Volunteers act. They are doing something about climate change; making things happen and improving lives," said UN Volunteers Executive Coordinator Flavia Pansieri at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP15) yesterday. "Millions of people are taking action for the environment as volunteers. Their actions are more powerful than any statement about solving climate change and they deserve recognition and support. Governments need to take note and include volunteers in their solutions to climate change."
Youth challenge european ministers
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:37:27 -0000
15 December, 2009 - As part of the engaging activities of the COP15 Delegation of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), delegates had an opportunity to discuss the latest positions on the climate agreement with the European Union's Environment Ministers. This meeting provided a close insight of the policies that each of the countries within this region are fighting for.
Danish Scouts and Guides Climate Camp receives a Royal visit
Tue, 15 Dec 2009 02:51:49 -0000
The Danish Scouts and Guides are holding a Climate Camp throughout the two weeks of the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The aim of the camp is to highlight the importance of climate change and the need for everyone to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. It does this by engaging adults and young people in a variety of fun, Scouting activities.
Youth are the agents of change
Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:17:39 -0000
December 14- Scouts attended one of the many high level youth briefings that occur throughout the duration of the Conference. This 30-minute event provided an opportunity for Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC] to make a short intervention to discuss the linkages between climate science and COP 15 negotiations. His discussion relating to the processes of IPPC was followed by questions from youth in attendance.
Scouts join in with Youth and Future Generations Day at UNFCCC COP 15
Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:33:54 -0000
On Thursday 10th December the voices of young people around the world were heard at the UNFCCC COP 15 Conference. Youth and Future Generations Day was an opportunity for youth organizations to share their thoughts and ideas on climate change through a variety of actions, workshops and presentations. Scouting joined in this celebration of youth with a presentation explaining why Scouts are part of the solution to climate change. The presentation, given to a wide audience of conference participants, focused on showcasing what Scouts are doing all around the world to raise awareness of climate change and how Scouts are taking action to improve the environment.
Combating Climate Change: Scouts Making a Difference
Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:05:41 -0000
Twenty year old Simon Maddrell was one in a group of 14 Venture Scouts who travelled from the United Kingdom to Kenya as volunteers. Their mission was to build sand dams and water tanks to collect run-off water from domestic roofs. During the planning stages of their work, Simon was introduced to Joshua, a Kenyan agriculturalist who had pioneered a method of conserving water in drought-afflicted areas. Together with Joshua, they decided to raise £14,500 and build a dam, six barrages and 30 water tanks. In less than two years they actually raised £32,500 to build three dams, six barrages and 70 water tanks!

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