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

World Scouting membership rises to 160 National Scout Organizations
It is a pleasure to announce the WOSM membership of four National Scout Organizations as from today, 1 July 2008: National Association of Cambodian Scouts (NACS); Association of Scouts of Montenegro; Scouts of Syria; National Organization of Scouts of Ukraine (NOSU). This brings the total number of Member Organizations of WOSM to 160. A warm welcome into the World Scouting family is extended to all the youth and adult members of these four NSOs. We look forward to their participation at the World Scout Conference in Korea in the coming weeks, where they will receive their membership certificates.
Triennial Report: 2005-2008
Every three years, the governing body of World Scouting meets to evaluate the recent past and consider the future. Since 1922, this sequence of meetings has mapped out the destiny of a unique movement for young people. The projection of the Scout Movement towards the future depends on a universal vision, the legacy of Baden-Powell: to create a better world. One year after the Centenary of Scouting, the World Scout Conference can look towards the horizon with a pioneering spirit and people who know where they are starting from and are moving forward fearlessly to prepare new ground. Download the Report
Iowa Boy Scouts Camp
The World Scouting family is deeply saddened by the horrific impact of the devastating storms that tore through western Iowa this last week. The World Scout Committee, the World Scout Bureau and World Scouting at large extend their deepest condolences to the Boy Scouts of America and to the parents and families of Scouts Josh Fennen, Sam Thomsen, Ben Petrzilka and Aaron Eilerts who lost their lives while learning how to better serve others. They also extend their sincerest gratitude to the leaders, Scouts, and emergency personnel who responded so quickly and effectively and their moral support to the young people and adults injured and to their families. May the souls of these four young Scouts who died rest in peace. BSA Website
World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June
The ILO has estimated that some 165 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are involved in child labour. Many of these children work long hours, often in dangerous conditions. This year the World Day against Child Labour will be marked around the world with activities to raise awareness that Education is the right response to child labour. World Scouting, as the largest global youth movement which prides itself on its strong history of non-formal education, is encouraged to get involved and draw attention to the key issues related to Child Labour.
The Scout Association of Maldives receives the prestigious 'Green Leaf Award'
The Scout Association of Maldives has received the “Green Leaf” award, the most prestigious award in recognition to the outstanding work undertaken towards protection and preservation of environment on the celebration of the World Environment Day this year.
Sudan adopts new brand for their national logo
The Sudan Boy Scout Association (SBSA) launched their new brand this week which is based on the World Scouting brand logo. The event coincided with the National Scout Conference which took place in Khartoum from June 5-8, 2008 under the motto "Education for Peace". The launching of new brand was attended by the Sudanese Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Mohamed Abuzaid Mustapha; Regional Director, Dr.Atif Abdelmageed; The Chairman of SBSA, Mr. Saeed Ibrahim; Board of Directors Members and a number of the Partners’ Representatives. Mr. Saeed Ibrahim expressed his thanks to the Communications & Media Team at the World Scout Bureau for all their valuable assistance and extensive cooperation in the design of their new brand.

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