Today celebrates the birthday of our Founder, Robert Baden-Powell
Happy Founders Day and Thinking Day! Every year on February 22, we take some time to commemorate the history of Scouts and thank those who make it possible.
Founders Day – Celebrating Those Who Sowed The Seeds Of Scouting.
From trial camp to worldwide champ
Scouting is a global movement with local origins. What started as a camp for 20 young lads on an island off the South of England has exploded into an international organisation for more than 30 million boys and girls in more than 200 countries.
The story behind Scouting’s success springs from the hard work and motivation of its founder, Robert Baden-Powell, who led that first camp on Brownsea Island in 1907. He believed in giving youngsters from all walks of life the chance to learn the practical skills and values required to be helpful and considerate members of the community. In just over a century, Beavers (6-8 years), Cubs (8-10 years), Scouts (10-14 years), Explorers (14-18 years) and Network (18-25 years), have solidified Scouting’s place in society as an endless source of adventure and learning, with a huge focus on helping others. Even the older members would struggle to forget the second law of Cub Scouts, to always “think of others before themselves”.
Annual acknowledgement
Every year, on February 22nd, the Scouting movement celebrates the birthday of Lord Baden-Powell (b.1857), and his wife, Olave (b.1889), who was the first Chief Girl Guide. This is known worldwide as Founders Day. It is a day for Scouts and Guides to renew their promises together and reflect on how the century old values of Scouting still resonate in the fast-changing modern world.
Global greetings
The heritage of Scouting means just as much to its members overseas. Each year on Founders Day, the International Scout and Guide Fellowship shares messages from Scouts around the world, from Austria to Uruguay. These thoughts and well-wishes show how Scouts are part of an international family that breaks down borders with its shared vision of making a positive difference to the environment and the people in it.
