This portion of our web guide centers on Scouting, also known as the Scout movement.
The Scouting movement began in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, a British Army Lieutenant General, organized the first experimental camp on Brownsea Island in England. This camp proved to be a success and led to the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, laying the foundation for the movement. Within a year, the movement had gained significant traction, leading to the formation of the Boy Scouts.
In 1910, Baden-Powell established the Girl Guides, led by his sister Agnes, to provide similar opportunities for girls. Over the years, the movement expanded to include younger children with the introduction of the Wolf Cubs (Cub Scouts) in 1916, and older adolescents with the Rover Scouts in 1918.
Scouting is characterized by its emphasis on outdoor activities, practical skills, and community service. The Scout Method, a core component of the movement, includes learning by doing, small group activities, and a progressive program of activities designed to develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness. Scouts often participate in camping, hiking, woodcraft, aquatics, and various sports, fostering a sense of adventure and self-reliance.
The movement is also known for its distinctive uniforms, which promote equality and hide social differences. Scout uniforms typically include a neckerchief, campaign hat, or comparable headwear, and various badges and insignia that signify achievements and rank.
While they may differ somewhat between groups, Scouting programs are divided into different age groups to cater to the developmental stages of young people. Adult leaders provide guidance, mentorship, and support to the young members. Leaders are often volunteers who undergo training to ensure they can effectively deliver the Scouting program and uphold its values.
Scouting has profoundly impacted society by promoting values such as leadership, teamwork, and community service. Scouts are encouraged to be active citizens and contribute positively to their communities. The impact of Scouting on environmental stewardship and sustainability has also played a significant role in raising awareness about conservation and responsible citizenship.
Scouting has inspired the creation of numerous organizations worldwide.
Established in 1922, the World Organization of the Scout Movement is the largest international Scout organization, with 176 member organizations throughout the world, including the Boy Scouts of America and The Scout Association (UK).
Additionally, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is a global association supporting the female-oriented and female-only Guiding and Scouting organizations in 152 countries.
Other Scouting organizations were formed independently of the larger Scout organizations or as breakaway groups.
These include the Boys' Brigade, which actually preceded the Boy Scouts organization formed by Baden-Powell. Formed in 1883, the Scottish Christian youth organization quickly spread across the United Kingdom and now has members in 60 countries.
Originally Camp Fire Girls of America, then Camp Fire USA, Camp Fire is now a coeducational organization emphasizing camping and outdoor activities.
Others include the Christian Service Brigade, the National Catholic Committee for Trail Life USA, Navigators USA, Pathfinders, the Pioneer movement, Royal Rangers, Trail Life USA, Wandervogel, and the Woodcraft Folk, to name a few among hundreds.
Trail Life USA has gained traction in the United States since its organization in 2013. The faith-based Scouting organization was founded in reaction to changes in the policies of the Boy Scouts of America. While chartered as a Trinitarian Christian organization, youths of all or no religious beliefs can join. However, individual charter organizations can limit membership to boys of a specific faith.
There have been controversies related to Scouting. Some have criticized the religious aspects of some Scouting organizations, leading to the formation of alternative youth organizations for those who object to the mention of a god. The Boy Scouts of America faced criticism for not allowing the open participation of homosexuals until 2013 and were subsequently criticized for removing that prohibition. Additionally, there have been scandals involving sexual abuse and predation by individual adult leaders and older youth.
Historically, multiple Scouting programs in Germany were absorbed into the Hitler Youth, which operated from 1936 to 1945, and operated as a paramilitary organization of the Nazi Party.
Despite controversies, the Scouting movement has made significant contributions and provided numerous benefits to society. Initially established to teach outdoor skills and citizenship to boys, it quickly expanded to welcome girls and young adults.
Recommended Resources
Congress charters the BSA to serve the nation's use by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The BSA is non-partisan. The National organization, Local Scout Council, and Units ensure that their decisions, public statements, relationships with third parties, activities, and events are consistent with the BSA's non-partisan nature. Its programs, safety policies, awards, training, outdoor programs skills, and High Adventure bases are set forth, and several resources are available.
https://www.scouting.org/
BGCA is not precisely a Scouting organization, but it is a national organization of local chapters that provide voluntary after-school programs for young people. Founded in 1860, the organization was initially the Boys' Clubs of America, but it became the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. The BGCA offers programs focused on academic success, good character, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Its history, organizational structure, programs, and volunteer opportunities are noted.
https://www.bgca.org/
Founded in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1883, the BB is active in sixty countries. Age groups are typically based on school years, so boys in the same school year group would be promoted to the next section together, regardless of birthdays. Youth leadership promotions use a ranking system similar to that of a military organization (Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Warrant Officer). Information for parents, leaders, and churches is provided on the website.
https://boys-brigade.org.uk/
Founded in 1910 as Camp Fire Girls of America, Camp Fire USA is a coeducational youth development organization. Created as a sister organization to the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Fire's programs emphasize camping and outdoor activities, as well as small group experiences, after-school programs, environmental education, child care, and community services. Its programs, locations, and volunteer opportunities are highlighted, along with membership information and contacts.
https://campfire.org/
CSB is a non-denominational Christian organization that focuses on mentoring boys and young men through a combination of adventure, relationships, and biblical teachings. Founded in 1937, the organization partners with local churches to provide structured programs and activities. Its programs are age-based and include Tadpoles (4-5), Tree Climbers (6-7), Stockade (8-11), Battalion (12-18), and Vanguard (college age). Resources for Brigade leaders, alumni, and parents are provided.
https://csbministries.org/
The Girl Guides is the national Guiding association of Canada. Formed in 1910, the organization was among the founding members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 1928. Membership is organized into different branches according to age: Sparks (5-6), Embers (7-8), Guides (9-11), Pathfinders (12-14), and Rangers (15-17) The Embers were known as Brownies before 2023. Membership, volunteer opportunities, and contacts are posted, and online registration is available.
https://www.girlguides.ca/
The Girl Scouts of the United States of America, commonly known as the Girl Scouts, is a youth organization for girls founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912, a year after she had met Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts. The organization is a World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts member. The organization's traditions include camping, community service, singing, and fundraising. Information on becoming a Girl Scout is provided, along with volunteer opportunities.
https://www.girlscouts.org/
Organized in 2003, Navigators USA is an American-based Scouting organization with more than a hundred chapters across the United States and further groups in Europe. Open to all genders between the ages of four and eighteen, Navigators is based on ideas of consensus, allowing for multi-age interactions where children can mentor one another. Describing itself as an alternative Scouting organization, membership is open to all regardless of sexual orientation or religious belief.
https://www.navigatorsusa.org/
The Pathfinder Club (Pathfinders) is a department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that works explicitly with the cultural, social, and religious education of children and teens. Children ten years and older are eligible to become members of the club, which is similar in most respects to Scouting but with a stronger religious emphasis. The Pathfinders is built around physical activities, Christian citizenship, and leadership training. Achievement paths and certifications are noted.
https://www.clubministries.org/pathfinders/
The Royal Rangers is an adventure-based, merit-driven, faith-based church ministry and mentoring program for boys in grades K-12. Operated through the auspices of the Assemblies of God, the Royal Rangers are active throughout the United States and in over 90 other nations. Their uniforms, mottos, practices, and operations are similar to those of the Boy Scouts, although they emphasize Bible doctrine, Christian service, moral conduct, and fundamental beliefs. Contacts are provided.
https://royalrangers.com/
Known as Boys' Life from. its inception in 1911 to 2018, when its name was changed to reflect its current policies of admitting girls to Scouts BSA, Scout Life is the monthly magazine of the Boy Scouts of America, and published in two demographic editions, one targeted to Cub Scout members from 6-10 years of age, the others for its 11-18-year-old Webelos and Boy Scouts members. The magazine is available by subscription, while its site includes games, contests, jokes, hobbies and projects.
https://scoutlife.org/
A resource for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Scouting Web offers a wide range of materials, including merit badge data, activities, games, ceremonies, and songs. However, Scouting Web is an independent website, unaffiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the USA, or the World Organization of Scout Movement, although it has provided scouting resources since 2001. Reviews of scouting gear may also be featured here. Workbooks for merit badges can be downloaded in PDF format.
https://scoutingweb.com/
Scouts Canada is a coeducational youth organization in Canada, offering programs for children and youth aged 5-26. The organization is part of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and focuses on youth-led activities, allowing kids to chart their path of discovery. Its programs include Beaver (5-7), Cub Scouts (8-10), Scouts (11-14), and Venturer (15-17), each designed to encourage leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. Its programs, strategies, and camps are featured.
https://www.scouts.ca/
The Scouts Association (Scouts UK) is the largest Scout organization in the United Kingdom and in Europe. Following the origins of the Scout movement in 1907, the Scout Association was formed in 1910 and incorporated in 1912 under its previous name, The Boy Scouts Association. Founded by Lord Baden-Powell, its programs include Squirrels (4-6), Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-10 ½), Scouts (10 ½-14), Explorer (14-18), and adult Network members (18-25). Information for parents and volunteers is featured.
https://www.scouts.org.uk/
Trail Life is a faith-based Scouting organization that provides youth mentorship, character development, and camping and outdoor experiences for boys in the United States. Although Trail Life is chartered as a Christian organization, faith or denominational membership is not required of youth members. The website offers resources for finding or starting a troop, volunteer opportunities, an introduction to the organization, a calendar of events, and contact information.
https://www.traillifeusa.com/
The USSSP is one of the largest collections of Scouting resources and reference materials. Founded in 1998, the website is organized as a non-profit corporation and maintained by volunteer scouters. While the Project supports the programs of the Boy Scouts of America and the World Organization of the Scout Movement, neither organization contributes financially or provides direction to the USSSP. Included are databases of scout camps and websites, scanned images, and links to other resources.
http://www.usscouts.org/
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
WAGGGS is a global association of Guiding and Scouting organizations focusing solely or primarily on female youth. Founded in 1928, the organization is headquartered in London, England, and has member organizations in 152 countries. Global opportunities for non-formal educational programs, leadership development, girl-led advocacy, and assistance to national Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting associations, are highlighted, along with volunteer opportunities and contacts.
https://www.wagggs.org/en/
Representing the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the largest international Scout organization, the site introduces the organization, its programs, the areas where it is active, and opportunities to help. While legally based in Geneva, Switzerland, the operational headquarters of the WOSM is in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. An overview of the Scout movement, the Scout method, the Scout promise and law, and the history of Scouting is featured, along with its organizational structure.
https://www.scout.org/
