The Beginnings of the Scouting Movement

Islands Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, in the south of England, is significant in the history of the Scouting movement. To the left, you see it drawn to the same scale as McNab's Island in Halifax Harbour.

Lord Robert Baden-Powell, would have been 143 years old on February 22nd, 2000. In the summer of 2000, it will have been 93 years since the first experimental Scout camp in England which is without a doubt the true beginning of the Scouting movement. Brownsea Island is no more geographically significant than McNab's Island, but it was the site of the first Scout camp, and it was undoubtedly the beginning of an exciting adventure for the twenty boys who camped there for nine days in August of 1907.

Click here to see exactly where Brownsea Island is located.
In 1907:
  • Baden-Powell is 50.
  • The three-year-long Boer War has been over for five years.
  • Queen Victoria died six years earlier.
  • Edward VII, her successor, would rule for another three years.
  • It would be one more year before the first Boy Scout manual is published.
  • In another three years, Scouting movement would come to Canada.

Other highlights:

  • 1919 - Gilwell Park for training of leaders
  • 1920 - World Jamboree


 

 

1st Woodlawn Scout Group ©2005.