Write a detailed note on Scouts and Guides covering the following topics
in it
1. History of Scouting and Guiding in the World
2. Scouting in India
3. Definition of Scouting and Guiding
4. Purpose of Scouts and Guides
5. Principles of Scouts and Guides
6. Scouts Law
7. Scout Promises
8. Scout Sign
9. Motto of Scout and Guides
10. Salute
11. Left hand shake
1. History of Scouting and Guiding in the World
The Scouting movement was founded by Lord Robert Baden-Powell
in 1907 in England. The inspiration came from his experiences as a
soldier, especially during the Siege of Mafeking in the Second Boer War.
He observed how young boys helped in non-combat roles and realized the
need to train boys to become responsible citizens.
Baden-Powell organized the first experimental camp on Brownsea
Island in 1907 with 20 boys to test his ideas. It was a success, and in
1908, he published the book "Scouting for Boys", which became the
foundation of the Scout movement.
The Guiding movement for girls was started in 1910 by Agnes Baden-
Powell, Robert’s sister, in response to girls expressing interest in Scouting
activities. Later, Lady Olave Baden-Powell, Robert’s wife, became the
World Chief Guide.
2. Scouting in India
Scouting was introduced in India in 1909 during the British colonial
period. Initially, it was restricted to British and Anglo-Indian boys. In 1916,
the first Indian Boy Scout Troop was formed.
Several separate Scouting organizations were formed in India based on
communities and religions. In 1950, these groups merged to form the
Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG), which is the national Scouting and
Guiding organization of India. The BSG is recognized by both the World
Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World
Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
3. Definition of Scouting and Guiding
Scouting and Guiding are voluntary, non-political educational
movements for young people, open to all without distinction of origin,
race, or creed. They aim to contribute to the development of young
people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and
spiritual potentials as individuals, responsible citizens, and members of
their local, national, and international communities.
4. Purpose of Scouts and Guides
The main purpose of Scouts and Guides is to:
Develop character and good citizenship.
Promote physical, mental, and spiritual development.
Encourage service to others.
Foster leadership and teamwork.
Create a sense of discipline and responsibility.
5. Principles of Scouts and Guides
The principles of the movement are based on three main duties:
1. Duty to God and Country – To uphold spiritual principles and
loyalty to one's nation.
2. Duty to Others – To help other people and contribute to society.
3. Duty to Self – To develop oneself to the best of one’s ability.
6. Scouts Law
The Scout Law is a set of guiding principles that every Scout and Guide is
expected to follow. In India, there are 10 Scout Laws:
1. A Scout is trustworthy.
2. A Scout is loyal.
3. A Scout is a friend to all and a brother to every other Scout.
4. A Scout is courteous.
5. A Scout is a friend to animals and loves nature.
6. A Scout is disciplined and helps protect public property.
7. A Scout is courageous.
8. A Scout is thrifty.
9. A Scout is pure in thought, word, and deed.
10. A Scout is obedient and follows the rules of the movement.
7. Scout Promises
The Scout Promise in India is:
"On my honour, I promise that I will do my best—To do my duty to
God and my country, To help other people and To obey the Scout
Law."
8. Scout Sign
The Scout Sign is made by raising the right hand to shoulder level with
the three middle fingers upright (representing the three parts of the
promise) and the thumb holding down the little finger (symbolizing
protection of the weak by the strong).
It is used while taking the Scout Promise and during formal Scouting
ceremonies.
9. Motto of Scout and Guides
The Motto of Scouts and Guides is:
"Be Prepared"
This means a Scout or Guide is always ready in mind and body to do their
duty.
10. Salute
The Scout Salute is made by raising the right hand with the three
middle fingers pointing upwards, and the little finger held down by
the thumb, similar to the Scout Sign, but the hand is brought to the
forehead. It is a gesture of respect and courtesy, used when greeting
other Scouts and Guides or saluting the national flag.
11. Left-hand Shake
The Left-hand Shake is a traditional greeting among Scouts and Guides.
It is said to have originated from an African tradition where warriors laid
down their shields (carried in the left hand) as a gesture of trust.
By shaking left hands, Scouts show friendship, trust, and goodwill.
