Did you know that 2007 marks the centenary of Scouting?
Numerous events have been planned to acknowledge the achievements of the past one hundred years and to look forward to the continued success of Scouting in the decades to come. After all, with 28 million members in 216 countries, Scouting is the largest co-educational youth Movement in the world! Baden Powel, a man ahead of his times in terms of educational thinking, started the World Scout Movement in 1907 having been inspired by the young messengers of the Siege of Mafeking, during the Boer War. He ran an experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset, where a small party of boys put into practice his ideas for training young people in responsible citizenship. In August the following year, the first official Scout Camp was held at Humshaugh, near Hexham, Northumberland. In 1916 Packs for 'Wolf Cubs' later known as Cub Scouts, were created for the younger members. Many decades later, Venture Scouting was formed from the existing Senior Scout and Rover Scout Sections, becoming the first Section to welcome girls into the membership in 1976. Happily, girls can now benefit from the excitement in all five present day Sections. In 1982, in response to demand, Beavers Colonies for 6 to 8 year-olds were also established. Then during the late 1990s, it was decided that, in order to meet the changing needs of young people over the age of 14, Explorer Scouts for 14 to 18-year-olds and the Scout Network, for 18 to 25-year-olds, should be introduced.

Modern Scouting, which is now undergoing a revival, aims to help youngsters aged 6 to 25 to grow in a number of personal development areas. Its active and exciting programme of progressive training, activities and awards ensures that young people ‘learn by doing’, whilst still having a lot of fun in the process! Not surprisingly the theme for the Centenary year is Growth, Recognition and Celebration. Scouting has undoubtedly expanded and developed in the last hundred years but it still offers opportunities for leadership, adventure and the development of self-confidence that many youngsters would not to be able to enjoy without their involvement with the Movement.

Already there is much media interest in the national celebrations and many nationwide initiatives, such as the sale of commemorative stamps and the minting of a unique fifty pence coin, are to be rolled out in the months to come. The Scout Association are confident that by raising our public profile, we can work in closer co-operation with many local companies, charities and organisations. They in turn will then enjoy additional rewards as a result of working in partnership with us. During the year, as well as sponsorship in the form of financial donations, we are hoping that Craven businesses and organisations will contribute prizes, food or other resources to enable us to stage our exciting special events and to help us provide stimulating weekly programmes throughout this special year.

The Scout Movement is open to people of all faiths, ages, gender and backgrounds and nearly 100,000 adults in the UK give up their time to volunteer as leaders, administrators and supporters because they find the work enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding. However our success depends on attracting suitable adults to lead and support young people. We not only welcome people with expertise or interest in areas like administration, leadership, outdoors activities and sport, but we also gladly accept offers of help from anyone who simply has a genuine interest in helping young people. What’s more we can also train newcomers so they gain new skills from their volunteering. Everyone is busy these days so we gladly accept as much or as little time people have to offer. Anyone interested should look at our website at www.ingleboroughscouts.org.uk. Join the adventure, and work with young people for a more positive future ~ you’ll not regret it!

If members of the public would like further information about Scouting in North Craven or how they can help, please contact the District Commissioner, Sue Haddrill, by ringing 07837 961738 or by emailing contact@ingleboroughscouts.org.uk putting ‘Centenary’ in the subject box.