Portal:Scouting
The Scouting Portal
Scouting or the Scout Movement is a youth movement which became popularly established in the first decade of the 20th century.
It follows the Scout method of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking, and sports. A widely recognized movement characteristic is the Scout uniform, by intent hiding all differences of social standing and encouraging equality, with neckerchief (known as a scarf in some countries) and (originally) a campaign hat or comparable headwear. Distinctive insignia include the fleur-de-lis, as well as merit badges or patches. In many countries, girls-only organizations, whose members are often called Guides instead of Scouts, use a trefoil insignia instead of the fleur-de-lis.
The original program was for youths between the ages of 11 and 17. Other programs for youths who are too young to be in the main program and take the Scout Promise sometimes exist within an organization. Early examples are Wolf Cubs and Brownies. Programs can also exist for those who are older. Early examples are Rovers or Rangers. The actual names or even existence depend on organization and time period. Speciality programs, such as Sea Scouts, exist. (Full article...)
Selected article -
The history of merit badges in Scouting America has been tracked by categorizing them into a series of merit badge types. In addition to Scouting America, many other Scouting and Scouting-like organizations around the world, such as Pathfinders, Baden-Powell Scouts and Royal Rangers, issue merit badges or their equivalent; though they are sometimes called honors or proficiency badges. Other organizations, such as fire brigades, issue badges or awards that they refer to as merit badges, but that is in some respects different from the badges awarded by Scouting America.
Merit badges has been an integral part of the Scouting program since the start of the movement in the United Kingdom on August 1, 1907, and is an important part of the uniform and insignia of Scouts BSA. Scouting came to the United States in 1910; Scouting America quickly issued an initial list of just 14 merit badges but did not produce or award them. In 1911, Scouting America manufactured the first official 57 merit badges and began awarding them. The number of badges available has been as high as 127 in 1975 and again in 1987. As of February 2017, the number of badges available is 137. Merit badge types are identifiable by the cloth and manufacturing process used to make them. The classification of badges into types came about as a way for collectors to categorize and classify their collections. Merit badge collectors often collect other Scouting memorabilia as well. (Full article...)
Selected picture
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Sioux: Ohiyesa, (pronounced Oh hee' yay suh), February 19, 1858 - January 8, 1939) was a Native American author, physician and reformer. He was active in politics and helped found the Boy Scouts of America. -
Scouts in Virginia, USA having fun, like Scouts from all over the world do outdoors -
First Gilwell Wood Badge in the Netherlands, July 1923 -
American Boy Scouts at summer camp in 2002. In the front row, the first three boys have made Eagle Scout and the 4th is one requirement away. -
A Czech Scout camp at 19th World Scout Jamboree 1999 -
Preparing the pancakes before the arrival of the children for the evening dinner during the summer camp of the Dutch Student Rover crew Delftsche Zwervers for children in special education. Because pancakes are considered to be a feast meal for children, this is served on the last evening dinner of this camp. -
The first Scout encampment, Aug 1-9, 1907, Brownsea Island -
British Guiana Scout leaders, April 1954 -
Mafeking Cadets, one of the many inspirations of the Scouting Movement -
Cub Scouts of Hong Kong at Scout Rally having fun, Nov 2005 -
The 8th Indonesian National Rover Moot - Prambanan Temple-Yogyakarta July 8-17 2003 -
Commemorative stone marking the site of the first Scout encampment at Brownsea Island, England, held Aug 1-9, 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell -
Memorial stone on Brownsea Island commemorating the first Scout encampment, Aug 1-9, 1907, Brownsea Island -
Scouts camping at the hallowed ground of Scouting, Gilwell Park, England in the summer of 2006 -
Girl Scouts in the Central African Republic -
Boy Scouts take to the streets in New York City, 1917 -
Wood Badge beads and neckerchief. Wood Badge is the premier Boy Scout adult leader training course. A holder of the Wood Badge is a leader highly trained and dedicated Scout leader. -
Yang Huimin (simplified Chinese: 杨惠敏; traditional Chinese: 楊惠敏) was a Chinese Girl Guide during the battle of Shanghai. -
Boy Scouts of America uniform circa 1917-1918 -
Lovely sunrise at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico -
The Tooth of Time, a landmark at Philmont Scout Ranch -
Scouting friends from around the world at the 21st World Scout Jamboree, Aug 01, 2007, England -
Sculpture erected in 1982 to commemorate the 1979 Jamboree at Perry Lakes Western Australia and 75 years of Scouts. -
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Boy Scouts canoeing on the Blackwater River, Virginia -
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Frederick Russell Burnham one of biggest influences on the founding of Scouting. -
Rohwer Relocation Center, McGehee, Arkansas. A 5-day Boy Scout Camp on the bank of the Mississippi River was composed of nearly a hundred boys from the Rohwer Center, a few less form the Jerome Center, together with a small troop from the nearby town of Arkansas City. -
This postage stamp was issued in 1978 to celebrate 50 years of Girl Guiding in the Faroe Isles. This year will mark their 80th anniversary. -
1996 World Rover Moot -
Polish Boy Scouts fighting in the Warsaw Uprising -
Portuguese Girl Scouts at the 21st World Scout Jamboree, Jul 28, 2007, England -
Lady Olave Baden-Powell, wife of Lord Baden-Powell and founder of Girl Guides/Scouts -
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A happy Cub Scout holds a winning pine car
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Did you know
- ...that during World War II, a message of friendship was smuggled to Rose Kerr from Anni Collan, the Chief Guide of Finland?
- ...that the 21st World Scout Jamboree caused an increase in the world price of steel?
- ...that RRS Discovery, the ship of Scott's first expedition to the Antarctic, was later used as a Sea Scout training vessel?
- ... that Dr. George J. Fisher, deputy Chief Scout Executive (1919-1943) and National Scout Commissioner (1943-1960) of the Boy Scouts of America was also the founder and first president (1928-1952) of the United States Volleyball Association?
- ...that Elisabeth Gehrer is an Austrian politician and is a Scout leader, National Commissioner for Rangers of Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Österreichs and teamed Woodbadge trainings (i.e.1976 in Wasserspreng).
Related portals
WikiProjects
Selected biography -
Colonel John Skinner "Belge" Wilson (1888–1969) was a Scottish scouting luminary and friend and contemporary of General Baden-Powell, recruited by him to head the World Organization of the Scout Movement's bureau. Wilson was its acting director from 1938 to 1939, following the death of Hubert S. Martin. He was elected in 1939 and remained in office until 1951. He then became Honorary President of WOSM for four years. (Full article...)
Selected anniversaries - July
4th
- 1911 – The Boy Scouts of America receives the design patent for the First Class badge that symbolizes Scouting in the USA.
6th
- 1950 – Second National Jamboree ends. (began June 30th)
9th
- 1937 – First National Jamboree ends. (began June 30th)
25th
- 2005 – Sixteenth National Jamboree starts.
29th
- 1907 – Sir Robert Baden-Powell founds the Boy Scouts with the first Scout camp at Brownsea Island. The encampment ran August 1-9, 1907.
30th
- 1920 – First World Scout Jamboree begins in Olympia, London, England (ended Aug 7th).
31st
- 1932 – Opening of Our Chalet
General images
The following are images from various scouting-related articles on Wikipedia.
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Smokey Bear with members of the Boy Scouts of America and the Camp Fire Girls celebrating the 50th anniversary of their founding in 1910 (from Scouting in popular culture) -
Australian Scouting stamp (from Scouting in popular culture) -
Jota joti programme conducted by Kollam Dist scouts and Quilon Amateur Radio League 2025 (from World Scout Jamboree) -
King Dinuzulu, wearing what is possibly the necklace from which the original Wood Badge beads came (from Wood Badge) -
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MacLaren Tartan (from Wood Badge) -
Four American Wood Badgers with insignia (from Wood Badge) -
Scouts doing a good deed (from Scout method) -
A kudu horn (from Wood Badge) -
Santa and Scouts in Snow (1913), one of many Boys' Life covers (from Scouting in popular culture) -
Eerste Nederlandsche Meisjes Gezellen Vereeniging (First Dutch Girls Companions Society), 1911, first Dutch Girl Guides (from Girl Guides) -
British Scouts in Detroit, July 1942 (from Scout method) -
Wood Badge with three beads (training staff) and Gilwell scarf and woggle (from Wood Badge) -
First Wood Badge training at Gilwell Park (from Wood Badge) -
Singing Girl Guides in Germany, 2007 (from Girl Guides) -
Gilwell Leiderscursus, The Netherlands July 9–21, 1923 (from Wood Badge)
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Jota joti programme conducted by Kollam Dist scouts and Quilon Amateur Radio League 2025 (from World Scout Jamboree) -
Jota joti programme conducted by Kollam Dist scouts and Quilon Amateur Radio League 2025 (from World Scout Jamboree) -
A Finnish Gilwell Woggle (from Wood Badge) -
Princess Mary and Girl Guides, 1922 (from Girl Guides)
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Scouting by region
World Organization of the Scout Movement:
- Africa Scout Region
- Arab Scout Region
- Asia-Pacific Scout Region
- Eurasian Scout Region
- European Scout Region
- Interamerican Scout Region
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts:
Topics
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| Dependencies and other territories |
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Italics indicate an unrecognised or partially recognised country. | ||
| Scouting and Guiding in Asia | ||
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| Sovereign states |
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| Dependencies and other territories |
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Italics indicates an unrecognised or partially recognised country. 1 Also included within another continent. | ||
| Scouting and Guiding in North America | ||
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| Sovereign states |  | |
| Dependencies and other territories | ||
| Scouting and Guiding in Oceania | |
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| Sovereign states | |
| Dependencies and other territories | |
| Scouting and Guiding in South America | ||
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| Sovereign states |  | |
| Dependencies |
French Guiana (France) | |
1Territories also in or commonly considered to be part of North America and/or Central America. 2 Territories also in or commonly considered to be in Antarctica. | ||
Scouting lists
- Age groups in Scouting and Guiding
- List of highest awards in Scouting
- List of notable Eagle Scouts
- List of famous Scouts
- List of Order of the Arrow national events
- List of Scouting memorials
- List of Scouting museums
- List of World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts members
- List of World Organization of the Scout Movement members
- Merit badge
Subcategories
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Recognized content
 | This is a list of recognized content, updated weekly by JL-Bot (talk · contribs) (typically on Saturdays). There is no need to edit the list yourself. If an article is missing from the list, make sure it is tagged (e.g. {{WikiProject Scouting}}) or categorized correctly and wait for the next update. See WP:RECOG for configuration options. |
Featured articles
Former featured articles
Baden-Powell House- Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell
- Brownsea Island Scout camp
- Frederick Russell Burnham
- Eagle Scout
- Gerald Ford
- Gilwell Park
- Girl Scouts of the USA
- History of merit badges (Scouting America)
- Mackinac Island
- Witold Pilecki
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Terry Sanford
- Scout Association of Hong Kong
- Scouting America membership controversies
- Scouting
- Wood Badge
Main page featured articles
- Buzz Aldrin (2020-01-20)
- Neil Armstrong (2019-07-21)
- Baden-Powell House (2020-02-08)
- Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell (2007-08-01)
- William D. Boyce (2009-06-16)
- Brownsea Island Scout camp (2020-08-01)
- Frederick Russell Burnham (2012-02-09)
- Roger B. Chaffee (2020-02-15)
- Charles Duke (2021-10-03)
- Eagle Scout (2006-11-14)
- Elizabeth II (2012-06-02)
- Gerald Ford (2006-05-06)
- Gilwell Park (2007-05-04)
- Girl Scouts of the USA (2007-10-29)
- E. Urner Goodman (2008-03-28)
- William Hanna (2010-07-14)
- William Hillcourt (2010-08-06)
- History of merit badges (Scouting America) (2006-02-22)
- Lou Henry Hoover (2024-03-29)
- Jim Lovell (2023-03-25)
- Mackinac Island (2010-05-20)
- Witold Pilecki (2005-01-24)
- Franklin D. Roosevelt (2006-10-13)
- Terry Sanford (2010-08-08)
- David Scott (2022-06-06)
- Scout Association of Hong Kong (2010-12-13)
- Scouting America membership controversies (2009-09-26)
- Scouting (2007-02-06)
- Wood Badge (2007-09-18)
Good articles
The Adventures of Totor- Henry Allingham
- William Anders
- Bill Bradley
- Stephen Breyer
- Frederick Russell Burnham
- Gerald Carr (astronaut)
- Gene Cernan
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- Merian C. Cooper
- Early life of David Lynch
- Arthur Rose Eldred
- Hergé
- James Jabara
- The Jungle Book
- William H. Keeler
- Thomas S. Monson
- North-West Mounted Police
- Order of the Arrow
- Ross Perot
- Witold Pilecki
- Frederick Reines
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Terry Sanford
- Wally Schirra
- Raymond P. Shafer
- S'more
Former good articles
Featured lists
Main page featured lists
- List of Boy Scout calendar illustrations (2021-02-08)
- List of Eagle Scouts (2012-08-20)
Featured pictures
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Buzz Aldrin -
Elizabeth II greets NASA GSFC employees, May 8, 2007 edit -
Guion Bluford -
Gumdrop Meets Spider - GPN-2000-001100 -
Maresuke Nogi, 近世名士写真 其1 - Photo only -
Philip de László - Princess Elizabeth of York - 1933 -
Roger B. Chaffee at a console in the Mission Control Center, Houston, during the Gemini-Titan 3 flight
Picture of the day pictures
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Buzz Aldrin (2022-07-21)
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Elizabeth II greets NASA GSFC employees, May 8, 2007 edit (2007-12-30)
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Guion Bluford (2019-11-22)
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Gumdrop Meets Spider - GPN-2000-001100 (2025-03-03)
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Maresuke Nogi, 近世名士写真 其1 - Photo only (2020-09-13)
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Philip de László - Princess Elizabeth of York - 1933 (2026-04-21)
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Roger B. Chaffee at a console in the Mission Control Center, Houston, during the Gemini-Titan 3 flight (2021-03-23)
Did you know? articles
1st World Scout Jamboree (2006-09-16)- 3rd World Scout Jamboree (2006-09-22)
- 50-Miler Award (2006-03-23)
- Irena Adamowicz (2008-08-27)
- Buzz Aldrin (2018-12-23)
- William Anders (2022-10-01)
- Béla H. Bánáthy (2008-09-24)
- Harry Brinkley Bass (2006-09-30)
- Daniel Carter Beard Boyhood Home (2008-05-08)
- Ion Biberi (2023-10-29)
- Black Cap Mountain (2020-06-02)
- Boy Rangers of America (2008-01-04)
- Brownsea Island Scout camp (2006-07-12)
- Russell Adam Burnham (2007-10-16)
- Camp Paxson Boy Scout Camp (2012-06-03)
- Camp Pico Blanco (2009-11-20)
- Campfire ash ceremony (2020-08-11)
- Carlton Colville Scouts Memorial (2024-11-11)
- Roger B. Chaffee (2019-07-17)
- Anne Hyde Choate (2007-04-26)
- George Thomas Coker (2006-01-10)
- Gordon Cooper (2019-03-09)
- Merian C. Cooper (2016-12-08)
- Cornwell Scout Badge (2014-02-16)
- Council (Scouting America) (2013-03-16)
- Charles Duke (2020-01-09)
- Duty to God Award (2008-08-22)
- Early life of David Lynch (2012-09-25)
- Arthur Rose Eldred (2006-01-19)
- Elizabeth II (2006-04-02)
- Fadjar Harapan (2011-01-05)
- Ferenc Farkas de Kisbarnak (2008-12-27)
- Tom Foley (2004-06-24)
- Gilwell Oak (2018-03-04)
- Ging Gang Goolie (2006-11-24)
- Girl Scout National Center West (2010-10-12)
- Grey Ranks (2005-01-27)
- Growth of a Leader (2015-01-28)
- Józef Haller (2008-01-26)
- William G. Higgs (2010-08-29)
- Historic Trails Award (2010-07-10)
- Josephine Groves Holloway (2019-08-04)
- Lou Henry Hoover (2023-01-23)
- James G. Howes (2010-06-22)
- Humshaugh (2007-02-02)
- Nicolae Iorga (2011-05-23)
- Ivančena (2024-05-14)
- Eva Julius (2022-06-25)
- Valdemārs Klētnieks (2020-09-16)
- Koshare Indian Museum and Dancers (2009-12-08)
- Len Lanzi (2020-09-20)
- Wilbert E. Longfellow (2022-07-05)
- Jim Lovell (2021-10-20)
- Mafeking Cadet Corps (2006-05-12)
- Sanford N. McDonnell (2006-03-21)
- Ellie Morrison (2019-11-29)
- Mounted Boy Scout Troop 290 (2012-04-24)
- 2010 National Scout Jamboree (2010-08-20)
- Nkwenkwe Nkomo (2008-10-14)
- Outlaw Trail: The Treasure of Butch Cassidy (2009-05-29)
- Owasippe Scout Reservation (2006-02-02)
- Oleg Pantyukhov (2006-12-13)
- Margrethe Parm (2022-07-30)
- Sir Arthur Pearson, 1st Baronet (2005-12-12)
- Ross Perot (2020-05-13)
- Robert W. Peterson (writer) (2008-06-11)
- Witold Pilecki (2022-03-04)
- Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (2004-08-06)
- Catherine Pollard (Scouting) (2010-07-12)
- Quartermaster Award (Boy Scouts of America) (2009-06-27)
- Oluf Reed-Olsen (2010-04-04)
- Frederick Reines (2015-03-19)
- Religion in Scouting (2006-12-04)
- Resica Falls Scout Reservation (2006-08-17)
- Edward L. Rowan (2010-07-19)
- Carl Rungius (2008-08-18)
- Izabela Sadoveanu-Evan (2011-05-25)
- Terry Sanford (2022-06-20)
- Faisal bin Abdullah Al Saud (born 1950) (2012-05-23)
- Wally Schirra (2018-10-03)
- David Scott (2019-07-21)
- Scouter's Key Award (2010-09-10)
- Scouter's Training Award (2010-09-07)
- Scouting in displaced persons camps (2007-11-07)
- Scouting/USA (2018-03-06)
- Scouting and Guiding in Saskatchewan (2009-03-28)
- The Scoutmaster (2014-06-15)
- Scouts' Day (2006-10-10)
- Silver Fish Award (2006-09-30)
- Silver Knapsack Trail (2010-11-02)
- Bolton Smith (2022-05-28)
- Squirrel Scouts (The Scout Association) (2021-10-04)
- Statue of Liberty (Seattle) (2018-11-08)
- Strengthen the Arm of Liberty (2008-11-11)
- Sturmtrupp-Pfadfinder (2008-01-10)
- Unami Lodge (2007-05-29)
- Valley Forge Pilgrimage (2006-10-30)
- William Verbeck (2020-01-10)
- Vermejo Reserve (2008-02-19)
- Frank H. Wadsworth (2022-07-07)
- We, Too, Have a Job to Do (2016-01-04)
- John Work House and Mill Site (2006-09-05)
- Ye Htoon (2006-12-15)
In the News articles
Henry Allingham (2009-04-01)- William Anders (2024-06-10)
- Neil Armstrong (2012-08-25)
- Stephen Bechtel Jr. (2021-03-17)
- Gene Cernan (2017-01-18)
- Elizabeth II (2015-09-09)
- Tom Foley (2013-10-18)
- Juan Carlos I (2014-06-03)
- William H. Keeler (2017-03-26)
- Little Sioux Scout Ranch (2008-06-12)
- Jim Lovell (2025-08-08)
- David Lynch (2025-01-16)
- Charles McGee (pilot) (2022-01-17)
- Thomas S. Monson (2018-01-03)
- Puan Noor Aishah (2025-04-28)
- Ross Perot (2019-07-11)
- Debbie Reynolds (2016-12-29)
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