The Scout Movement 100 Years

Although there were scouts in the Faroe Islands earlier, the scout movement was officially organized in 1926 and can therefore celebrate its 100th anniversary this year. Today it is a respected and influential movement within Faroese society.
Worldwide, scouting is the largest children’s and youth organisation, with more than 60 million members across over 200 countries.

Origins
The scout movement was founded by the Englishman Robert Baden-Powell (1857–1941). Having served as a general in India and South Africa, he was already a well known military figure.

He believed young people needed meaningful activities in their spare time, and in 1907 he organised the first scout camp on Brownsea Island, England, with 20 boys. There, participants learnt about nature, camped outdoors, and discovered the joys of outdoor life. This event marked the beginning of a movement that quickly spread across the globe.

The following year Baden Powell published Scouting for Boys, aiming to foster the physical, social and spiritual development of young people. He went on to lead the international scout movement for the rest of his life.

In 1910, Girl Guiding began. Baden-Powell’s wife, Olave Baden-Powell (1889–1977), later became the World Chief Guide.

Scouting in the Faroe Islands
In 1926, four young people in Tórshavn took the initiative to establish scouting in the Faroe Islands. Led by Eskild Christiansen, this became the start of the Yellow Scouts Sigmund Brestisson’s scout corps (SSB).

In 1928 the YWCA Guides followed, and in 1939 the YMCA Scouts the Green Scouts were founded. Since 1980, girls have also been able to join the YMCA Scouts.

Today, there are four scout organizations in the Faroe Islands: Føroya KFUK Scouts, the Faroese Scout Association, KFUM Scouts in the Faroe Islands, and FH Scouts (The Salvation Army). However, the scouting activities of the Salvation Army have been inactive for a longer period. Scouts can be found throughout the Faroe Islands and number around 1,000 members.

Patrol system and activities
One of scouting’s hallmarks is the patrol system, where children work in small groups of 5–8. Baden Powell believed that young people learn best when given responsibility. Patrol leaders are usually older scouts with experience and leadership skills, and strong fellowship is the mark of a good patrol.

Scouting follows the principle of “learning by doing” children learn best by being active.

The uniform, with buttons, pockets, scarf and often a belt knife, creates a sense of identity and belonging. Scouts can earn proficiency badges in skills such as knotting, outdoor cooking, nature knowledge, and map and compass use.

Competitions are also held, such as the YMCA Scouts’ annual patrol competition, where the most successful patrol is honoured. Each year scouts also raise funds for charitable causes.

Scout Aid
Every year in September, the scouts organize a fundraising campaign for charitable purposes. During this time, scouts go around their neighborhoods offering to help with small tasks in exchange for a donation. The purpose of Scout Aid is “Children helping children.”

Principles
The scout movement is built on a scout law with ten rules for example, that a scout is helpful, trustworthy and a good friend.

Its guiding principles are that a scout:

• takes responsibility for themselves

• shows respect, helpfulness and community spirit

• cares for nature

• is faithful to God or a higher power

The Green Scouts are linked with the Faroese Church. Scouts also make a scout promise and live by the motto: Be prepared!

Camps and special days
Scouting life is often lived in tents for “scouting is outdoor life.” Local and international scout camps are held, and every four years scouts from around the world gather at the World Jamboree. Faroese scouts have often taken part.

In the evenings, scouts gather around the campfire to sing, perform sketches, and enjoy time together.

In the Faroe Islands, scouts take part in parades on Grækarismessa (12 March) and Flag Day (25 April). On 22 February, scouts celebrate World Thinking Day also known as Founders’ Day or St George’s Day marking the shared birthday of Robert and Olave Baden Powell. On this day the Scouts often attend church.

Conclusion
Recruiting new members and leaders can be a challenge, as today’s children and young people have many opportunities. Yet the scout movement has shown that it is here to stay.

Many community leaders were once scouts themselves and often emphasise how much scouting has meant in their lives. The experiences, skills and memories gained through scouting remain for life.

“Once a scout – always a scout!”

Jón Magnus Joensen