History_of_Guiding

History Of Guiding

The Boy Scout Movement was officially founded in 1908 by Lord Baden-Powell, better known as B-P. A scout rally was held in 1909 which was visited by a large number of girls who wanted something similar, they proclaimed themselves 'Girl Scouts' and B-P decided to create a movement just for them. He chose the name 'Girl Guides' after the famous corps of guides in India who had astounded Baden Powell with their bravery and resourcefulness under pressure. Critics felt it wrong to introduce Britain's young ladies to such masculine activites, but, ninety year before the Spice Girls, Girl Power won.

...In 1910 The Guide Movement Was Formally Founded!

B-P asked his sister, Agnes to take over the running of the fledgling organisation he felt that a group for girls should be run by women. In 1912 he met Olave Soames who was to become his wife. She soon became involved in Guiding after accompanying her husband on many tours. In 1914 younger girls asked B-P for their own groups and Rosebuds, later Brownies was formed for girls aged 8-11. In 1916 it was realised that girls didn't want to leave Guiding when they became older and Senior Girl Guides (Rangers) was formed. In the same year Olave became UK Chief Commissioner, a title which changed in 1918 to UK Chief Guide. By 1912 Guiding had been taken throughout the world and was practised in many countries, even during the First World War when many Guides became volunteers and assisted the war effort both at home and abroad. In 1924 the first world camp was held at Foxlease and was declared a resounding success. The idea of 'Thinking Day' was started in 1926, held on the 22nd February remember the birthdays of both Lord and Lady Baden-Powell and had become a day when all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are encouraged to think about their sisters in other countries and to donate money to a fund to help Guides in poorer countries. In 1930, Olave Baden-Powell was appointed World Chief Guide, a role that she is now most remembered for. Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) was enrolled as a Guide in 1937 whilst her sister, Margaret became a Brownie.

B-P died in Kenya in 1941, leaving Olave to carry on his work. She returned to England where it was war time and vowed to continue his work, overseeing the opening of Our Cabana in Mexico in 1957 and helped to increase membership worldwide. The World Chief Guide travelled the world until 1970 when old age and ill health forced her to stay at home, but she still managed to welcome large numbers of Guides and Scouts from around the world to visit her at home.

In June 1977 millions mourned her death after she passed away peacefully in her sleep. In 1987, a new section for girls aged 5-7 was introduced called Rainbows.

Today the movement continues to grow, nearly ten million girls and adults are members in over 140 countries worldwide, in 2002 Guiding in the UK changed to become known as 'Girl Guiding UK'.