Scouting has grown immensely since it was created over a century ago – with over 60 million Scouts across the globe, it’s difficult to imagine that this organisation was once just a programme for boys in the UK!
Discover below the history of Scouts, including when the Kandersteg International Scout Centre was established…
The early years of Scouting
The story began with Robert Baden-Powell, who wanted to create an outdoor programme that encouraged young people to develop practical skills, confidence and independence.
1907 — The first Scout camp
Baden-Powell brought together 20 boys for an experimental camp on Brownsea Island in Dorset, UK. The success of the camp helped demonstrate the potential of his ideas and laid the foundations for the Scout movement.
1908 — Scouting for Boys
Baden-Powell published Scouting for Boys, turning his ideas into a programme that could be adopted by Scout groups around the country. The book quickly became hugely influential and helped Scouting spread internationally.
1910 — Girl Guiding begins
As interest in Scouting grew, a separate organisation for girls was established, with Baden-Powell’s sister Agnes Baden-Powell playing a leading role in its early development.
1916 — Cub Scouts are introduced
A programme for younger children was created, providing an age-appropriate introduction to Scouting through activities, stories, games and outdoor skills.
1918 — Rover Scouts
The Rover Scout section was established for older Scouts and young adults, creating a pathway for members to continue their involvement as they grew older.
Scouting becomes international
By the 1920s, Scouting was no longer simply a British movement. Groups were forming around the world, creating the foundations of the international Scout community we know today.
1920 — The first World Scout Conference
Held alongside the first World Scout Jamboree in London, representatives from 33 National Scout Organisations came together to discuss the future of Scouting internationally.
The same year also saw the creation of what would become the World Scout Bureau, helping coordinate the growing international movement.
1922 — A million Scouts worldwide
At the second World Scout Conference in Paris, 31 National Scout Organisations were represented. By this point, global Scout membership had grown to more than one million.
1923 — Kandersteg opens its doors
One of the most important milestones in international Scouting came in 1923, when the Kandersteg International Scout Centre was established in the Swiss Alps.
The Scout movement’s international organisation acquired a chalet and surrounding land beside the River Kander in the village of Kandersteg. The Centre was officially opened on 21 May 1923, creating a permanent home where Scouts from different countries could meet, camp and share experiences.
More than a century later, KISC remains a unique meeting place for Scouts from around the world – making it a perfect example of how Scouting can turn international friendship into real-life adventure!
From a small movement to a global community
Scouting continued to expand throughout the 20th century. As countries became independent, new National Scout Organisations joined – or rejoined – the international Scout community.
The movement’s international connections have continued to grow ever since, with Scouts now taking part in camps, jamborees and adventures across the globe!
Experience international Scouting with Venture Abroad
You don’t have to travel far from home to be part of the global Scout community.
At Venture Abroad, we organise international Scout adventures that give young people the chance to explore new places, meet Scouts from around the world and create memories together.
From Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland to TrollAktiv in Norway, our trips combine the excitement of travelling abroad with the friendships, challenges and outdoor experiences that make Scouting so special.
Ready to take Scouting abroad?
Explore our international trips with Venture Abroad and get in touch with our specialist team today to start planning your adventure!
