Scouts Founder’s Day

Scouts Founder’s Day is celebrated worldwide on February 22. The date marks the shared birthday of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting movement, and his wife, Olave Baden-Powell, who served as the World Chief Guide. This day is a major event on the international Scouting calendar, providing an annual opportunity for millions of members to reflect on the movement’s origins, reaffirm their Scout Promise, and celebrate the global impact of youth leadership and outdoor education.

History of Scouts Founder’s Day

The origins of the holiday are tied to the birth of the Scouting movement in the early 20th century. Lord Robert Baden-Powell, a British Army officer, held an experimental camp on Brownsea Island in 1907 to test his ideas about character development and outdoor skills for boys. Following the camp’s success, he published “Scouting for Boys” in 1908, which sparked the rapid formation of Scout troops across the United Kingdom and eventually the world. February 22 was chosen as the date for Founder’s Day because it was Baden-Powell’s birthday, born in 1857.

As the movement grew, the role of his wife, Olave Baden-Powell, became equally vital to the expansion of the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Since she shared the same birthday, born in 1889, the day became a dual celebration of their joint leadership. While Girl Guides often refer to the day as World Thinking Day, the Scouting world recognizes it primarily as Founder’s Day. Over the decades, it has evolved from a simple birthday commemoration into a global day of action where Scouts perform community service and advocate for international peace.

Why is Scouts Founder’s Day important?

This day is important because it connects over 50 million Scouts from different cultures and backgrounds through a shared set of values. It serves as a reminder that the Scouting movement is a global family dedicated to leaving the world better than they found it. By observing this day, members renew their commitment to the Scout Law, which emphasizes honesty, loyalty, and service to others. This collective reaffirmation helps maintain the integrity and mission of the organization across generations.

The holiday also highlights the relevance of traditional skills like navigation, first aid, and environmental stewardship in a modern, digital world. It provides a platform to showcase how Scouting develops resilience and leadership in young people, preparing them to handle real-world challenges. Furthermore, it honors the legacy of the Baden-Powells, whose vision for an international youth movement has survived through world wars and social shifts, continuing to provide a sense of belonging for millions today.

• The day fosters a sense of global citizenship and international friendship.
• It provides a dedicated time for Scouts to renew their lifelong Scout Promise.
• Public celebrations raise awareness of the benefits of non-formal education.
• The holiday encourages community service projects that address local needs.
• It preserves the history and traditions that have defined Scouting since 1907.

How to Celebrate Scouts Founder’s Day

Celebrating this day typically involves wearing the Scout uniform or scarf to school, work, or public events to increase the movement’s visibility. Many troops organize “Founder’s Day Rallies” or campfire ceremonies where they share stories about the history of Scouting and the adventures of Lord Baden-Powell. These gatherings often include a formal ceremony where Scouts and leaders stand together to recite the Scout Promise, reinforcing their dedication to the movement’s core principles.

Another common way to observe the day is through “Good Turn” activities, where Scouts perform acts of kindness or volunteer for community improvement projects. Some organizations use the day to visit historical Scouting sites or participate in “postcards for peace” programs, sending messages of friendship to Scout troops in other countries. In many regions, the day is also used for fundraising to support Scout groups in developing nations, ensuring that the opportunities for adventure and growth are accessible to all children regardless of their economic background.

• Wear your Scout scarf or uniform throughout the day.
• Perform a “Good Turn” or a small act of kindness for a stranger.
• Attend a troop meeting to renew your Scout Promise with your peers.
• Research a historical figure in Scouting and share their story with others.
• Donate a “penny for your thoughts” to help support international Scouting funds.

Scouts Founder’s Day Dates Table