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3rd World Jamboree, Arrowe Park, 1929

"THE HOPE AND PROMISE OF A BETTER WORLD"

H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught

Wednesday, July 31st, 1929

"First, let me welcome most warmly the many Scouts who have come from all parts of the Empire, and from most civilised countries. May they spend a happy time with their brother Scouts of the United Kingdom, who have been so looking forward to meeting them, and making them thoroughly at home in their midst.

"We are assembled here today to celebrate the coming of age of a great social Movement, whose far-reaching and world-wide influence no man can adequately measure. Beginning twenty-one years ago, who could then have imagined that the small camp at Brownsea Island would one day, and within a generation, number two millions, embracing lads of every country, of every race and of every creed—all imbued with the same ideals, and all carrying aloft the same banners of mutual service and brotherhood. It is a very ennobling spectacle, which will assuredly leave its mark on the future of mankind, and to which statesmen of the latter day will bear willing testimony. With the enthusiasm of youth, these lads are marching forward to a self reliant manhood, eager and willing to snatch the torch of progress which feebler hands lay down, and to bear their part in the burden of the Empire, and in the world’s work.

"Young as the Scout Movement still is, it has a record of deeds rich in self sacrifice and heroism. No less than ten thousand British Scouts gave their lives for their Country in the Great War, while eleven won the Victoria Cross and over one thousand received special decorations. The Movement is not military, and has no military significance; it exists solely to train boys to be capable and useful citizens.

"Though among the Officers of the Association, who voluntarily give their time to the work, are many ex-soldiers, they realize better than those who have not seen fighting, the horrors of War, and are anxious to do what they can in training boys to peace and goodwill. Any, and all, especially the poorest, are welcomed to receive the training which the Scout Movement provides, the only condition being that they take the Promise, which is:—

(a ) To do their duty to God and the King.
(b) To help other people at all times.
(c) To obey the Scout Law

"The Scout Movement has now been adopted by forty-two countries; the watchwords are spoken in every tongue, and its hands of brotherhood are clasped across the seas from shore to shore.

"The history of our race is a record of great deeds, and embraces the names of many great men, but ‘Peace hath its victories no less renowned than War,’ and in its pursuit there are many triumphs to be won, equally beneficent and more enduring. The future historian will rank the Scout Movement as one of the great landmarks of our time, and will add the name of its Founder to the roll of the World’s Reformers. Few men have rendered greater service to the cause of humanity than Robert Baden-Powell and none deserve a higher place in the Temple of Fame, and in the esteem of their fellow men.

"Today the Nations of the World are engaged in repairing the ravages of the Great War, and in laying the foundations of a lasting peace. To human hands and human hearts the task is confided, and in its accomplishment the youth of our times must bear a worthy part.

"I am thrilled at the spectacle before me, and as President of The Boy Scouts Association I am glad indeed to be here. If I ask myself the question ‘What does the future hold for our countries and for humanity?’ I read in your faces the hope and promise of a better world, and in the light of your eyes is the dawn of a better day.

"One word more—Always treasure the memory of this great day; hold fast to your faith, and keep the Scout Law."

OTHER LINKS TO THE 3RD WORLD JAMBOREE

		Canada’s Scouts at the World Jamboree 1929. The story of the Canadian Contingent’s experiences at Arrowe Park from the Report to the Governor-General and Chief Scout for Canada (Courtesy of Kevin Snair, Nova Scotia, Canada)
		Message of King George V delivered by the Prince of Wales, August 2nd, 1929 "THE KING’S MESSAGE"
		The Duke of Connaught’s address, Wednesday, July 31st, 1929 "THE HOPE AND PROMISE OF A BETTER WORLD"
		The Prince of Wales’ address, Friday, August 2nd, 1929 "STICK TO YOUR SCOUTING: PLAY THE GAME"
		The Archbishop of Canterbury’s address at the Service of Thanksgiving, Sunday, August 4th, 1929, "A SOLDIER’S DREAM"
		The Chief Scout’s Closing Address, August 12, 1929 "BURYING THE HATCHET"
		Baden-Powell Photo Gallery 3rd World Jamboree, Arrowe Park, England, 1929 Words and Pictures
		Baden-Powell Photo Gallery: The Frank Donahoe Collection Photos from the 3rd World Jamboree

		Baden-Powell Photo Gallery Baden-Powell at the World Jamborees Links to the World Jamborees, 1920-1937
		The Baden-Powell Home Page

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