 |
|
||
Baden-Powell
with the Duke of Connaught |
Laszlo Nagy writes of the Third World Jamboree:
"Scouting had come of age at 21 years. The precise anniversary date was a matter of debate. To some, the Brownsea camp in 1907 was when the Movement started. To others, it came with the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908. B.P. was ready to accept either date and considered the matter an academic detail. In 1928 he celebrated with the participants of the Brownsea Camp the 21st Anniversary of their great adventure. And in 1929, he agreed to celebrate again the same coming of age.
"The Duke of Connaught, a member of the royal family and president of the British Association, set the tone at the Jamboree when he declared at its opening on July 29: "The future historian will add the name of Scouting’s Founder to the roll of the world reformers. Few men 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 fellowmen." The tribute did not seem excessive at the time but there was more to come. At Birkenhead, a provincial English town, a veritable network of tents was set up for 50,000 Scouts from all parts of the world who were about to experience the adventure of their lives. For B.P., it was the triumph of a cause to which he had devoted 21 years of his life. As so often happened at the great rallies, the rain fell in buckets, drenching the hero of the occasion who said with typical humour: "Any silly ass can be a Scout in fine weather." The real lesson of this Jamboree for all present was that Scouting had become a world reality. Meanwhile, the boys had a great time, unaware of the real significance of the occasion.
"There was a feeling that there was something special in the air. It was confirmed when the Prince of Wales, wearing Scout uniform, announced that his royal father had elevated B.P. to a hereditary peerage. In line with British tradition, it was essential for B.P. to choose a location to accompany his new title. He chose to be known as Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, thus demonstrating that the royal honour was conferred on Scouting and not just himself.
"The Jamboree ended on a jubilant note."
From: Laszlo Nagy, 250 Million Scouts,
The World Scout Foundation and Dartnell Publishers, 1985.
Lazlo Nagy was Chief Executive of the World Bureau of the
World Organization of the Scout Movement
 |
Baden-Powell
Photo Gallery: Early Years and Military Years |
|
Baden-Powell
Photo Gallery: Scouting with Baden-Powell, 1907-1929 |
|
Baden-Powell
Photo Gallery: Scouting with Baden-Powell, 1929-1941 |
 |
Return to the Baden-Powell Home Page |
 |
Return to the Pine Tree Web Home Page |
Your feedback, comments and suggestions are appreciated.
Please write to: Lewis P. Orans
Copyright
© Lewis P. Orans, 1997
Last Modified: 10:30 PM on May 16, 1997
