Scout & guide
The Bharat Scouts & Guides
A comprehensive analysis of India's largest uniformed youth movement, its global roots, and its profound impact on youth development.
6.3M+
Total Members
3.8M+
Scouts
1.3M+
Guides
Membership data as of 2021 (Scouts) and 2005 (Guides).
A Journey Through Time
From a camp on Brownsea Island to a unified national movement in India, the journey of Scouting is one of adaptation and growth. This section highlights the key milestones that shaped the organization's evolution.
1907
Baden-Powell's Experimental Camp
Lord Baden-Powell organizes a camp for 20 boys on Brownsea Island, England, laying the foundation for the global Scouting movement.
1909
Introduction to British India
Scouting is established at Bishop Cotton Boys' School in Bangalore, but is initially not open to Indian boys.
1911-1913
Nationalist Scouting Emerges
Indian leaders like Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Dr. Annie Besant start separate Scout associations for Indian youth.
1928
WAGGGS Founder Member
Guiding in India, which started in 1911, becomes a founder member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
1950
The Bharat Scouts and Guides is Formed
Post-independence, the Boy Scouts Association and Hindustan Scout Association merge to form The Bharat Scouts and Guides on Nov 7.
1951
Girl Guides Association Joins
The Girl Guides Association in India formally integrates with the BSG on August 15, completing the unification.
Structured for Growth: The Youth Wings
The BSG program is thoughtfully segmented by age, ensuring that activities and responsibilities are always aligned with a child's developmental stage. Each section has a unique motto that encapsulates its core focus.
Deep Dive: Cubs & Bulbuls (Ages 5-10)
The Cub and Bulbul sections form the bedrock of the Scouting and Guiding experience. This is where foundational values of discipline, service, and self-reliance are first introduced through age-appropriate stories, activities, and a structured advancement path.
The Guiding Principles
The Promise
"I Promise to do my best. To do my duty to God* and my Country, to keep the Cub/Bulbul law and. to do a Good turn every day."
*The word 'Dharma' may be substituted for 'God'.
The Law
A Cub/Bulbul is obedient.
A Cub/Bulbul is clean and polite.
The Motto
"Do Your Best"
Measuring the Impact
The benefits of Scouting and Guiding extend far beyond weekly meetings. This section explores the tangible impacts on character, leadership, and citizenship, supported by membership data and research findings.
Building Positive Character Traits
A Tufts University study found that youth in Scouting are more likely to exhibit positive social values compared to their non-Scout peers.
Strong Regional Presence: Maharashtra
Maharashtra demonstrates the movement's significant regional strength and deep integration within the state's educational and social fabric.
Join the Movement
Becoming a part of The Bharat Scouts and Guides is a straightforward process, open to all Indian citizens. Here's how individuals and groups can register and start their journey.
Individual Registration
Youth aged 5 to 30 can join through a local school or open group.
- Contact your local or district BSG association.
- Provide personal details and supporting documents (ID, photo).
- Select a School Group or an Open Group.
- Submit the application via your district to the State Association.
Group Registration
Schools and community organizations can form new units.
- Form a group and identify an adult leader.
- Ensure the leader undergoes required training.
- Complete the Group Registration form.
- Register with the State Association via your Local/District Association and pay fees.
Focus on Maharashtra
Maharashtra has one of the strongest BSG presences in India. The state headquarters can be reached at shq@msbsg.org or 022-22815892. The Aurangabad office is located at Labour Colony, Opposite Collector Office (Ph: 0240-2324647).
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