New Zealand Scouts lead worldwide promise

New Zealand Scouts lead worldwide promise

New Zealand Scouts are set to lead 28 million Scouts around the world as they assemble pre-dawn throughout the country on Wednesday 1 August to renew their Scout Promise. Scouts in another 215 countries will follow, to start the Movement's official Centennial celebrations.

Scouts are inviting all current and former Scouts, supporters and members of the public to join in the Scouts National Church Service at the Wellington (Anglican) Cathedral at 2.00pm on Saturday 7th July. Not only will this be an opportunity to practice the Scout Promise, but it is expected to yield some surprises, as former Scouts compare the wide range of programmes and opportunities available today, with those on offer previously.

In keeping with Scout tradition, the programme will be a mixture of formality and fun with some of the country's youngest Scouts taking a prominent role in the Service.

In the 100 years since Lord Baden-Powell ran a first experimental camp on Brownsea Island, in the South of England, for 20 young boys from different social backgrounds, some things have changed dramatically. That camp marked the beginning of what has become the largest youth organisation in the world.

It is estimated that over 500 million people worldwide have made the Scout Promise throughout the Movement's history, including an estimate of over 1 million in New Zealand.

Further information about the Centennial National Church Service can be found on Scouting New Zealand's website at http://www.scouts.org.nz.

Key Centennial Celebration Dates
Saturday 7 July: Scouts National Church Service at the Wellington Cathedral.
* Guests of Honour to include the Governor-General, The Honourable Anand Satyanand, PCNZM
* Past and present Scouts and members of the public are welcome

Wednesday 1 August: Scouts Worldwide Renewal of Promise
* A group of current and former Scouts, including Members of Parliament will meet at dawn to renew their Promise on the steps of Parliament Buildings, Wellington
* Members of the public are welcome to join in

About Scouting New Zealand

Scouting is New Zealand's leading and preferred youth movement.

The Scouting movement includes a range of age-appropriate membership options for school age children through to young adults.

* Keas (6 - 8 yrs )
* Cubs (8 - 10 yrs )
* Scouts (10 - 14 yrs)
* Venturers (14 - 18 yrs)
* Rovers (18 - 26 yrs) )

Scouting has included young women since 1980.

Scouting encourages its members to develop personal responsibility, positive self esteem and self confidence through participation in outdoor activities and national events.

The outdoor activities programme for Scouting has been developed to challenge young people in a safe and supportive environment. All activities are delivered under supervision through a network of Scouting staff and trained volunteers.

The Chief Scout in NZ is the Governor General, His Excellency Hon. Anand Satyanand, PCNZM.

The Scouting movement began in 1907 and was established in New Zealand in 1908.

ENDS

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