Traditional Scouting movement refers to a back to basics effort that returns Scouting to a scheme intentionally based on Baden-Powell's (BP) own model of Scouting; rejecting the world-wide trend to "modernize" Scouting in order to appeal to more youths. This movement is very popular in Canada and certain parts of America (BSA). The movement began in 1970 in Britain and is closely associated with the Baden-Powell Scouts; although not all Traditional Scouting units are members of the Baden-Powell Scouts.

In America, the term Traditional Scouting can also refer to "old-fashioned" Scouting in some form; as opposed to the Traditional Scouting movement.

Background

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Traditional Scouting is not historical reenactment, but for the most part an attempt to present Scouting as the game that was played in the 1960s. For all practical purposes in most of the former British Empire (with minor national variations due to climate and the influence of native cultures), this was how it had been played by Scouting's inventor, Lord Baden-Powell , while he was still alive. In Traditional Scouting, the only changes in the program are for reasons of advances in a) health & safety practices, b) environmental concerns, and c) light-weight camping technologies.

Traditional Scouting is based on Lord Baden-Powell's book Scouting for Boys, making changes only for advances in 1) Health & Safety, 2) Environmental concerns ("Leave No Trace"), and 3) Lightweight equipment. "Scouting for Boys" was heavily influenced by Ernest Thompson Seton's The Birch Bark Roll. Seton and Daniel Carter Beard's The Boy Pioneers: Sons of Daniel Boone and their books were also highly influential in the formation and beliefs of the BSA.

Differences

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There are several differences between modern Scouting and the Traditional Scouting movement:

• Scouting games, Patrol totems and calls, and advancement are based on standards rather than competition.
• Advancement is based strictly on the mastery of Scoutcraft skills and Proficiency Badges: There are no Scout spirit, Scoutmaster conference, or Board of Review requirements. Traditional Scouting is a game played to teach Citizenship strictly through indirect methods.
• Following Baden-Powell's advice, all leaders are volunteers, no one gets paid
• The inexpensive uniform is designed to be used as an outdoor method, rather than as expensive indoor clothing for "formal occasions." The Uniform should should be a joy to wear in the wilderness.

Footnotes

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1. Traditional Scouting home page
2. The Birch Bark Roll
3. The Boy Pioneers: Sons of Daniel Boone
4. Traditional Scouting home page
5. Traditional Scouting home page
6. Traditional Scouting policies

References

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• Traditional Scouting home page
• Traditional Scouting awards and badges

Non-aligned Scouting organizations

Escultismo tradicional