Scouting 'growing more popular'

Baden-Powell set up the scouts after his experiences in the army

The Scouting movement, now more than 100 years old, is growing more popular, the movement claims.

Lord Baden-Powell set up the first experimental Scouting For Boys camp at Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour, Dorset, in August 1907.

The former soldier brought together 20 boys, some from public schools and some from working class homes.

Some 28 million young people worldwide are now involved in Scouting.

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There are only six countries in the world that do not have Scouting - China, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Andorra and Myanmar.

The World Scout Jamboree, held in Chelmsford, Essex in August 2007, to celebrate the movement's centenary was attended by 40,000 Scouts from more than 200 countries.

Some 300 scouts from 160 countries also set up camp at Brownsea Island, now a National Trust site, to mark the 100th anniversary last year.

More than 200 activities are offered by Scouting around the UK.

In January 2008, The Scout Association introduced 40 new badges, including snow sports and health and fitness badges, bringing the total number of badges available to more than 200.

Famous former Scouts include Paul McCartney, Stephen Spielberg, David Beckham and Keith Richards.

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