Proud to Be Scout

Proud to be Scout

A research on the differences between the image of scouting in the Netherlands and England and how to make the image better.

Extended essay Rebecca van Eijden Marlies Nijenhuis E/A 6 Mr. Lankhorst November 2013

Table of contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Scouting throughout the years; What is the historical background of Scouting in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom?...... 6

Scouting in the present; What is Scout in the present, in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom?...... 11

The view on Scouting; How do insiders and outsiders look at Scouting now, in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom?...... …19

The image of Scouting explained; What is the reason people look at Scouting in a certain way?...... 25

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29

Recommendation……………………………………………………………….. …………………… 31

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………………...... 33

Attachment………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 36

The Survey; …………………………….………………………………………………………………….. 36

Survey results in graphs………………………………………………………………………………. 39

Interviews……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 69

Introduction

We are Marlies Nijenhuis and Rebecca van Eijden, Explorer Scouts from JJB in Apeldoorn, and we are proud to be Scout! Rebecca joined the Scouting at the age of seven, and Marlies at the age of fourteen, and we have enjoyed every minute ever since. Scouting has taught us to take care of ourselves and our friends. It has shown us the beauty of nature in the coolest ways, and, the most important thing of all, every day at Scouting was a day of laughter. But what exactly is Scouting? It is a movement started in 1907, to teach boys how to be the best they can possibly be. From the very start of the Scout movement, boys all over The UK started to spontaneously form a Scout group and enthusiastically played and learned from the Scout game. Now Scouting is enjoyed worldwide, but the view on Scouting has changed. If you see Scouting on the television now, they often show you the “stereotype Scout”: selling cookies, helping 80 year old people cross the road and tying knots. What we do at Scouting is so much more than that. Scouting is our family, where we can be completely ourselves, where we have a lot of fun making friends, building team spirits, learning how not to get lost in huge forests and survivalling. That is what we Scouts do, and that’s what we stand for!

The importance of this subject

“The aim of the Scout training is to replace Self with Service, to make lads individually efficient, morally and physically, with the object of using that efficiency for the service of the community.”1 This quote by Lord Baden Powell, founder of Scouting, indicates the social value that Scouting had and still has.

Next to this social value, Scouting has a personal value to us, as we have enjoyed the Scouting game for a few years now, and have always experienced it as a lot of fun, and a great learning experience. We see that Scouting changes people, makes them more responsible and social, teaches characteristics such as courage and selflessness. These characteristics are formed with a lot of fun activities.

1 Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Scouting for Boys. A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft, originally written in 1908, with introduction by Lord Rowallan (1954) 3

“Scouting? That is where they make fire and tie knots right?” This quote by a relative of ours, characterises what we think is the general view on Scouting in the present day. Unfortunately we have noticed in our surroundings that a lot of people have a prejudice about Scouting, they see it in a negative way. We have heard for example that people think only ‘nerds’ attend Scouting and that we only tie knots and make fires. With our Scouting group we have been to The UK and everyone we met thought Scouting was a great and respectable thing. We found this striking and did not understand why people in the Netherlands didn’t have this positive view. That is why we wanted to do this research.

Goal

With this research we want to find out if our idea is correct that people in the Netherlands have a negative view on Scouting, in comparison to the United Kingdom, how this negative view was formed and how we can change it. Also, we want to compare the Netherlands with the United Kingdom, to see whether we can explain the possible difference in image, by looking at other differences between the two countries. Finally, we want to make a recommendation, to advise the national organisation of Scouting on how this possible negative view on Scouting can be altered, because we think that Scouting is worth to have a better image.

Status

Our research question is: What differences are there between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom in 2013 concerning what insiders and outsiders between 12 and 18 years old think about Scouting, how can these differences be explained and how can we advise the country that has a worse image to improve this image?

In order to answer this question, we have formulated the following sub questions.

 What is de historical background of Scouting in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom? We describe how Scouting started in the United Kingdom, and later on in the Netherlands, and what the idea behind Scouting was and is.  What is Scouting in the present, in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom? We give general information on Scouting activities and what Scouting is from the inside.  How do insiders and outsiders look at Scouting now, in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom? We report extendedly on the surveys that people have filled in.

 What is the reason people look at Scouting in a certain way?

By looking at the differences between the two countries through our literary research, and the differences in our survey, we will provide an answer to why people have a certain view on Scouting.

Hypothesis

Based on our experience, we predict that people have a different view on Scouting in the Netherlands and the UK. We think this might be because in the United Kingdom Scouting is stricter, more official and more active than in the Netherlands. Also, in the United Kingdom they gather more often. We also experienced that when badges were handed out as a reward, this is done very officially on a stage accompanied by fitting songs. With our own Scouting group everything is much more loose and playful. For example we don’t all wear a uniform any more. Only the younger groups still have a blouse with a tie.

Systematics

The process did not proceed flawlessly, but due to hard work we did get to a fine result. We had difficulty finding enough people to fill in the survey. We tried to mail and call several people and organisations. Ultimately we planned a trip to London, but before we went we got enough responses.

We have had a couple of interviews with people from the Scout Association and Scouting Nederland, whom we asked questions about information that we were not sure of. The Scout Association and Scouting Nederland are looking forward to reading our end result.

There are a few things that we discovered that we could have done better. For the Dutch survey we asked a lot of people in our own environment, which could have an influence on the way they respond, because they know us as members of Scouting so they don’t give a very representative view of the whole of the Netherlands. This is probably why we found that the outsiders in the Netherlands were more positive about Scouting than we expected. We could have also looked at different social groups and how they think of Scouting, for example lower and higher educated, and religious and non-religious youth. Also, we found that the UK is a very big area to represent with 85 surveys. Next time we might restrict ourselves to a smaller area.

Despite the setbacks, we worked hard and are satisfied with what we’ve achieved. We have had a lot of fun together and our collaboration was very good. We are proud to present this extended essay about the research on the image of Scouting in the UK and the Netherlands.

Scouting throughout the years What is the historical background of Scouting in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom? In order to make a proper comparison between Scouting in the UK and the Netherlands, we have to take a look at the origin. The reason and way it started might have influenced the idea people had and have of Scouting.

The father of Scouting, Lord Robert Baden-Powell To look at the origin of Scouting, one needs to go back to the birth of the man who started it, and see what made him come up with the idea for Scouting.

In 1857, the founder of Scouting was born in London. His name was Robert Stephenson Smyth Powell (the name Baden was later added to the family name Powell by the mother, Henrietta).2 The woods near his school were off bounds for students, but Baden-Powell was adventurous, and went there a lot.3

“It was there that I used to imagine myself a backwoodsman, trapper and Scout. I used to creep about warily looking for “signs” and getting “close-up” observation of rabbits, squirrels, rats and birds. As a trapper I set my snares, and when I caught a rabbit or hare (which wasn’t often) I learned by painful experience to skin, clean and cook him. But knowing that the Redskins were about, in the shape of masters looking for boys out of bounds, I used a very small non-smoky fire for fear of giving away my whereabouts” 4

In 1876 Baden-Powell joined the cavalry.5 In India Baden-Powell became a specialist in reconnaissance. He also taught others reconnaissance. Those ‘regimental Scouts’ where recognizable by a lily on their sleeve.6

Here is when he wrote a little red book, “Aids to Scouting”, in which he wrote how to follow trails, how to trap, make sketches, etc.7 During the African war in 1900 Baden-Powell had great success, and was seen throughout the country as a hero. “Aids to Scouting” suddenly became a widely sold book throughout The UK. Boys used it as a guidebook for playing soldier.

During the same time, Sir William Smith started a successful youth organisation; the “Boy’s Brigade”. Baden-Powell was interested in this movement and went to visit in 1904.

2 Michael Rosenthal, The Character Factory, 1984. p. 15-17. 3 Michael Rosenthal, The Character Factory, 1984. p. 18-19. 4 Baden-Powell, Lessons from the ‘Varsity of Life, p. 24 5 Michael Rosenthal, The Character Factory, 1984. p.20-21 6 Steen, J.H. van der, Scouting 100, 2007. p. 6 7 Michael Rosenthal, The Character Factory, 1984. P 22-23 6

Afterwards he complimented Sir William, but had to add that he thought it was too much focused on the military. 8

In 1910 he retired from the army on the advice of King Edward VII, to devote all his time to the Scout movement.9

The start: Brownsea Island, 1907 In 1907, a publisher had asked Baden-Powell to make a new version of his book “Aids to Scouting”, more accessible to youth. Before finishing the book, which would be titled “Scouting for Boys”, Baden-Powell organised a camp, to test his methods with boys from different environments. The camp was held on Brownsea Island, on the south coast of The UK.10 Baden-Powell had put together a group of boys from mixed backgrounds, to see how they would get along with each other.11 From all points of view the camp was a great success. The boys enjoyed themselves and Baden-Powell had demonstrated that his ideas were viable.12

Progression of the movement After the success of the camp on Brownsea Island, "Scouting for Boys" book was immediately widely sold13. Baden-Powell had originally intended the book as a training aid for already existing organisations, such as the Boys Brigade and the Y.M.C.A14. Unexpectedly, boys all over the country started to form themselves into Scout Patrols to try out ideas and suddenly boys began to form Scout Troops all over the country. In September 1908 Baden-Powell had set up an office to deal with the large number of enquiries which were pouring in. 15 At the end of 1908 already 60.000 boys were registered at this headquarter.16’ Not only boys showed interest in Baden-Powell’s ‘Aids to Scouting’. Girls wanted to become part of the movement almost as soon as it began. The problem was that boys would probably not like girls to join their tough group. Baden-Powell asked his sister Agnes for help. Together they started a new organisation, which they named Girl Guides. Agnes became the president and started writing a manual17. At that time, girls were expected to remain separate from boys because of societal standards.

In the introduction of a version of ‘Scouting for Boys’ in 1954, Lord Rowallon said: “It is important to realise that every development of Scouting has been produced on the demand of the boys themselves. […] It was the boys who got

8 Steen, J.H. van der, Zo kwam Scouting naar Nederland, 1982. p. 9-10 9 http://www.Scout.org/en/about_Scouting/facts_figures/history/b_p_chief_Scout_of_the_world 10 Steen, J.H. van der, Scouting 100, 2007. p. 9 11 Steen, J.H. van der, Zo kwam Scouting naar Nederland, 1982. p. 12-13 12 Michael Rosenthal, The Character Factory, 1984. p. 85 13 http://www.Scout.org/en/about_Scouting/facts_figures/history/b_p_chief_Scout_of_the_world 14 Baden-Powell of Gillwell, Scouting for Boys, 1908, p. 18 15 http://www.Scout.org/en/about_Scouting/facts_figures/history/b_p_chief_Scout_of_the_world 16 Steen, J.H. van der, Scouting 100, 2007. p. 10 17 Steen, J.H. van der, Zo kwam Scouting naar Nederland, 1982. p. 37-43 7 hold of the Book, formed their own Patrols and found their own Scoutmasters. It was because the sisters would not stay away that the Guides were born; the little brothers made the Wolf Cubs inevitable, and the unwillingness of those who had outgrown the Scout Troop to sever all connections with it brought in Rovering.” 18 In this way he makes clear that the success of Scouting lies in the fact that boys and girls started joining it all by themselves.

Scouting in the Netherlands

“Boys Scouts in Nederland”, is the headline of a newspaper in the summer of 1910. Scouts from troop 16 from Oxford came to the Netherlands to promote Scouting. They left a copy of Scouting for Boys at youth organisations, but they were not interested. However a journalist, Gos. De Voogt, wrote about their mission in the Telegraaf. When the boys left the country, he went on promoting Scouting. He started looking for a “Dutch Baden-Powell”, and found him in the shape of doctor Lingbeek, who led an ambulance during the African war. Together they wrote Een Padvinders beweging.19

In December 1910 the first Scouting troop was founded, and many followed. The same year, the first national organization was founded: the Nederlandse Padvinders Organisatie.20

During World War II, all Scouting activity was banned by Nazi-Germany. The Germans initially wanted the Scout movement to voluntarily join the Nationale Jeugdstorm (youth movement of the NSB), but because the movement refused, Scouting was banned in april 1941. Many Scout groups continued to meet secretly, and many Scouts joined the resistance or helped others during the horrors of the war. After the war, Scouting re-emerged quickly.

Since 1973 all NPV, NPG, KV and NGB merged into one organization called Scouting Nederland.21

Baden-Powell’s intention and how it has changed

“The whole aim of Scouting is to help education and churches in their promotion to better and higher citizenship”, Baden-Powell said in a speech in April 1921, during a jamboree.22

Scouting was from the very beginning conceived as a solution to Britain’s moral, physical, and military weakness. It became clear from the Boer War that British citizens did not have the right state of mind any more. What had made Britain so great in the past was the passionately loyal character of the British men, and it was now nowhere to be found. Not only was the military weak, within the

18 Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Scouting for Boys, A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft, originally written in 1908, with introduction by Lord Rowallan (1954) 19 Steen, J.H. van der, Zo kwam Scouting naar Nederland, 1982. p. 46-50 20 http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/ 21 Scouting.nl 22 Mario Sieta – Robert Baden Powell, Playing the Game, 2007, p. 368 8 country there were rising crime rates, sickly children, the poor part of the population was growing and there was a lack of discipline. Britain was looking for a solution, and Baden-Powell came up with one.23

In his introduction of Scouting for Boy, Baden-Powell also clearly describes his aims for the boys:

“The aim of the Scout training is to replace Self with Service, to make the lads individually efficient, morally and physically, with the object of using that efficiency for the service of the community. I don’t mean by this the mere soldiering and sailoring services; we have no military aim or practice in our movement; but the ideals of service for their fellow-men. In other words, we aim for the practice of Christianity in their everydav life and dealings, and not merely the profession of its theologv on Sunday.” 24 It is clear that he wanted to change the British mentality, starting off with the youth, because he believed in prevention, rather than cure. How exactly he wanted this prevention, he described in the table below.25

Unlike the already existing Boy’s Brigade, where the focus was mainly on church, Bible class, and military drill, the Scouts were intended from the beginning as a mass movement with no barriers to membership.

The goal of Scouting at this moment is not much different from the aims with which Baden-Powell started the organisation. All national Scout Associations meet annually to renew their allegiance to the original spirit and principles imparted by Baden Powell, which can be summarised in the Scout Law and Oath. The emphasis on ‘learning by doing’ provides experiences and hands-on orientation as a practical method of learning and building self-confidence. Small groups build unity, camaraderie, and a close-knit fraternal atmosphere. These experiences, along with an emphasis on trustworthiness and personal honour, help to develop responsibility, character, self-reliance, self-confidence, reliability, and readiness; which eventually lead to collaboration and leadership. In an outdoor setting, Scouting also provides contact with the natural environment.26

The current stated purpose of The Scout Association is to "actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society".27 Scouting Nederland sets this goal: “promoting the Game of Scouting in the Netherlands, on the basis of the ideas of Baden-Powell, and consequently offer

23 Michael Rosenthal, The Character Factory, 1984. p. 3-14 24 Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Scouting for Boys, A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft, originally written in 1908, with introduction by Lord Rowallan (1954) 25 Michael Rosenthal, The Character Factory, 1984. p. 5 26 http://www.messengersaintanthony.com/messaggero/pagina_articolo.asp?IDX=378IDRX=107 27 http://members.Scouts.org.uk/fundamentals/?pageid=2944 9 an enjoyable experience in the spare time, for boys and girls, thus contributing to their personal development. 28

The reason this works so effectively is because kids become members because they think Scouting is fun. Parents enlist their children because of the fun and varied range of games. Learning by playing is the basic of Scouting. This intrinsically motivated attitude of most children makes them open to all sorts of experiences and it makes them able to learn a lot. 29

A huge number of parents agreed that since their child joined Scouting family life was easier and they were ‘nicer children to live with’. 30

28 https://www.Scouting.nl/mijnScouting/bestuur-en-organisatie/organisatie-Scouting/over-Scouting 29 Lagendijk, Eric en de Groot, Marieke, 'Meer dan fikkie stoken en knopen leggen' De maatschappelijke waarde van Scouting in beeld, 11 november 2009. 30 http://Scouts.org.uk/get-involved/map-page/ 10

Scouting in the present What is Scouting in the present, in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom?

All over the world children between the ages of five and twenty-one are Scouts. In the UK and the Netherlands Scouting is the largest mixed youth organisation31. In the Netherlands just over 120,000 members. In the UK there are nearly 500,000 young people who belong to a Scouting group. There are 28 million Scouts world-wide and everyone is connected to each other.32

The Netherlands has a large association for all the Scouting groups: Scouting Nederland (SN). It makes policies to assist the Scouting groups, for example a labour law checklist so that the Dutch Scouting groups can satisfy the labour laws. 33 In the UK a similar organisation is called the Scout Association.

There are also world-wide associations to which all Scouting groups are affiliated. Scouting Nederland and the Scout Association are a part of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), the World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouting (WAGGGS) and the International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF). Scouting on different levels

Scouting is known for the outdoors. All games, sports and activities are carried out outside where possible. Throughout a youth member’s time as a Scout they learn techniques and skills which they use during the annual summer camp.34

There are different forms of Scouting. Namely, the LandScouts, WaterScouts and AirScouts. Apart from these, Scouting in The Netherlands and the UK is divided into various levels, in which activities are organised. For example the national and regional levels, the groups themselves and the age-related sections.

In the Netherlands, the national level is in Leusden which is where they determine the policies of the national management and the national board. The large national Scouting competitions/activities are organised here.

At a regional level many activities are organised with the Scouting groups within that region. Our Scouting group, the JJB, belongs to the region around the IJssel. The region trains leaders and can also help with any problems a group may have.

The next level is that of the Scouting group. Each group has its own name and within the group each section also has a name. Yet every group is different. Scouting groups have the freedom to decide if they want mixed or separate groups, what their uniforms look like and how strictly they adhere to the

31 http://Scouts.org.uk/what-we-do/ 32 http://www.dga-vorden.nl/index.php/informatie-over-Scouting 33 http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Scouting_Nederland 34 Rosenthal, M. The Character Factory, 1984 11

Scouting rules etc. For example, in our age group (the Explorers) we have decided not to wear a blouse, the group wears a jersey instead.

In the UK it is much the same it just has a different name. They have 115 counties which can be compared to the regional level in The Netherlands. 35

Within Scouting groups There are a number of sections within Scouting. These are age-related and in addition are recognisable by their names as mixed or boys or girls only. The different types of Scouting (Water, Air, Land) also have group names which indicate to which type they belong. For example, Dolphins belong to the water type and Cubs to the land type of Scouting yet both are for the same age-group. In this chapter we focus on the land Scouts, because the land Scouts are the most common Scouting type, and we belong to the land Scouts ourselves.

Scouting in The Netherlands has the following sections: 5-7 years The idea for this section comes from Canada and it is called ‘Beavers’. 36 It is the youngest Scouting group and the boys and girls are mixed. The children in this group play in a fantasy world of Hotsjietonia. These stories are positive but also include good and bad, emotions and other important things that occur in the daily lives of the Beavers. The Beavers can easily identify with the people in the story and use their fantasy completely, contributing to their development.

7-11 years The Cubs (in Dutch ‘Welpen’) were, just like the beavers, not one of the sections when Scouting began. They were founded because very young children also wanted to join Scouts. 37

The theme of the Cubs is Jungle Book, a story by Rudyard Kipling, in which Mowgli grew up in the Indian jungle amongst the wolves. Through this fantasy world the Cubs learn how to interact with each other, and start learning practical skills.

35 http://www.Scoutnet.org.uk/county/ 36 Rosenthal, M. The Character Factory, 1984 37 http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Welpen (Scouting Nederland) 12

11-15 years “Verkenner” is the literal translation of the English word “Scout”38. This section has members who are 11 to 15 years old. Some groups have mixed groups, they are called Scouts. If girls and boys are separated the girls are called Guides or Girl Guides and the boys Scouts.

In this group they still play games, but there is more emphasis on the outdoors. Learning techniques, nature and how to look after yourself and others.39

In the Scouts there is a huge emphasis on being allowed to be yourself and having your own opinions even if you are eleven years old. Leaders are always there for you. Part of being yourself is having your own talents. Scouting provides opportunities for everyone to display their talent: baking pancakes, sailing, internet, building bridges with rope and wood, singing, face painting, archery, theatre, making kites etc.40

Within the Scouts you have subgroups, the older Scouts in this groups have the lead. The aim of these patrols is to teach children to work together and to learn responsibility.

15-18 years Young people between the ages of 14/15 and 17/18 belong to this section. There are often separate meetings for boys and girls. The girls are called Sherpa’s and the boys Rowans. Mixed groups are called Explorers.

The Explorers are independent and must devise their own programmes. To show and develop their responsibility, this section has e board with a chairman and a treasurer. Elections are held at the start of the season. These sort of tasks are very instructive and be useful for later.

Because the Explorers are able to determine what they do in their meetings there are many different activities such as pioneering of a fleet, motor boating, cooking or going to a climbing forest.

They are supported by the leaders but they are mainly present for safety and responsibility.

18-21 years This group is called Pivo in the Netherlands, and Scout Network in the UK. In the Netherlands. Traditionally, was no maximum age for this group. Since 2004 Scouting Nederland has had a new group called the Plus Scouts. The age group is 23 years and older.

38 Golob, B. De eerste Nederlandse Scouting encyclopedie, 2009 39 Golob, B. De eerste Nederlandse Scouting encyclopedie, 2009 40 Lagendijk, E en Groot, de, M. 'Meer dan fikkie stoken en knopen leggen' De maatschappelijke waarde van Scouting in beeld, 11 november 2009 13

This section stands alone. There is no leadership and everyone has equal responsibility. Often there is a chairman , secretary and treasurer. Just as in Explorers this section develops its own programme.

23 years and older PlusScouts (this is not a section but an adult members group)41

As discussed this section has not been long in existence. Scouting Nederland set up this section to give people who didn’t want to provide direct leadership within Scouts any more a function within Scouts. 42

The members of PlusScouts don’t have to be members of a group. You could also register with the regional, or a national Plus Scout group or even individually with Scouting Nederland. 43

Leaders

From the age of 16 members of Scouting can become leaders for beavers or cubs. At this age, they are still explorers. By being in a leading role, explorers develop responsibility.

Leaders follow courses and traineeships. Apart from being a big help for the leadership of the leader, it is also good on your cv. Scouting depends on volunteers. All Scout leaders are volunteers, and most of the money Scouting has, the Scouts earn themselves, for example by selling biscuits.

The leaders of the cubs get a name from the story of Jungle Book. The old wolf is called Akela, other names are Baloe, Bagheera, and Jaccala. Most of the Cub leaders are women.44 Marlies is also a Cub leader. The children call her Raksha, who is the mother wolf in the story.

Scouting law and oath

When a child decides to join Scouts he is installed. This is an official meeting where the child receives their shirt with appropriate insignias/badges. After this installation you officially belong to a group. During this tradition the child takes an oath. This is different for each section. The text for the Beavers is shorter and as the members get older the text becomes longer and more complex.

In 1908 the Scouts Law consisted of 10 points: honesty, taking responsibility, taking care of everything near you, respect for everything that is further away, belief and optimism. These are the Scouting values, the values they live by. A

41 http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Speltak 42 http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/PlusScouts 43 https://www.Scouting.nl/publiek/ontdek/voor-21-jaar-en-ouder 44 http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Welpen_(Scouting_Nederland)

14 number of changes have been made as Scouting spread world-wide and has modernised.

In the Netherlands the oath is:

I promise to do my best to be a good Scout to search for and encourage the good consciously, to help everyone where I can and to live by the Scouts law. You can count on me. Groups may insert “with God’s help” after “I promise”.

In the UK, the oath is:

On my honour, I promise that I will do my best, To do my duty to God and to the Queen, To help other people, And to keep the Scout Law.

In June 2013 Guide leaders said that their organization’s longstanding demand that girls who sign up should promise to ‘do my duty to God’ was ‘confusing’ about belief and ‘discouraged some girls and volunteers from joining us.’ Instead new Guides now pledge ‘to be true to myself’ and ‘to serve my community’.45

Since October 2013 the Boy Scouts have made an opt-out on the promise to do their duty to God, for atheists. The traditional wording in which young people promise “to do my duty to God and to the Queen” will remain the “core” promise, but now atheists can become full members for the first time, without having to lie about their beliefs.46

By pledging this oath the Scout indicate that you want to belong to the Scouting. It reinforces the trust with your group members and ensures that the group feels connected.47

Uniform

The wearing of a uniform is characteristic of Scouting. The practical element of the clothing is very important, as it is made of strong material that can withstand rough treatment. Another reason for wearing a uniform has been there from the beginning, and it is to prevent the difference between rich and poor becoming an issue. The word uniform suggests equality, there is no differentiation.

The majority of parents and executives feel that the Scouting uniform emphasizes that everyone is equal.48

45 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2449334/New-Scouts-duty-God-Leaders-decide-recruits-make- religious-promise-unless-ask-atheist-version.html 46 http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588082/Boy-Scouts-remove-God-from-oath-in-UK-welcome- atheists-to-the-ranks.html 47 https://www.Scoutsengidsenvlaanderen.be/kijk-op-Scouting/rituelen/belofte/vroeger-en-nu 15

The Beaver uniform consists of a red jumper. In the UK they wear a light blue jumper, and a blue cap. Some Dutch groups have adopted this.49 The cubs have a light green blouse or light green jumper in both countries. The Scouts have a brown blouse in the Netherlands, and a dark green blouse in the UK. The explorers have a bordeaux coloured blouse in the Netherlands, and a brown blouse in the UK.50

In February 2001, the traditional Scouting uniform - previously a forest green blouse, woggle and khaki hat - was given a re-style in the UK. Fleeces, bright turquoise polo shirts, navy combat trousers and green sweatshirts were designed to replace the 1967 uniform and give Scouts a more casual look. An optional baseball cap was introduced to go with the new design, as well as navy blue skirts for girl Scouts. The new uniform saw a surge in membership as young people who had been put off by the dated outfit signed up in their thousands - although the unpopular scarf and woggle remain.51

In spring 2009 Scouting Nederland also introduced new uniforms which are more in keeping with today’s society, but not as drastically as in the UK,52 the uniform still basically looks the same.

Boys and girls

In the UK there are two separate Scouting organisations. The Girl Guide Association, which is a single sex organisation for girls, and the Scout Association, which has accepted girls as members since the 1970s and now have more than 77,000 girls among 537,000 members.53 In the UK, the girls and boys also have different morals and values. For example the girl Guides have always accepted gays and lesbians, while this is not the case with the boys Scouts. 54

In the Netherlands there is only the Scouts, and every group can chose to separate boys and girls, but most groups choose to mix them, due to a lack of members otherwise.

In the UK, the number of girls in Scouting is rising rapidly, while in the Netherlands the growth is shrinking.55 “In England, basically young girls want to join Scouting, because they want to go out and do active things with their friends, no matter if they are a boy or a girl,” said Pat from the Scout Association in our interview with him. Girls in the Netherlands seem to think that Scouting is

48 Eric Lagendijk, Marieke de Groot. 'Meer dan fikkie stoken en knopen leggen' De maatschappelijke waarde van Scouting in beeld. Amsterdam, 11 november 2009 49 Golob, B. De eerste Nederlandse Scouting encyclopedie, 2009 50 http://members.Scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=11,18,241 51 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8835396/Scouting-the-rise-in-popularity.html 52 Eric Lagendijk, Marieke de Groot. 'Meer dan fikkie stoken en knopen leggen' De maatschappelijke waarde van Scouting in beeld. Amsterdam, 11 november 2009 53 http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2449334/New-Scouts-duty-God-Leaders-decide-recruits-make- religious-promise-unless-ask-atheist- 54 http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/03/boy-Scouts-are-from-mars-girl-Scouts-are-from- venus/253957/ 55 https://www.Scouting.nl/mijnScouting/spel/Scouting-en-meisjes 16 mainly something for boys. The principles of Scouting still connect to the needs of girls, but girls do need some other activities. Scouting ‘without men’ is very different, and is something that girls seem to like in the Netherlands.56 Still, Yvonne Snelders from Scouting Nederland says that a separate organisation for girls, like they have in the UK is not a good solution, because exactly the diversity of boys and girls within groups is what fits the culture of the Netherlands so well.

Transformation in the UK.

Until recently, joining the Scouts was far from popular among modern teenagers in the UK, with today's youngsters preferring video games and television shows to campfires and tying knots. But last year, the Scout Association of Britain announced its biggest rise in membership since years: a 3.5 per cent rise per year.

More than 16,500 new members have joined the Scouts since January 2009, taking total membership to nearly 500,000 boys and girls across the UK. Thanks to a new uniform, a celebrity patron and a range of daredevil activities, the Scout Association has undergone a huge transformation, taking it from uncool after-school group to trendy club. The popularity rise started in 1990, when the organisation opened up to female members.57

Scouting promotion

The Scout Association campaigns with and on behalf of Scouts across the country. Their current areas of work focuses on employability, citizenship and increasing adult volunteering.58

Since 2009, Bear Grills is chief Scout of the UK. Before this, the chief Scout was Peter Duncan, a British actor and television presenter. He was very active within Scouting, especially with professionals, whereas Bear Grills is more a representative of Scouting for the public, promoting Scouting in the community.59

The Scout Association also has many ambassadors. They are representatives for Scouting. Thanks to their high profiles they can promote Scouting to everyone, encouraging more people to volunteer and more young people to join.

Also, taking place from 2-8 June 2014, there is a Scout Community Week in the UK. This gives the Scout Association an opportunity to bond with the local community and raise essentials funds for local Scouting. Furthermore over the past two years an outstanding number of Groups

56 https://www.Scouting.nl/mijnScouting/spel/Scouting-en-meisjes 57 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8835396/Scouting-the-rise-in-popularity.html 58 http://members.Scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=460,440 59 Interview with Pat from the Scout Association, in the appendix 17 have signed up to ‘Do1Thing’, resulting in great projects going on simultaneously around the UK and a burst of media coverage.60

In the Netherlands, Scouting Nederland has their “Let yourself be challenged” (Laat je uitdagen!) series, in which they make a lot of material available for local groups. Groups can alter through a website the material to fit their group and order it directly.61 Apart from this on national level Scouting Nederland actively invests in a combination of free and paid publicity and encourages Scout groups on local level to do the same.62 For example in 2013 they had free publicity in the newspaper AD, the Nederlands Dagblad, the Trouw, Radio one and Radio two and Elsevier. These are mostly adult media.63

In the Netherlands we don’t have a chief scout, we have an official patron of Scouting Nederland, which is Queen Máxima. The wife of the Dutch heir to the throne, Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange.

60 http://members.Scouts.org.uk/communityweek 61 Interview with Wendy from Scouting Nederland, in the appendix 62 Interview with Yvonne Snelders from Scouting Nederland, in the appendix 63 Scouting Nederland, Verslag Landelijke Raad, 15 juni 2013 18

The view on Scouting How do insiders and outsiders look at Scouting now, in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom? In this chapter we will give you the results from the survey that we have spread in the UK and the Netherlands. We have tried to keep the survey short and to the point so that the people could fill in the survey fast and easily. Since we needed a lot of information the survey became longer than expected.

Beneath are the survey results, the survey itself can be found in the appendix. We have put the Dutch and English survey next to each other with an explanation. All the results in the charts are in percentages. In total we have 85 English results and 273 results from The Netherlands. From the English results are 42 insiders (members of Scouting) and 41 outsiders (not member of Scouting), in the Netherlands there were 65 insiders and 208 outsiders.

Survey results

This survey we made after writing the first two chapters, so we knew which information we already had and what we still needed to know from the people in the UK and the Netherlands.

In the attachment all the charts and graphs that belong to the questions can be found.

1. Why did you become a member? In the UK and the Netherlands the main reason to become a Scout is because they thought it was adventurous, in the woods and outside. In both the UK and the Netherlands a friend being a member was also a reason for many Scouts to become a Scout. In the UK more than in the Netherlands. In the UK the parents have a big influence too on becoming a member of Scouting, 20% (instead of the 12% in the Netherlands) become a member because their parents told them too. Some people say that guiding and Scouting is a family tradition or their parents were leaders. In the Netherlands some older members said they don’t remember how they became a member, and some said they became a member because a brother and/or sister became a member.

2. What is/are the reason(s) you stay on Scouting? The main reason for Scouts to stay on Scouting is both in the UK and the Netherlands nice people and friends, although in the UK the nice activities are of equal importance and in the UK they filled in (16% in comparison of 10%) that they learn a lot and that they like that. Other reasons people gave were nice leaders, everybody likes each other, they thought it was very cosy (‘gezellig’). An older Scout is who is now a volunteer gave a reason that we thought was very beautiful. He that he wants to give back 19

what he received as a child.

3. How do you know Scouting? We only asked the outsiders this question. as you can see the main reason in the Netherlands and the UK is that they know people who are a member. Furthermore, people in the Netherlands and the UK know Scouting from TV although more people in the Netherlands recognize Scouting from TV. In the UK 13% gave another reason, which for most people was that they used to be a member themselves when they were younger, family or friends are member or they know it from the media. In the Netherlands 8% gave another reason, of which most people said they used to be a member too.

4. What kind of activities do you think Scouts do? In the UK there is more variation in what people think they do at Scouting. In the Netherlands most of the people think that the Scouts make campfires and tie knots. The big difference between the UK and the Netherlands is that the people in the UK think you can learn social skills, in the Netherlands less people thinks it belongs to Scouting. Other activities what people gave was camping, teamwork, sailing, learning how to survive and travelling.

5. Why are you not a member? In both the Netherlands and the UK a quarter of the people think Scouting is dull. In the Netherlands more people don’t think the Scouts are their type of people or don’t have time for Scouting. In the UK more people tick the ‘I have done it but I didn’t like it any more’ or ‘it’s outside’. For the open questions, in The UK people said they are too old for it, they have other hobby’s and their parents never sent them. In the Netherlands people said they never thought about it, already did another sport, were too old, and thought it was childish and boring.

6. What do you think the negative aspects of Scouting are? Both of the countries think the same about the negative aspects, the main reason for both is that they don’t find uniforms, camps, hut building and campfires attractive. In the Netherlands (14%) and in The UK (15%) some people don’t think that there are negative aspects. A big difference though, between the two countries is the association with liquor and drugs. In The UK they barely think it’s associated with Scouting, while in the Netherlands over 14% think it is. A lot of people filled in the ‘Other (please specify)’ option, and said that Scouting is time consuming, he/she had tedious dodgy leaders, Scouting people are weird/nerds and only for little children but most of the people really don’t like the uniforms and think it’s ugly.

7. What characteristics do you expect people who are member of Scouting to have? a. Adventurous In The UK most insiders thought that quite a lot of Scouting people were adventurous, and many also thought a lot. The outsiders thought this too, but more outsiders thought a lot were adventurous. In the Netherlands most insiders and outsiders think a lot of people are adventurous, and also many think quite a lot are. b. Young In The UK and the Netherlands they answered average, both countries think that there are more young Scouts instead of less young Scouts. In the Netherlands, the insiders and outsiders both think that an average number of Scouts are young, and in the UK most of the insiders also think that some of the Scouts are young, while many also chose quite a lot and a lot. More outsiders think that more Scouts are young. Also, there are more insiders and outsiders in the UK that state that there are none Young Scouts. c. Playful. In the Netherlands most insiders think quite a lot of Scouts are playful, while outsiders vary between thinking some, quite a lot and a lot of Scouts are playful. In the UK most people think that some or quite a lot of Scouts are playful. d. Trendy In the UK most of the outsiders think that Scouts aren’t trendy at all, while many insiders do think some of the Scouts are trendy (40%). In the Netherlands ,more insiders think that more Scouts are trendy and most outsiders think that Scouts are not at all to a little trendy. e. Sexy In The UK most insiders and outsiders think that no Scouts are sexy. In the Netherlands the insiders have very varied opinions, most think some Scouts are sexy. More than half of the outsiders think no Scout at all is sexy, although some people think some Scouts are sexy. f. Sincere Most of the insiders in the UK and the Netherlands think that quite a lot of Scouts are sincere. In the UK, the outsiders think the same as the insiders, while in the Netherlands the insiders think that more people are sincere than the outsiders. g. Green The characteristic green means how much people care for nature. In the UK, most insiders think that some Scouts are green, and the outsiders think that some and quite a lot of Scouts are green. In the Netherlands most insiders think quite a lot to a lot of Scouts are green, while most outsiders think quite a lot to a lot of Scouts are green, so they think more Scouts are green than the insiders.

21 h. Approachable In the Netherlands more than half of the insiders think that quite a lot of Scouts are approachable, most of the outsiders think that some to quite a lot of the Scouts are approachable. In the UK it’s quite the same. Although the opinions in the UK are more varied. i. Open In the UK most insiders think that quite a lot of Scouts are open. Most outsiders think that some Scouts are open. In the Netherlands most insiders and outsiders think that quite a lot of Scouts are open. Insiders do think that more Scouts are open than outsiders. j. Nerdy In the Netherlands most of the insiders think that they are not at all a Nerd, in the UK more than half of the insiders think that no Scout is a nerd. In the Netherlands and the UK results shows that a lot of outsiders filled in ‘some’, ‘quite a lot’ and ‘a lot’. k. Mentally disabled In the UK most insiders and outsiders think that no Scouts are mentally disabled. In the Netherlands most insiders and outsiders think that no Scouts are mentally disabled, and some think a little. Few think some, and fewer think quite a lot and a lot of Scouts are mentally disabled. l. Religious In the Netherlands both insiders and outsiders don’t think that there are a lot of religious Scouts. In the UK almost half of the insiders think that Scouts are not religious at all, while many outsiders think that some or quite a lot Scouts are religious. m. Tough In the UK a lot of insiders don’t think Scouts are tough at all, and a lot think some are tough, while most outsiders think some Scouts are tough. In the Netherlands insiders think that quite a lot of Scouts are tough, and outsiders have varied opinions from not at all to quite a lot. In the UK ‘tough’ has a negative and positive meaning, so it might be that people thought of the negative one while filling our survey in. You can see that in the graph; almost 40% of the insiders think they are not though. While in the Netherlands almost all the insiders thought they are quite a lot of tough (with which we mean the Dutch word ‘stoer’) scouts. n. Social Both the UK and the Netherlands are quite positive about this characteristic. The insiders in the Netherlands are the most positive about this one. Almost 51% thinks that there are a lot of social Scouts. 42% of the outsiders think that there are a lot of social Scouts. In the UK both parties think that there are quite a lot of social Scouts.

o. Helpful In The UK insiders and outsiders think quite a lot to a lot of Scouts are helpful. In the Netherlands both insiders and outsiders think quite a lot to a lot of Scouts are helpful, but insiders think that a bit more Scouts are helpful than outsiders. p. Arrogant Almost everyone filled in that the Scouts aren’t arrogant at all. And in both countries the insiders think there are less arrogant people than the outsiders. q. Socially disabled In The UK most insiders think there aren’t Scouts that are socially disabled and most outsiders think that too In the Netherlands it is most insiders who think Scouts aren’t socially disabled but the outsiders think that there are a little Scouts who are socially disabled. r. Old fashioned In the UK over 50% thinks that the Scouts aren’t old fashioned. The outsiders are more various but the most picked that quite a lot are old fashioned. In the Netherlands it’s the same although they are a bit more positive about this one. The insiders think that they are not at all to a little old fashioned.

8. What kind of hobby’s do you have? In The UK the most common hobbies of the insiders are: Scouting, gaming/TV/computer, music and reading. The outsiders like music and reading the most. In The Netherlands it’s a bit different, the insiders also have Scouting as their hobby but after this they like individual sports. The outsiders in The UK like music the most, in the Netherlands they have team sport as most popular hobby.

9. Do you prefer comfort or adventure? In The UK 73% of the insiders prefers adventure over comfort, while for the outsiders it is 51% against 49/50%. In the Netherlands 81% of the insiders prefers adventure and 19% comfort. The insiders are 50/50. In both countries insiders prefer adventure and outsiders are mixed.

10.What are you most interested in? All people, in The UK and The Netherlands are most interested in Friends and family although you can see that the insiders in both countries are a bit more interested in their family . The insiders in both countries are interested in doing volunteer work while the outsiders aren’t that much interested in it. They are more interested in going out and gaming (The UK) or gaming and their career (the Netherlands).

11.What are the positive aspects of Scouting In The UK insiders and outsiders both think almost to the same extend that making friends, learning to work together, learning useful skills are the most important positive aspects. Insiders also think that learning to become independent is important, outsiders think this is a little bit less important. They both think less that learning moral values and stimulating career chances are positive aspects. In the Netherlands the outsiders think making new friends, learning how to work together and learning useful skills are the most positive aspects, while insiders think those, and also learning moral values, learning to become independent and that it stimulates your career are all positive aspects, and making friends is the most important one, and career chance the least important. In both countries a few people also filled in other. Some insiders said you learn to associate with different kinds of people and get lots of experiences Outsiders said you learn to be yourself, no matter what other people say, and some said there were no positive aspects.

12.Do you tend towards a more positive or negative view on Scouting? In The UK all the insiders thinks in a positive way about Scouting. In the Netherlands most of the insiders think in this way, only 3% think negative. From the outside people think in both countries positive too, although the English outsiders have a more positive view than the Dutch ones.

The image of Scouting explained What is the reason people look at Scouting in a certain way?

In our survey the last question was: “Do you tend towards a more positive or negative view on Scouting?”. The results showed the English people had a more positive view on Scouting. Using the results from the previous chapters a conclusion can be drawn on why there is this difference.

In the beginning of the Scouting movement the goal of Baden-Powell was to change the British mentality to encourage people from an young age to be involved in the wellbeing of their country. Nowadays the purpose focuses more on self-development. When the organisation was started in the UK, it was to change the British mentality which was really needed. When Scouting came to the Netherlands, this mentality problem was not as vivid as in the UK. The Dutch Scouting groups started with a goal which wasn’t set for the Netherlands. This is why the goal of the movement wasn’t embraced in the Netherlands with the same enthusiasm as in the UK. Nevertheless boys loved the Scouting game, and wanted to join Scouting all by themselves. Nowadays a lot of the youth state that parents tell them to join Scouting. This can have a negative influence on Scouting because the children are more motivated and enthusiastic when the idea comes from within themselves, youth don’t like to be pushed.

From our survey we can conclude that there are quite a lot of people who associate Scouting with an old-fashioned leisure activity. When one thinks of Scouting, the old goal and activities come to mind. Outsiders in the Netherlands and the UK think Scouting isn’t contemporary. Although Scouting has a new goal, this is not brought out in the public enough for everyone to know about it. The Scout Law and Oath of England is also something that people see as old- fashioned. For a long time, the Scout Law has included a “duty to God”. In the survey you can see the outsiders think that Scouting is quite religious, perhaps because of this oath. It’s an old fashioned way of thinking when not everybody is equal, and non-religious people are excluded. Now the Scout Law is changing, but most people don’t know about this, so the old fashioned image stays.

Scouting in England has undergone a huge transformation, thanks to a new uniform, a celebrity patron and a range of daredevil activities. Before this transformation joining the Scouts was not as popular, with today's youngsters preferring video games and television shows to campfires and tying knots. But in 2010, the Scout Association of Britain announced its biggest rise in membership since years: a 3.5 per cent rise per year. The popularity rise started in 1990, when the organisation opened up to female members. By 2007, all Scout troops across Britain were ordered to accept both sexes, with girl Scouts now numbering around 70,000.64

A lot of outsiders in The Netherlands and the UK still think of Scouting in the traditional way, while the insiders have a different view on Scouting. In the UK

64 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8835396/Scouting-the-rise-in-popularity.html 25

Scouting keeps to the traditional ideas of Baden-Powell more than in the Netherlands. This can also be seen in their current purpose, which still includes “empowering them to make a positive contribution to society”, which is not the case in the Netherlands. Nevertheless their activities have changed and become more challenging and adventurous. In the Netherlands the focus is more on being with friends and ‘gezelligheid’. The people in the UK seem to be more proud of their hobby because they do all these adventurous activities. In The Netherlands not all the groups are as traditional anymore so the view of the Dutch outsiders on Scout activities isn’t true.

In 2001 the uniform of the Scouts in the UK has undergone a big change to give Scouts a more casual look. In 2009 the uniform was also renewed in the Netherlands, but the change in the UK was greater. Outsiders still have the old dull uniforms in mind, and in our survey can be seen that most outsiders, but a lot of insiders too, think that the appearance of Scouts is neither sexy nor trendy. Also, in the young people in England associate the uniform in England with school, which gives them a negative view.

In both countries quite some people said that they know Scouting from TV, so their view is based on the picture that the media shows them. In both the UK and the Netherlands the outsiders like watching TV and gaming. The media, especially television, of does not show a realistic image. On the television you see shows like Phineas and Ferb, and Huey, Dewey and Louie. The television shows a typical old school military vision of Scouting which isn’t true anymore. This can influence the image and make people see Scouting in a negative way.

On the other hand, Bear Grills, who is now Chief Scout, also has his television program that shows a very adventurous and cool side of Scouting. The Scout Association executes a lot of positive promotion through Bear Grills, because he is someone that young people look up to, and when they hear that he is Chief Scout they associate the exciting survival hero with Scouting, so he has a very positive influence on the image of Scouting.

Due to the way Scouting is portrayed in the media, the transformation that it has undergone, and it’s visibility in the public, Scouting is becoming increasingly popular amongst youth in England, even though many still have the traditional view. The Scout Association does not need to actively promote membership of Scouting any more. 30.000 or more people could join Scouting in England tomorrow, but there are not enough places and volunteers to give Scouting around the country. What they keep doing, is making sure that Scouting is being seen in the public domain, to keep the image of Scouting up to date. What they do need is promoting volunteering. But they don’t actually go out and advertise that they need leaders, they make sure that people know that they are out there, and are doing things. Because success tends to breed success. So if you have an active program, you will have people who are interested in helping. 26

Scouting in the Netherlands did not go through such a big transformation. It did make changes to the uniform, but not to activities, and the celebrity patron in the Netherlands is Queen Máxima, who is very charming, but does not represent what Scouting stands for. Scouting Nederland does invest in a combination of free and paid publicity and encourages Scout groups on local level to do the same. For example in 2013 they had free publicity in the newspaper AD, the Nederlands Dagblad, the Trouw, Radio one and Radio two and Elsevier. This free publicity does put Scouting out in the press, but mainly amongst adults, and not so much amongst the young potential members.

Also most outsiders in the Netherlands think that the main activity of Scouts is to make campfires and tie knots. The Scouting of nowadays is more than making campfires and tying knots, it is about making friends, discovering who you are, becoming independent etc.

In the UK a lot of Scouts became a member because friends told them Scouting is awesome. In the UK there is a lot more word of mouth advertising than in the Netherlands, that Scouts tell their friends how fun Scouting is and what adventurous activities they do. This type of advertisement is very important, because when Scouts are very enthusiastic this provokes enthusiasm with peers. The outsiders will not come up with the idea that it is awesome by themselves.

In the UK Scouts state that they stay on Scouting because they learn a lot, which shows that in the UK it is fun to learn at Scouting. In the Netherlands a few Scouts state that they stay on Scouting because they learn much, which is striking because Scouting Nederland pays special attention to teaching the Scouts life lesson, in their ‘doorlopende leerlijn’.

Another thing that was striking in the results of our survey, was that in the Netherlands there is a bigger association with nature than in the UK, perhaps Scouting groups in the Netherlands have a less varied programme that focuses more on nature and being outside. In the UK, as Pat from the Scout Association told us, they have ‘a range of activities’, and a part of that is nature.

In our survey it has also become clear that in the Netherlands there are more youth who don’t enter Scouting because they don’t have time for it than in the UK. In the Netherlands Scouting is almost always on a Saturday, while in the UK they more often have in on other days of the week. Many youth have sports competitions on the Saturday in the Netherlands.

Another aspect that influences the image is that especially outsiders in the Netherlands associate Scouting with liquor and drugs.

Furthermore, many outsiders think that Scouting is only for young children. In the Netherlands this is less the case than in the UK. This leads to a childish image, and when older youth are member of Scouting this will be seen as weird.

Although we would really want to have Scouting liked by everybody, this is not a realistic goal. Scouting is known for the outdoors and is for adventurous people 27 and if you don’t like outside or adventurous activities, Scouting is not the right hobby for you. In our survey we asked whether people preferred comfort or adventure and for the outsiders it is fifty/fifty, while three quarter of the insiders in both countries state that they prefer adventure. So as half of the outsiders prefer comfort, it is logical that they won’t like Scouting that much. Therefore it is not about everyone liking Scouting, but more people having a realistic view of what Scouting is now.

Recommendation A recommendation for Scouting Nederland

After we finished our research we made the conclusion that the image of Scouting in the Netherlands has a more negative image than the UK, and that about half of the Dutch outsiders has a negative view on Scouting. Scouting Nederland is already working on a growth strategy, but we think there are several things that Scouting Nederland can do to improve this image in the Netherlands, because if more people have a positive view on it, this will ultimately lead to growth of the movement.

First of all the people in the Netherlands get an unrealistic image of Scouting on the television. Television shows Scouting in the way that is was years ago; scouts who are baking, making fire and tying knots, wearing outdated uniforms. We as insiders know that scouting is more than that, but the outsiders don’t see that. If in some way television shows could show a more realistic image this would improve the way outsiders see Scouting. You can focus for example on the ‘gezelligheid’, show how fun Scouting activities nowadays are and what scouts learn while having fun. When it’s clear that scouting is more than just the traditional activities, one can make up their opinion, based on a true information, and this will probably improve the image.

When you become scout as a little child, you learn a lot during the years as a scout. You learn how to be yourself and how to express yourself in a positive way and to be daring, courageous and helpful. These are very valuable skills and if this message is passed on to youngsters in the right way, they will see Scouting as a place where young people actually learn very useful skills, rather than just tying knots and making fire which they see as useless and not fun. Show this as Scouting Nederland, let Holland know what kids learn while having the time of their lives!

Besides that the outsiders get a wrong image of scouting by watching television in the Netherlands, they also see them on the street sometimes, and they see them wearing their uniform. Even though the uniform has undergone a change, a lot of people let us know through the survey that they don’t find the uniforms attractive. We have experienced in our environment that many Scouts are ashamed to wear their uniform in public. In this way the Scouts themselves send out a negative message. They would send out a more positive message if they would be proud wearing their Scouting clothes. This would be a lot easier if the uniform was more trendy. The blouse still looks like it is kind of militaristic, and in the UK they associate it with school. A uniform should stay part of Scouting, as it is an important way to emphasize equality and it is practical, but when made more trendy it could still serve these goals. In the UK the restyle that was given to the uniform in 2001 saw a surge in membership. The look Scouting Nederland should go for is trendy, casual and adventurous, so that it represents what Scouting is. Also, the changes that are made in the uniform should be shown in the public, so that outsiders see that Scouting is moving along with the time.

Furthermore, the Netherlands should see that Scouting is for everybody not only for little children. Actually less people in the Netherlands think it is only for young children than in the UK, but still many do. Scouting is a big adventure and older people have fun doing it too. A lot of people don’t know it’s for older youth and

29 adults too and that has to change. We think it is better to bring this more in public, so less people will view Scouting as childish.

An important influence in shaping the image is the media and promotion. The past recommendation also have to do with this. A very effective way of showing what Scouting is, is through the media. In the UK they have a chief scout, named Bear Grills. He is a well-known celebrity and youth look up to him. They want to be just like him, and the way he shows Scouting has a very positive effect on the image. He can advertise the fun things that Scouts do, and the things they learn, in an enthusiastic and fun way. Furthermore the Scout Association has many ambassadors. They are representative of Scouting and thanks to their high profiles they can promote Scouting to everyone. In the Netherlands we have a patroness, Queen Maximá, who is of course very charming, but does not represent what Scouting stands for. It would be far more effective to introduce a celebrity that a lot of Dutch youth look up to who also personally has something to do with Scouting. Also, we personally didn’t know that she had anything to do with Scouting. She could get more attention for Scouting if she would talk about Scouting more and does more with Scouting, and address the youth more.

In the Netherlands, Scouting Nederland has their “Let yourself be challenged!” (Laat je uitdagen!) series, and does a lot with free publicity and encourages Scout groups on local level to do the same. This free publicity does put Scouting out in the press, but mainly amongst adults, and not so much amongst the young potential members. That is why Scouting Nederland should make sure that Scouting is more in media of which the audience is youth.

Scouting should be more visible in the public. Scouting groups could be encouraged more to help when there are activities and things going on. We spoke to someone from the Scout Association who told us that their Scouts do a lot of helping the community. When there were floods a few years ago in the UK, Scouts were out there and helping the community by bringing food and drink from time to time, and helping the community by bringing food and drink from time to time, and helping with rescues from time to time. In the Netherlands, the service to the community part of Scouting has become subordinate to self- development. This is probably because this fits better with our culture, but we think that it could be advantageous to bring this back in a way, because it is a way in which Scouts can be seen to do things that people appreciate. People should see that Scouts are out there and doing things. Because success breeds success.

The Scout Association has made huge improvements to make Scouting in the UK have a good image. Scouting Nederland is also on the right track, and if they take in account the improvements that we have in mind, they are well on their way to be seen as an awesome hobby in the Netherlands too!

Conclusion

Scouting is a world-wide association where boys and girls can be who they want to be. They learn by playing and interacting with friends. From the fantasy world at the Beavers, till the independent grown up Explorers, the Scout method raises the Scouts as responsible, self-confident and courageous people. Unfortunately not everyone has a positive view on Scouting. Therefore we have tried to answer the following research question:

What differences are there between the Netherlands and the UK in 2013 concerning what insiders and outsiders between 12 and 18 years old think about Scouting, how can these differences be explained and how can we advise the country that has a worse image to improve this image?

Scouting was started in The UK in 1907, by Sir Robert Baden-Powell, a war hero in that time, because people were not motivated to fight for their land any more. He started a youth movement to teach youth characteristics such as love of country, discipline and helpfulness, through games. This immediately had great success. The development of Scouting is a product of the boys and girls themselves. When Scouting was introduced in the Netherlands, already existing youth organisations were not very interested, but after a while, many boys started to form groups by themselves just like it had happened in The UK.

Baden-Powell’s intention with the movement was to change the British mentality Nowadays, the British mentality is not really a problem as such any more. Now, Scouting associations of the UK and the Netherlands have a new purpose. The aims of Baden-Powell are included in this, as the association believe his message is still contemporary, but it is altered to modern day society.

In their time as a Scout, members develop character and learn things such as working together, how to accept each other for who they are and how to handle with the nature. The children have to pledge an oath before they join Scouting, in this oath they promise that they want to learn these skills. All these abilities the Scouts learn they can apply in the rest of their lives.

In the time of Baden-Powell everyone supported the idea of Scouting. From our survey we can see that nowadays this good image has partially fade away. In the Netherlands a large part of the non-members of Scouting think of Scouts as nerds, weirdo’s, unsexy, and all they do is wear ugly uniforms, tie knots and making campfire. In the UK, where Scouting is born, they think quite the same, although the outsiders are more positive about Scouting. The insiders indicate that they are more official in the Baden-Powell method and value the typical Scout activities, while in the Netherlands it has become more about having fun. To explain why this could be the case we looked at differences between the Netherlands and the UK in their development for the past years.

Since 2001 the Scout uniform has be re-styled in the UK. In 2009 the celebrity Bear Grills became the Chief Scout of the UK. These, among other things, have led to Scouting in the UK now even having waiting lists. This means that there are not enough volunteers and places to execute Scouting in the UK. Bear Grills is responsible for a positive increase in press attention, and the Scout Association makes sure that the Scouts engage in various activities to be in the public eye and show what they do.

In the Netherlands, the uniform has also changed since 2009, but not as much as in the UK. The Netherlands does not have a chief Scout, although it does have an official patron which is Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

The image of Scouting today is more positive in the UK than in the Netherlands. The image is determined by a number of factors.

Scouting is seen as old-fashioned because of for example the uniform and law and oath of Scouting. The law and oath and the uniform have recently changed in the UK. The uniform is re-styled to fit the modern culture of the UK. The oath is changed is such a way that everybody can join Scouting no matter what their belief is. In the Netherlands Scouting already was for everyone but not everyone knows this, and the uniform has not changed as much, which is why in the Netherlands they still see it more as old-fashioned.

Youth like to watch TV, and the view of the outsiders on Scouting is partially based on the picture that the television shows them, namely the typical, old school military, selling cookies, making fires- vision. Those pictures of Scouting make one think in a negative and erroneous way. In the UK Bear Grills, the Chief Scout ensures that the modern Scouting is shown.

In the UK the youth also seems to be more proud of being a Scout, doing the fun and adventurous activities that they do, and helping in the community where they can. In the Netherlands, the Scouts have more fun with each other and focus is on self-development. An effect of this is also that in the UK there is a lot more word on mouth advertising. In this way the outsiders have a more positive view on Scouts in the UK, who they see being active and out in the community.

Although we would really want to have Scouting liked by everybody, this is not a realistic goal. Half of the outsiders prefers comfort to adventure and in that case Scouting might just not be the right hobby for you. Therefore it is not about everyone liking Scouting, but more people having a realistic view of what Scouting is now.

To achieve this we have a few recommendations. Scouting Nederland should show that Scouting is not only for young or religious children, but for all children. Also it should show the activities that Scouts do and how much they learn while having fun. This can all be shown by a better use of the media. Through for example ambassadors and a celebrity patron or even Chief Scout of the Netherlands, who represents Scouting and that youth look up to and want to be like. Furthermore Scouting should be more visible in the public in the Netherlands. Scouting groups could be encouraged more to help when there are activities and things going on, in this way the Scouts can be seen to do things that people appreciate , and they can show that they are out there and that they are having fun. While the Scout Association has made huge improvements to make Scouting in England have a good image. Scouting Nederland is also on the right track, and if they take in account the improvements that we have in mind, they are well on their way to be seen as an awesome hobby in the Netherlands!

Bibliography

Books:

- Baden Powell, Wenken voor leiders, 1944

- Baden Powell, de geschiedenis van zijn leven, 1949

- Baden-Powell of Gillwell, Scouting for Boys, 1908

- Baden-Powell of Gilwell, Scouting for Boys, A Handbook for Instruction in Good Citizenship Through Woodcraft, originally written in 1908, with introduction by Lord Rowallan (1954)

- Baden-Powell, Lessons from the ‘Varsity of Life, 1934

- Brownsea Island Report (British Scout Archives) (http://thescoutingpages.org.uk/first_camp.html)

- Golob, B. De eerste Nederlandse Scouting encyclopedie, 2009

- Lagendijk, E en Groot, de, M. 'Meer dan fikkie stoken en knopen leggen' De maatschappelijke waarde van Scouting in beeld, 11 november 2009 - Rosenthal, M. The Character Factory, 1984

- Sieta, M – Robert Baden Powell, Playing the Game, 2007, p. 368

- Steen, J.H. van der, Scouting 100, 2007.

- Steen, J.H. van der, Zo kwam Scouting naar Nederland, 1982

Sites: - http://members.Scouts.org.uk/communityweek

- http://members.Scouts.org.uk/fundamentals/?pageid=2944

- http://members.Scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=11,18,241

- http://members.Scouts.org.uk/supportresources/search/?cat=460,440

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/International_Scout_and_Guide_Fellowship

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/PlusScouts

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Scouting_Nederland

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Scouts_(Scouting_Nederland)

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Speltak

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/Welpen_(Scouting_Nederland)

- http://Scouts.org.uk/get-involved/map-page/

- http://Scouts.org.uk/what-we-do/

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/World_Association_of_Girl_Guides_and_Girl_Sco uts

- http://nl.Scoutwiki.org/World_Organization_of_the_Scout_Movement - http://www.dga-vorden.nl/index.php/informatie-over-Scouting

- http://www.messengersaintanthony.com/messaggero/pagina_articolo.as p?IDX=378IDRX=107

- http://www.Scout.org/en/about_Scouting/facts_figures/history/b_p_chi ef_Scout_of_the_world

- http://www.Scoutingoverijssel.nl/share/1.%20Spelvisie%20en%20spela anbod%20vs%201.0.pdf

- http://www.Scoutnet.org.uk/county/

- https://www.Scouting.nl/mijnScouting/bestuur-en- organisatie/organisatie-Scouting/over-Scouting

- http://www.world-Scouts.com/index.php/history-of-Scouting

- https://www.Scouting.nl/mijnScouting/spel/Scouting-en-meisjes

- https://www.Scouting.nl/publiek/ontdek/voor-21-jaar-en-ouder

- https://www.Scoutsengidsenvlaanderen.be/kijk-op- Scouting/rituelen/belofte/vroeger-en-nu

- www.Scouting.nl

Articles: - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2449334/New-Scouts-duty- God-Leaders-decide-recruits-make-religious-promise-unless-ask-atheist- version.html

- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2449334/New-Scouts-duty- God-Leaders-decide-recruits-make-

- http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865588082/Boy-Scouts-remove- God-from-oath-in-UK-welcome-atheists-to-the-ranks.html

- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8835396/Scouting-the-rise- in-popularity.html

- http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2012/03/boy-Scouts-are- from-mars-girl-Scouts-are-from-venus/253957/

Interviews - 18th and 21st of November, Pat Gilks From The Scout Association UK - 25th of November, Wendy from Scouting Nederland - 21st of November, Yvonne Snelders from Scouting Nederland

Attachment The survey Scouting image survey We are Marlies and Rebecca. We are from Scouting JJB in The Netherlands and we are in our final year of high school, where we have to make an extended essay. Our subject is the difference between the image of Scouting in The Netherlands and The UK. Through this survey we hope to find out more about the view of people in The UK on Scouting. Thankyou for taking the time to fill out our survey. There will be about 16 questions, most of them are multiple choice. 1. What is your gender? o Male o Female 2. What’s your age? o .. 3. Are you a member of Scouting? o Yes, answer questions 4 and 5, and 10 to 14 o No, answer qestions 6 to 14 4. Why did you become a member? o My parents told me to o Because it is adventurous, in the woods, you’re outside, etc. o A friend was member o Because of a nice open door day o Other (please specify) … 5. What is/are the reason(s) you stay on Scouting? o Nice people/friends o Nice activities o To be outside o I’m a leader, or will be a leader o I learn a lot o Other (please specify).. 6. How do you know Scouting? o People I know are member o I see them on the street o There are club houses near where I live o From TV (Huey, Dewey and Louie) o Other (please specify) … 7. What kind of activities do you think Scouts do? o Making campfire o Tying knots o Playing games o Making friends o Learning social skills o To be creative o I don’t have a clue 36

o Other (please specify) … 8. Why are you not a member of Scouting? o It seems dull to me o I think the people on Scouting are not my type of people o I don’t have time for it o It’s outside o I have done it but I didn’t like it any more o I don’t really know what it is o Other (please specify) … 9. What are the negative aspects of Scouting? o There are no negative aspects o I don’t find uniforms, camps, hut building and camp fires attractive o They are unfamiliar o I fear there is not enough supervision o Associations with liquor and drugs o I can’t develop other talents o Other (please specify) … 10.What characteristics do you expect people who are member of Scouting have? (score ranges from not at all, a little, some, quite a lot, a lot) Adventurous

Young

Playful

Trendy

Sexy

Sincere

Green

Approachable

Open

Nerdy

Mentally disabled

Religious

Tough

Social

Helpfull

Arrogant

Socially disabled

Old fashioned

11. What kind of hobbies do you have? o Individual sports o Team sports

o Music o Gaming/tv/computer o Reading o Scouting o Other (please specify) … 12. Do you prefer comfort or adventure? o Comfort o Adventure 13. What are you most interested in? (tick 3) o Fashion o Going out o Studying o Volunteer work o Carrier o Shopping o Tv/gaming o Friends/family 14. What are the positive aspects of Scouting? o You make friends o You learn how to work together o You learn usefull skills o You learn to become independent o You learn the moral values o It stimulates your career chances. o Other (please specify) .. 15. Do you tend towards a more positive or negative view on Scouting? o Positive o Negative 16. What do you think could be done to create a more positive view on Scouting? o … Thank you very much for your time, you have helped us a lot! Have a good day

Survey results in graphs

For every question, the Dutch and English results are underneath each other. All results in the graphs are in percentages.

1. The UK Why did you become a member?

My parents told me to 2% 8% 20% Because it is adventurous, in the woods, you’re outside, etc. A friend was a member 37% Because of a nice open door 33% day

Other (please specify) ..

The Netherlands Why did you become a member? My parents told me to 14% 12% Because it is adventurous, in 9% the woods, you’re outside, etc. A friend was a member

37% Because of a nice open door 28% day

Other (please specify) ..

2. The UK What is/are the reason(s) you stay on 1% scouting? Nice people/friends

16% Nice activities 26% To be outside

14% I am a leader, or will be a leader I learn a lot

17% 26% Other (please specify) ..

The Netherlands What is/are the reason(s) you stay on Scouting?

Nice people/friends 4% 10% Nice activities 32% To be outside 13%

I am a leader, or will be a leader 16% I learn a lot

25% Other (please specify) ..

3. The UK How do you know scouting?

13% People I know are member I see them on the 18% 45% street There are club houses near where I live From TV (Huey, 13% Dewey, and Louie) 11% Other (please specify) ..

The Netherlands How do you know Scouting?

8% People I know are member I see them on the 22% street 44% There are club houses near where I live From TV (Huey, 10% Dewey, and Louie) Other (please specify) 16% ..

4. The UK What kind of activities do you think scouts do? 25 20 15 10 5 Insider 0 Outsider

The Netherlands What kind of activities do you think Scouts do? 25 20 15 10 5 Insider 0 Outisder

5. The UK Why are you not a member of scouting?

It seems dull to me

I think the people on scouting 19% 25% are not my type of people I don't have time for it

6% It's outside I have done it but I didn't like it 9% any more 15% I don't really know what it is

9% Other (please specify) .. 17%

The Netherlands Why are you not a member of Scouting? It seems dull to me

I think the people on scouting 2% 14% are not my type of people 25% I don't have time for it

8% It's outside 2% I have done it but I didn't like it 20% any more 29% I don't really know what it is

Other (please specify) ..

6. The UK

What are the negative aspects There are no negative aspects of scouting? I don't fnd uniforms, camps, 15% hut building and camp fires attractive 24% They are unfamiliar

I fear there is not enough 2% supervision 3% Associations with liquor and 5% 39% drugs 12% I can’t develop other talents

Other (please specify) ..

The Netherlands What do you think the negative aspects of Scouting are? There are no negative aspects

I don't fnd uniforms, camps, hut building and camp fires 14% 14% attractive 1% They are unfamiliar

I fear there is not enough 14% supervision

Associations with liquor and 4% drugs 39% I can’t develop other talents 14% Other (please specify) ..

7. What characteristics do you expect people who are member of Scouting have?

The UK Adventurous 60

30 insider outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Adventurous 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Young 40 35 30 25 20 insider 15 outsider 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Young 40 35 30 25 20 Insider 15 Outsider 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Playful 50 45 40 35 30 25 insider 20 outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Playful 50 45 40 35 30 25 Insider 20 Outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Trendy 50 45 40 35 30 25 insider 20 outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Trendy 50 45 40 35 30 25 Insider 20 Outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Sexy

40 insider 30 outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Sexy

40 Insider 30 Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Sincere 60

30 insider outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Sincere 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Green 60

30 insider outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Green 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Approachable 60

30 Insider outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Approachable 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Open 60

30 insider outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Open 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Nerdy

30 insider

20 outsider

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Nerdy

30 Insider

20 Outsider

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Mentally disabled 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Mentally disabled 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Religious 50 45 40 35 30 25 Insider 20 outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Religious 50 45 40 35 30 25 Insider 20 Outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Tough 45 40 35 30 25 Insider 20 Outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Tough 45 40 35 30 25 Insider 20 Outsider 15 10 5 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Social

30 Insider

20 outsider

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Social

30 Insider

20 Outsider

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Helpfull 60

30 insider outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Helpfull 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Arrogant

70 60 50

40 Insider 30 Outsider 20 10 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Arrogant

70 60 50

40 Insider 30 Outsider 20 10 0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Socially disabled

30 Insider

20 outsider

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Socially disabled

30 Insider

20 Outsider

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The UK Old fashioned 60

30 Insider outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

The Netherlands Old fashioned 60

30 Insider Outsider 20

0 not at all a little some quite a lot a lot

8. The UK What kind of hobbies do you have? 30 25 20 15 10 5 insider 0 outsider

The Netherlands What kind of hobbies do you have? 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 Insider 0 Outsider

9. Do you prefer comfort or adventure? The UK insider

27% Comfort Adventure 73%

outsider

49% Comfort 51% Adventure

The Netherlands Insider

19%

Comfort Adventure 81%

Outsider

50% Comfort 50% Adventure

10.The UK What are you most interested in? 35 30 25 20 15 10 insider 5 outsider 0

The Netherlands What are you most interested in? 30 25 20 15 10 Insider 5 Outsider 0

11.The UK What are the positive aspects of scouting? 30 25 20 15 10 5 insider 0 outsider

The Netherlands What are the positive aspects of Scouting? 25 20 15 10 5 Insider 0 Outsider

12.The UK insiders 0%

Positive Negative 100%

Outsiders

34% positive negative 66%

The Netherlands Insider 3%

Positive Negative 97%

Geen lid %

47% Positief 53% Negatief

Interviews

Interview with Pat from the Scout Association

What kind of activities do scouts do when they are together? Every activity outside is fine, except for Bungeejumping, paintballgames, bananaboating. Scouting has a huge program with lot of different activities.

What kind of things do the scouts learn in the years they are member of Scouting? Our aim is to help them develop in all aspect of their life. So we have an active program, we try and have a balanced program, that will deal with adventurous issues, and also make them think about moral issues and things like that. So we try to cover as many different aspects of life as possible, so we will deal with, growth issues if you like, and relationship issues, and how to pack your bag properly, and how to cook. So we try and do as many things, and what they learn is what we can teach them really, and anything that we can do we try to do. So basically we learn them values and life skills.

How much do the scouts do with nature? We use the badges support program, but we have a balanced program. Nature is part of the program. Although every scouting is different and every county/scoutinggroup has its own events but nature is part of the program. In the cities there is a different idea about nature than in the country. In the city they don’t do as much with nature as in the country.

Are the boys and girls in Scouting often in separated or mixed groups? Nowadays the groups are almost always mixed, but there is allowance for groups to have separate groups by sex, particularly the muslims, whose religious beliefs want them separated. So they still have Scouting, but they will meet on different nights and different locations. The girl guides is a separate organisation, they have their own rules and policies, and they are a single sex organisation. It’s like a sister of our association, we work closely together.

What is the importance of religion in the organisation. We are not a religion organisation. Good question though because this year we changed our promise. Right now we have duty to God in our promise, and faith and belief is important. But we are in the process of change, where children who do not have a belief in a God or a religion, may still join the movement from the first of January next year, because we are allowing a promise that does not include duty to God. But we will still help people to look at other options in life. Everybody can join scouting, every religion is welcome and that’s why the scouts can choose to say something different instead of the ‘duty to God’.

How strict do the scouts keep to the traditional faith? Nowadays we do all kind of activities, but we do still traditional activities like camping, making campfires etc.

What kind of promotion for scouting do you use to make scouting more attractive? We do not have to actively promote too much. We have waiting lists. We could have 30.000 or more people join Scouting tomorrow, if we had the places to give Scouting around the country. And we just don’t. So there isn’t a requirement or promotion such as anything to say, we need volunteers to help. We do make sure we are in the public domain and be seen. So we will go to events and activities both nationally and locally so we are seen in the public as we work. We do this to keep the image of Scouting up to date. Every time there is an issue that comes in the news, so for example the whole issue about our change of promise. Not only did that highlight Scouting and the issue as in discussing things, we use these oppurtunities when we’re on the news, and in the papers to say: Actually, we have 30.000 young people who could join tomorrow, if we have more leaders. And it’s helping promote in a certain way when we do it, but we don’t actually go out and advertise that we need leaders, we make sure that people know that we are there, and are doing things. Because success tends to breed success. So if you have an active program, you will have people who are interested in helping.

Since 2009 the scout association changed a lot of things, for example the uniforms/ Bear Grills / other activities etc. Do you think this helped for the image of scouting? Was it a good transformation? Do you think it will help in the Netherlands too?

Since 2009, Bear Grills is chief Scout of England. Before this, the chief Scout was Peter Duncan, a British actor and television presenter. Peter Duncan was British actor and television presenter. He was very active within Scouting, especially with professionals, whereas Bear Grills, the new chief Scout, is more a representative of Scouting for the public, promoting Scouting in the community. This improves the image of Scouting, but the things that Bear Grills does in his survival show on television are not always representative of Scouting, because they are too dangerous for example. Either way, Bear Grills is someone that young people look up to, so he has a very positive influence on the image of Scouting.

Why do you think there is an increase of girl members in England, and a decrease in Holland. In England, until recently, we haven’t had full membership of Scouting across the countries, and in many places there are still no girls in some of the sections, when they are allowed to be, so when you’re at a low starting point, you’re going to get an increase in numbers with relatively low energy required. Also, before we mainly promoted to younger girls, now also older girls. And basically young girls want to 69 join scouting, because they want to go out and do active things with their friends, whether they are boys or girls.

Why would girls choose to join the Scout Association instead of the Girl Guides? It’s hard because I don’t know what the Guides do. My image of the Guides, is they tend, in some areas, they tend not to be quite as active, and have adventurous activities. Some are very active and have lots of girls there, but some don’t have as active a program, and they see the Scouts do the more active program, and be daring, and they want to be part of that and do the active and adventurous things as well.

What can the Dutch Scouting do to get a better image? It is being visible in the public I think, and it is seen to be doing things, it is helping when there are activities and things going on. We have lots of marathons and Scouts help with water, and are in uniform to do that. Scouts take all opportunities to do things for the country. When we had floods a few years ago, Scouts were out there and helping the community by bringing food and drink from time to time, and helping with rescues from time to time. So they are not putting themselves in danger, but they are still helping the community. It is about getting out there and getting yourself seen, and doing it in a way that people know you are Scout. In this way really showing what scouting is, and also getting it out in the media.

Questions answered by Yvonne Snelders from Scouting Nederland.

Is the “doorlopende leerlijn” something specificaly for the Netherlands? No, the “doorlopende leerlijn” is based on the Scout Method of Baden-Powell and is executed differently in every country. But every country does employ a course of development, through which youth members get more and more responsibility as they get older.

How important is nature in Scouting at this moment? In the growth strategy Scouting focuses mainly on the personal development of youth members. Nature is one of the areas where youth members can learn in (for example caring for nature, expanding your boundaries etc.).

Are the boys and girls in Scouting often in separated or mixed groups? That varies a lot. There are mixed groups as well as girls-only and boys-only groups. But there are also groups that are mixed but also have girls-only en boys- only age sections.

In England they know the Girl Guides, would it help if there would be a separate group for just girls in the Netherlands too, to attract more girls? No, because exactly the diversity described in the previous question is what fits the culture of the Netherlands so well. Within Scouting Nederland, there is separate attention for Girls in Scouting.

What is the importance of religion in the organisation. See website. Every Scout group makes its own decision about the role of religion in that group. They have total freedom to do so.

How strict do the scouts keep to the traditional faith? In the new game vision (spelvisie) that was introduced in 2010 the aims of Baden- Powell are included. His message is still contemporary, but it is altered to modern day society.

To what extend do you use media to promote Scouting in the Netherlands? Scouting Nederland is on national level actively invests in a combination of free and paid publicity and encourages Scout groups on local level to do the same. More…

Are there possibilities to highlight Scouting in the media even more? There are always possibilities, have a look at e.g. “branding” in the pieces of the national council of December 2013.

What is the role of Maxima as a patron of Scouting Nederland? The queen contributes to the pride of the association in her role as patron, and with that contributes to press attention for Scouting.

Can you tell something about the differences between Scouting in England and the Netherlands? There are many similarities. We approach the game in the same way. We go through the same developments. A big difference lies in the fact that England has a different cultural setting and that they have two associations. It is difficult to 71 answer this question accurately.

Live helpdesk

Kunnen we je helpen?

Chat is begonnen

Jij - Verander je naam hier

Hallo, wij doen een profielwerkstuk over het imago van Scouting, en wij hadden een klein vraagje, heeft Scouting Nederland bekende ambassadeurs die Scouting in Nederland representeren?

Scouting Nederland (Wendy) neemt nu deel aan deze chat

Scouting Nederland (Wendy)

Hoi!

Wat leuk dat jullie je profielwerkstuk over Scouting doen!

Scouting Nederland heeft op dit moment geen ambassadeurs. In het nieuwe filmpje van de Laat je uitdagen!-serie is wel Job Jan Altena te zien en te horen, maar hij is niet de ambassadeur.

Hebben jullie dat filmpje al gezien?

Jij - Verander je naam hier

Ja dat filmpje hebben we gezien!

Scouting Nederland (Wendy)

Verder hebben we dus geen ambassadeurs.

Is hiermee je vraag beantwoord?

Jij - Verander je naam hier

Ja bedankt!

Is er ook een reden voor dat Scouting Nederland geen ambassadeurs heeft?

Scouting Nederland (Wendy)

Op dit moment zijn we daar nog niet mee bezig omdat we aan het werken zijn voor een groeistrategie.

Het is wel iets waar we uiteindelijk mee aan de slag willen, maar dat is iets voor de lange termijn.

Jij - Verander je naam hier

Okay, bedankt!

Scouting Nederland (Wendy)

Zouden wij jullie profielwerkstuk mogen zien als het af is?

Jij - Verander je naam hier

Wij zouden het heel leuk vinden als jullie naar ons profielwerkstuk willen kijken als het af is!

Waar zullen we het dan heen sturen?

Scouting Nederland (Wendy)

E-mail het maar naar [email protected], dan kijk ik er zelf even naar.

Jij - Verander je naam hier

Dat zullen we dan doen. We hadden nog een vraagje, een ambassadeur zorgt wel voor veel promotie, doen jullie dit nu dan op een andere manier?

Scouting Nederland (Wendy)

We hebben onze Laat je uitdagen!-serie waar heel veel materialen beschikbaar zijn voor lokale groepen. Ook kunnen zij via www.scoutingdrukwerk.nl de Laat je uitdagen!- materialen aanpassen voor hun eigen groep en direct bestellen. Daarnaast proberen we zoveel mogelijk te doen aan free publicity. Dat betekent dat we door middel van persberichten, zowel landelijk als lokaal, proberen in de krant te komen zodat mensen weten wat we allemaal doen bij Scouting. Daarvoor is ook een vrijwilligersgroep in het leven geroepen, de contactpersonen communicatie. De bedoeling is dat er in elke groep een contactpersoon communicatie komt. Met hen houden we contact om ze te voorzien van communicatieadvies en hoe ze het beste naar buiten kunnen treden.

Voor meer informatie over ons communicatiebeleid kan je ook kijken op https://www.scouting.nl/mijnscouting/bestuur-en-organisatie/communicatie

Jij - Verander je naam hier

Okay, hartstikke bedankt. We zitten in het eindstadium van ons profielwerkstuk dus u zult we zullen hem binnenkort naar u toe sturen. Hij is wel geschreven in het Engels, omdat één van ons tweetalig vwo doet, we hopen dat dit geen probleem is.

Scouting Nederland (Wendy)

Dat is geen enkel probleem, ik zie hem graag tegemoet. Succes met de laatste loodjes!

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