100 Years of Cub Scouts! (Thanks to http://scoutguidehistoricalsociety.com/cubs.htm, https://www.cubs100.org/history-of-cubs, and www.scouts.ca for the info) August 1 to 8, The Brownsea Island Scout camp began as a boys' camping event on Brownsea Island in Poole 1907 Harbour, southern England, organised by Lieutenant General Robert Baden-Powell, to test his ideas for the book, Scouting for Boys. Boys from different social backgrounds participated from 1 to 8 August 1907 in activities around camping, observation, woodcraft, chivalry, lifesaving and patriotism. Recognised as the world's first Scout camp, the event is regarded as the real origin of the worldwide Scout movement. 1908 In England, the first of the six fortnightly parts of Scouting for Boys is published. Boys start Scouting in their patrols across cities, towns, villages and the countryside and the Scout Movement is born. Robert Baden-Powell wants to inspire young people to learn new skills and have adventures. These young people aren’t restricted to the Scout age group and soon there is a call from younger children wanting to join in with Scouting activities 1910 In England, one Scoutmaster describes the activities he has set up for younger boys who are desperate to become Scouts. These training squads are unofficial but the fact that they exist demonstrates the demand for Scouting from younger boys November In England, B-P asked Sir Percey Everett to prepare a scheme for 'Junior Scouts'. Everett sent the 1913 completed draft to B-P in November, 1913. • The age range was to be 9-12, though transfer to the Scouts' section could be at 11, at the Scoutmaster's discretion. • The uniform was to be that of a Scout, except that the famous 'Wide-Awake' hat was to be replaced by a green cap with yellow piping. The youngsters would not wear patrol shoulder knots, garter tabs, or carry a staff. These items were omitted in order to keep the Scout uniform significantly different and give the older boys a sense of rank. • A training scheme was devised that progressed from 'Tenderfoot' or 'Young Scout', to one, and then two, stars. • A handbook for the training of Young Scouts was to be published. A trial scheme for younger boys is announced by Baden-Powell. As an article by the editor of the Headquarters’ Gazette shows, not everyone is convinced it’s a good idea! January 1914 Wolf Cubs take part in the London Royal Rally. Queen Alexandria meets the Wolf Cub mascot, a real furry wolf cub. After giving it a cuddle she asked if it bites June 1914 In England, a pilot programme for younger boys named 'Wolf Cubs or Junior Scouts' was launched and 12 months later the section was 10,000 strong. The basic programme, summarised in the Headquarters’ Gazette, introduces the Wolf Cub salute: two fingers to mimic a wolf’s ears. 1914 to 1918 On 4 August 1914 Britain enters the First World War. During the War Cubs do jobs to support their communities. Through Cub activities they learn skills that could be useful in war-time such as First Aid, cooking and knitting. Some packs knit socks to be sent out to soldiers in the trenches. Badges were awarded to Cubs for 28 days War Service. A Cub had to do three hours war service a day for it to count towards a War Service Badge. Youth in Canada do the same thing. December In England, the first list of Cubmaster warrants appears in the Headquarters Gazette. Listed is Vera 1914 Barclay who will become very important in the section’s development. Baden-Powell reports: “By the end of the Wolf Cubs first year there were already 10,000 Cubs in Britain.” January 1915 In England, due to WWI, many of the first Cub leaders are women. Vera Barclay writes an article about the demand for Cubs in her village and how she went about setting up her own Cub Pack. She describes the games and adventures they have every week. During the First World War there is a drive to recruit more women volunteers for the Movement, particularly as Lady Cubmasters. The term Cubmistress doesn’t become popular for several years 1915 The Penticton Troop of Boy Scouts (later to become known as the 1st Penticton Scouting Group) established an experimental "Cub Patrol". June 1916 In England, the Cubmasters in Conference is held. The first conference shows that big changes are on the horizon for the Wolf Cubs. The section is a success and it was time for the Association to consider the future and how the programme is to be formalised. In attendance is Vera Barclay for whom the next month will bring exciting news! July 1916 In England, whilst working as a Red Cross nurse, Vera Barclay receives a letter inviting her to take up the role of Assistant Secretary - Cubs. This is to be the first member of staff specifically focused on the Cubs section. She is tasked with developing the new Wolf Cub programme and working with Baden- Powell to develop the Wolf Cub Handbook December 2, In England, following the Council’s decision in October 1916 to formally accept Wolf Cubs into the 1916 Movement, the first Wolf Cub Handbook and the Wolf Cub monthly magazine are launched. The handbook uses stories from the Jungle Book and many Cub leaders are named after Akela (the Wolf who is the leader of the pack) or other characters such as Baloo, Bagheera and Kaa. December 16, 1st official display of Cub Scouts at Caxton Hall in London. Influential guests were invited to the Wolf 1916 Cubs' display. Following a speech from Baden-Powell, guests were presented with displays of Cub activities including gymnastics and 'good turns', a Grand Howl (the same one we use in Canada today) and the investiture of a new Cub. August 1920 500 Cubs from across Britain come together to take part in a Grand Howl at the first ever World Scout Jamboree, held at Olympia, London. Cubs also take part in gymnastic displays and created a miniature world called Cubland. Baden-Powell declared Chief Scout of the World. Olympia was packed with over 10,000 seated visitors including HRH The Duke of Connaught KG, but the vast arena was empty. A very small cub, hands in pockets, sauntered out into the centre, looking this way and that way. Poor little fellow, had he lost his friends? Putting his fingers to his mouth he emitted a shrill whistle and was joined in a rush by 500 friends who quickly formed a massive circle. From out of the 'rocks' behind the circle came a 'real' Old Wolf, bushy-tailed, ears pricked, jaws grinning. The Old Wolf dropped his paw, 500 Cubs dropped to the squat and then lifted their voices as one. The moment was to stay in minds of some of the visitors forever. 1922 Peter Baden-Powell is one of 19,000 Cubs who attend a rally to welcome home the Prince of Wales (later HRH King Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor) who is on an international visit. Peter was the only son of Robert and Olave Baden-Powell. His link with Cubs started when he was a baby. One of the first Cub Packs, 1st Westminster (Peter’s Own), was named after him and he was given the nickname of Chief Wolf Cub. Peter took the Royal Chief Scout of Wales to a large 'Council Rock', set in the grounds of Alexander Palace, for a Grand Howl from the throats of 19,000 Wolf Cubs. (Can you really comprehend what it would take to organise 19,000 Cubs?) Baden-Powell wrote; "Those hordes of imps of enthusiasm, The Wolf Cubs (19,000 instead of the 10,000 we had expected) with their throat gripping howl and spontaneous cheering, was perhaps as moving a feature as any in the day. Mr Kipling was there." August 6, Cubs had their own day at the Imperial Jamboree held at Wembley, this time on August 6th. In front of 1924 H.R.H. the Duke of York (and later King George VI) and Mr Kipling, 7,000 Cubs performed scenes from Kipling's The Jungle Book and, of course, finished with a Grand Howl. That same summer, there were English Wolf Cubs, selected from those who were not at Wembley, at the 2nd World Jamboree, at Ermulden in Denmark. The Baden-Powells, with Cub Peter, were there. 1932 The 1st Apple Days is held in New Brunswick, due to a loss of provincial government grants after the stock market crash in 1927. Due to their cute looks, Wolf Cubs instantly "sell" lots of apples in this fundraiser, which becomes one of Scouts Canada's national fundraisers. 1939-1945 In England, during the Second World War Cubs raise money for the war fund by collecting scrap paper. Children are moved to safety in the countryside. Some Cub Packs are moved too, so the boys have a familiar activity to help them settle in. Cubs in Canada also help with the wartime movement, collecting scrap paper and metal, and working as coast patrols. May 15, 1953 the first Pinewood Derby was held at the Scout House, Manhattan Beach, California by Cub Scout Pack 280C. Created by Dan Murphy because his son was too young to race soap box derby cars. This would soon arrive in Canada as Kub Kars. August, 1957 Over 1,000 very soggy Cubs visit the World Scout Jamboree, held at Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield. The World Scout Jamboree (held alongside a leader Indaba and Rover Moot) marks 100 years since the birth of Robert Baden-Powell and 50 years since the experimental Brownsea Island Camp 1968 Prince Andrew becomes the first Royal Cub when he joins the 1st St Marylebone Cub Pack.