Re: African Influences on Scouting
GMarmet (GMarmet@AOL.COM)
Mon, 19 Jan 1998 11:11:26 EST
In a message dated 98-01-19 10:29:30 EST, you write:
<< I need the collective wisdom of the list on this question. What are the
African influences on Scouting? >>
First Idea is to have the DE wear the new Kente cloth neckerchief during his
presentation, and emphasize its availability for use.
Second Idea is to emphasize Baden Powell's great love of Africa, his
retirement to that continent, and his burial there. Perhaps reproductions of
his African sketches showing village life could be shown as well.
Third Idea is a negative one. Your DE should be aware that in many cases
Scouting was segregated in its early years. This history is duly noted in the
75th anniversary text many of us have. I would not, of course, mention this
part of our history. I would remind the DE of it and allow him to prepare a
response if his audience brings it up. The response is, of course, that we
have grown since then.
Fourth Idea is to remind your DE that the Wood Badge beads are alleged by
some, not certainly the official history, to have been stolen by BP, rather
than given to him. Again the reason for repeating this is to "Be Prepared"
(Wow, what a slogan- maybe we could use it somewhere).
Fifth idea is the love of the land and open spaces that BP acquired from his
years as a soldier in Africa surely influenced his use of camping as part of
his program.
Sixth idea is to refer you to the very fine website of the Scouts of South
Africa:
http://web.co.za/scouts/
There are references there to the influences of Africa on BP. I would
particularly commend to you the very inspiring story of the current Chief
Scout of South Africa, Nkwenkwe Nkomo. I would commend his story to all on
this list.
Yours in Scouting,
G. John Marmet
T156 Glenview, IL
I am chastened. DEs should not run training.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
