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What types of skills do scouting and guiding associations promote? Do they have any place in today's society?

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Points to consider: Do you think participation in youth clubs and associations  in the late 20th century has changed in comparison to today?

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Points to consider: Do you think participation in youth clubs and associations  in the late 20th century has changed in comparison to today?

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One Potato, Two Potato (1957) - extract | BFI National Archive

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One Potato, Two Potato (1957) - extract. Subscribe: http://bit.ly/subscribetotheBFI. This film is available to buy as part of the BFI's 'Free Cinema' DVD - http://filmstore.bfi.org.uk/acatalog/info_150.html Filmed over a 12-month period, this study of children's games played in London streets and playgrounds stands out for its freshness and spontaneity; it remains an important companion piece to Peter and Iona Opie's classic studies of children's games and rhymes.

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The current chart success of pop group Scouting for Girls has nothing to do with it, we are assured. So what does explain the rapid growth in membership of the Scout Association, the movement founded in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell following the success of his Boer war-inspired instructional booklet, Aids to Scouting?

The Scout Association says that it has recorded its biggest growth spurt since 1972, with 16,568 new adult and youth members joining in 2009, taking the total UK membership to 499,323. Following the fifth consecutive year of growth, the Scout Association says it is now the largest co-educational youth movement in the country.

It might be tempting to link this success to the appointment of two high-profile chief scouts, namely Peter Duncan, the former Blue Peter presenter, and TV adventurer Bear Grylls, who succeeded Duncan last year. But there are other contributing factors, according to Simon Carter, a Scout Association spokesman: "There's no point denying that both Bear and Peter have helped to make scouting cool again. But the origins of the growth spurt in membership goes back to 2002, when we undertook our first major programme review since 1967."

The decision was taken, says Carter, to make the movement "more representative and dynamic". Everything was reviewed - the uniform, training, image, and, crucially, the programme of activities offered. Badges for "street sports" and "circus skills" were introduced. Map-reading saw the introduction of a very modern satnav element. Out went the brown polyester trousers and "brown mushroom shirts" and in came cargo trousers and polo shirts. Important changes were made to existing badges, too. Even though the scouts went fully co-educational in 1990, some badges in 2003 still said "sportsman" on them. Today, a scout aged 10-14 ("beavers" are scouts aged six to eight, and "cubs" are aged eight to 10) will typically meet once a week and spend the evening playing games, cooking, learning first aid and going on "night hikes".

Carter says societal changes have also played into the scouting movement's hands. "Our culture closes down children in many ways," he explains. "The rise of the 'cotton-wool world' has helped us. Parents trust us enough to let us care for their children and to take them off for the weekend to light fires and run around in the woods."

And, yes, the Scout Association now even has its own Twitter feed. As yet, though, there's no badge in tweeting.
What other youth groups can kids join?
Woodcraft Folk

Like the scouts, but for children of Guardian readers. "Woodcraft Folk tries to give its members an understanding of important issues such as the environment, world debt and global conflict," says the website. No set uniforms, but members are invited to wear "woodie hoodies". woodcraft.org.uk

Boys'/Girls' Brigade

Like the scouts, but with a hearty serving of God. The Girls' Brigade, for example, "is committed to seeing lives and communities transformed and enriched as individuals seek, serve and follow Jesus Christ". Weekend-away activities include "building a prayer sanctuary".

Girl Guiding

Like the scouts, but for girls who have had enough of boys. "We all need some space without boys around sometimes! With Girlguiding UK girls can just be themselves - making friends, learning new skills and having fun." Brownies are girl guides aged seven to 10.
Topics

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The current chart success of pop group Scouting for Girls has nothing to do with it, we are assured. So what does explain the rapid growth in membership of the Scout Association, the movement founded in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell following the success of his Boer war-inspired instructional booklet, Aids to Scouting?

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P.E. IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL / P.E. IN THE INFANT SCHOOL Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK. 1950 An instructional film for teachers, produced by the Education Dept of Holland County Council, and filmed outdoors at the Parish Church Day School, Spalding. 11 year old girls skilfully demonstrate the use of quite complex apparatus, most of which has been improvised or built locally.

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 Local sports clubs stepped in and started to coach and organise junior and mini sides for both boys and girls.  The emphasis was largely on developing skills and providing enjoyment in a variety of sports including hockey, athletics and football.

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 Local sports clubs stepped in and started to coach and organise junior and mini sides for both boys and girls.  The emphasis was largely on developing skills and providing enjoyment in a variety of sports including hockey, athletics and football.

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Although all schools continued to teach PE and run teams in many sports, the amount of matches played between schools decreased, especially at weekends.  

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Although all schools continued to teach PE and run teams in many sports, the amount of matches played between schools decreased, especially at weekends.  

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Youth clubs and scouting and guiding associations offered coaching and training.  National youth movements like the Young Farmers Clubs introduced sports competitions into their festivals.

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Youth clubs and scouting and guiding associations offered coaching and training.  National youth movements like the Young Farmers Clubs introduced sports competitions into their festivals.

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The growth in organised junior sport took place in the late 20th century. A variety of organisations for young people began to see the benefit of offering a greater range of sports and leisure activities. 

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The growth in organised junior sport took place in the late 20th century. A variety of organisations for young people began to see the benefit of offering a greater range of sports and leisure activities. 