Scouterna - the Guides and Scouts of Sweden (
Swedish
Swedish or ' may refer to:
Anything from or related to Sweden, a country in Northern Europe. Or, specifically:
* Swedish language, a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Sweden and Finland
** Swedish alphabet, the official alphabet used by ...
for ''the Scouts'') is the national
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement employing the Scout method, a program of informal education with an emphasis on practical outdoor activities, including camping, woodcraft, aquatics, hiking, backpacking ...
and
Guiding organisation of
Sweden
Sweden, formally the Kingdom of Sweden,The United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names states that the country's formal name is the Kingdom of SwedenUNGEGN World Geographical Names, Sweden./ref> is a Nordic country located on ...
. The organisation was formed in 2012 by a restructuring of the
Svenska Scoutförbundet
Swedish or ' may refer to:
Anything from or related to Sweden, a country in Northern Europe. Or, specifically:
* Swedish language, a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Sweden and Finland
** Swedish alphabet, the official alphabet used by ...
and accepted as the successor of the
Svenska Scoutrådet
Svenska Scoutrådet (''The Swedish Guide and Scout Council'', SSR) was until 2012 the national Scouting and Guiding federation of Sweden. The council was dissolved in September 2013, after a restructuring process creating the new single nation ...
by the
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS ) is a global association supporting the Girl Guides, female-oriented and female-only Guiding and Scouting organizations in 152 countries. It was established in 1928 in Parád, Hungary, ...
and the
World Organization of the Scout Movement
The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM ) is the largest international Scouting organization. WOSM has 173 members. These members are recognized national Scout organizations, which collectively have around 43 million participants. WOS ...
in 2013. The co-educational organisation has about 70,000 members.
History
![Jiingijamborii-7](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/Jiingijamborii-7.jpg)
The first Swedish organisations for Boy Scouts were founded in 1911 and 1912 and for Girl Guides in 1913. The movement developed mainly in two distinct branches: Non-religious units were organised in ''Sveriges Scoutförbundet'' (for boys) and ''Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund'' (for girls) and Protestant units formed the ''KFUM:s Scoutförbund'' (
YMCA
YMCA, sometimes regionally called the Y, is a worldwide youth organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, with more than 64 million beneficiaries in 120 countries. It was founded on 6 June 1844 by George Williams in London, originally ...
Scouts for boys) and the ''Sveriges KFUK:s Scoutförbund'' (
YWCA
The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) is a nonprofit organization with a focus on empowerment, leadership, and rights of women, young women, and girls in more than 100 countries.
The World office is currently based in Geneva, Swi ...
Guides for girls). Scouting and Guiding existed also within
temperance
Temperance may refer to:
Moderation
*Temperance movement, movement to reduce the amount of alcohol consumed
*Temperance (virtue), habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion
Culture
*Temperance (group), Canadian danc ...
organisations like the
IOGT
The International Organisation of Good Templars (IOGT; founded as the Independent Order of Good Templars), whose international body is known as Movendi International, is a fraternal organization which is part of the temperance movement, promotin ...
and the
NTO.
In 1930, the ''Sveriges Scoutförbund'' and the ''KFUM:s Scoutförbund'' founded the ''Svenska Scoutunionen'' (Swedish Scout Union) as an umbrella organisation aiming at the external representation of Swedish Scouting and at the harmonisation of the Scout programme. The Girl Guides followed in 1931 with the foundation of ''Sveriges Flickscoutråd'' (Girl Guide Council of Sweden).
In the 1960s, Swedish Scouting and Guiding became co-educational. ''Sveriges Scoutförbundet'' and ''Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund'' merged into
Svenska Scoutförbundet
Swedish or ' may refer to:
Anything from or related to Sweden, a country in Northern Europe. Or, specifically:
* Swedish language, a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Sweden and Finland
** Swedish alphabet, the official alphabet used by ...
in 1960, and ''KFUM:s Scoutförbund'' and ''Sveriges KFUK:s Scoutförbund'' formed the
KFUK-KFUMs Scoutförbund in 1966. In 1968, this was followed by the merger of both national bodies into the
Svenska Scoutrådet
Svenska Scoutrådet (''The Swedish Guide and Scout Council'', SSR) was until 2012 the national Scouting and Guiding federation of Sweden. The council was dissolved in September 2013, after a restructuring process creating the new single nation ...
.
Started by a grassroots' movement within the then five member associations of the Svenska Scoutrådet, the unification of the Swedish Scout and Guide movement was discussed since the mid-1990s. Important steps towards this goal were the national
jamborees in 2001 and 2007 as well as the introduction of a common
Scout uniform
A uniform is a variety of clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization's activity. Modern uniforms are most often worn by armed forces and paramilitary organizations such as police, emergency services, se ...
in 2007. In 2010 and 2011, the
general meeting
A general assembly or general meeting is a meeting of all the members of an organization or shareholders of a company.
Specific examples of general assembly include:
Churches
* General Assembly (presbyterian church), the highest court of presby ...
s of all five associations voted for the unification. The Svenska Scoutförbundet was renamed to Scouterna in 2012. The
Frälsningsarméns Scoutförbund and the KFUK-KFUMs Scoutförbund were fully integrated into Scouterna, and
Nykterhetsrörelsens Scoutförbund and
SMU Scout partly.
Structure
The current structure of Scouterna takes into account that Scouting and Guiding in Sweden developed in several distinct organisations, most of them sponsored by religious institutions. It tries to unify all organisations into a single movement while maintaining the ties between the local units and their sponsoring bodies. All local units are equally represented in "Scouternas stämma", the general meeting of Scouterna, but their integration into Scouterna's structures and the ways and means of organisational support differ.
About two thirds of the 1,100 local units are directly served by the national office of Scouterna and organised in its regional districts, among them the units of the former
Svenska Scoutförbundet
Swedish or ' may refer to:
Anything from or related to Sweden, a country in Northern Europe. Or, specifically:
* Swedish language, a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Sweden and Finland
** Swedish alphabet, the official alphabet used by ...
as well as all units of the
Frälsningsarméns Scoutförbund and the
KFUK-KFUMs Scoutförbund; the latter two still existing organisations are fully integrated in Scouterna's structures and don't conduct own activities any longer.
Three so-called "samverkansorganisationer" (co-operating organisations) make up the remainder of the members; the
Nykterhetsrörelsens Scoutförbund,
equmeniascout (formerly
SMU Scout) and
SALT Scout (the Scouting organisation of the
Swedish Evangelical Mission
The Swedish Evangelical Mission (SEM) (Swedish: "Evangelical Homeland Foundation", EFS) is an independent, low-church, New Evangelical () movement within the Church of Sweden. It emphasizes the importance of lay involvement in the church and ...
) keep up their own structures while following the national programme of Scouterna.
Programme
Age groups
Scouterna is divided in five age groups. Most local units cater for all age groups; some districts organise the
Rover Scout
Rover Scouts, Rovers, Rover Scouting or Rovering is a program associated with some Scouting organizations for adult men and women. A group of Rovers is called a 'Rover Crew'.
Rovers was originated by The Boy Scouts Association in the United K ...
s in separate regional units.
* ''Spårarscout'' (Tracker Scout) — ages 8 to 10
* ''Upptäckarscout'' (Discoverer Scout) — ages 10 to 12
* ''Äventyrsscout'' (Adventurer Scout) — ages 12 to 15
* ''Utmanarscout'' (Challenger Scout) — ages 15 to 18
* ''Roverscout'' (Rover Scout) — ages 19 to 25
Ideals
All age groups use the same
Scout promise
The Scout Promise (or Oath) is a spoken statement made by a child joining the Scout movement. Since the publication of '' Scouting for Boys'' in 1908, all Scouts and Girl Guides around the world have taken a Scout (or Guide) promise or oath to liv ...
:
''Jag lovar att efter bästa förmåga följa scoutlagen.'' — I promise to do my best in following the Scout Law.
The
Scout law
Scout Law is a set of codes in the Scout movement. Since the publication of '' Scouting for Boys'' in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout Promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to the Scou ...
was formulated in 1970 for all member organisations of the then Svenska Scoutrådet:
''En scout söker sin tro och respekterar andras.'' — A Scout seeks her/his faith and respects the faith of others.
''En scout är ärlig och pålitlig.'' — A Scout is honest and reliable.
''En scout är vänlig och hjälpsam.'' — A Scout is friendly and helpful.
''En scout visar hänsyn och är en god kamrat.'' — A Scout is considerate to others and trustworthy as a friend.
''En scout möter svårigheter med gott humör.'' — A Scout faces difficulties without complaining.
''En scout lär känna och vårdar naturen.'' — A Scout learns about nature and is concerned with its conservation.
''En scout känner ansvar för sig själv och andra.'' — A Scout feels responsibility for her/himself and others.
The
Scout motto
The Scout Motto of the Scout movement is, in English, "Be Prepared", with most international branches of the group using a close translation of that phrase. These mottoes have been used by millions of Scouts around the world since 1907. Most of t ...
is ''Var redo! - Alltid redo!'' — Be Prepared! - Always Prepared!
Sea Scouts
Sea Scout
Sea Scouts are a part of the Scout movement, with a particular emphasis on boating and other water-based activities on the sea, rivers or lakes (canoeing, rafting, scuba, sailboarding). Sea Scouts can provide a chance to sail, cruise on boats, ...
ing is available to all age groups within Scouterna. About 70 local units with 7,000 members are active in Sea Scouting, mostly along the coastline, especially in the
Stockholm archipelago. They are organised in ''Sveriges sjöscouters riksskeppslag'', the national council of Swedish Sea Scouts, a special interest group which coordinates the activities of the Sea Scout units.
Awards
Adult members can be awarded medals based on years of service. "Scouternas Stora Förtjänstmärke" can be awarded to active leaders for particularly meritorious efforts for the local level. "Ledfyren" can be awarded an active Scout leader under the age of 25 years who created opportunities for young people to develop according to Scouting values. The "
Gustaf Adolfs-märket
The Gustaf Adolf märket is, after the Silvervargen ( Silver Wolf), the highest award in Scouterna (the Swedish Scout movement). It has been awarded by Swedish Scouting since 1947.
Background
The Gustaf Adolf märket was created in 1947 in memory ...
" can be awarded to active leaders for particular meritorious service at least on district level. The highest award in Swedish Scouting is the "
Silvervargen" (the Silver Wolf) that can be awarded for extraordinary contributions to Scouting on at least national level.
Facilities
The national headquarters is located in Sweden's capital
Stockholm
Stockholm () is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in Sweden by population, largest city of Sweden as well as the List of urban areas in the Nordic countries, largest urban area in Scandinavia. Approximately 980,000 people liv ...
. The organisation runs its own Scout shop and the building also hosts a scouting museum, displaying objects from the history of Swedish scouting.
Scouterna and its local structures run a large number of Scout camps and huts. Internationally known is the island of
Vässarö, owned by the Stockholm Scout district. The Campground at
Ransbergs Herrgård near
Ransäter
Ransäter () is a smaller locality in Munkfors Municipality, Sweden. In 2010, it had a population of 114.
Ransäter is the birthplace of Erik Gustaf Geijer, Sten Bergman, and Tage Erlander
Tage Fritjof Erlander (; 13 June 1901 – 21 June 1 ...
in
Värmland County
Värmland County (''Värmlands län'') is a county or '' län'' in west central Sweden. It borders the Swedish counties of Dalarna, Örebro and Västra Götaland, as well as the Norwegian counties of Viken and Innlandet to the west. Prince Carl P ...
was acquired by
Nykterhetsrörelsens Scoutförbund in 1963; it was the venue of the
World Scout Moot
The World Scout Moot is an event for senior branches of Scouting (traditionally called Rover Scout, Rovers) and other young adult Scouts, gathering up to 5,000 people. Moots provide an opportunity for young adults in Scouting to meet, with the o ...
in 1996. Kopparbo Scout camp near
Söderbärke
Söderbärke is a locality in Smedjebacken Municipality, Dalarna County
Dalarna County ( sv, Dalarnas län) is a county or '' län'' in central Sweden (Svealand). It borders on the counties of Uppsala, Jämtland, Gävleborg, Västmanland, à ...
in
Dalarna County
Dalarna County ( sv, Dalarnas län) is a county or '' län'' in central Sweden (Svealand). It borders on the counties of Uppsala, Jämtland, Gävleborg, Västmanland, Örebro and Värmland. It also borders on the Norwegian counties of Hedmark ...
can accommodate up to 5,000 Scouts, Hörrs Nygård Scout camp near
Sjöbo
Sjöbo (; old da, Søbo) is a locality and the seat of Sjöbo Municipality in Skåne County, Sweden with 6,724 inhabitants in 2010.
Overview
Sjöbo started growing when it became a stop on the railway between Malmö (to the west) and Simrishamn ...
in
Skåne County
Skåne County ( sv, Skåne län, link=no ), sometimes referred to as Scania County in English, is the most southern county, or , of Sweden, basically corresponding to the traditional province Scania. It borders the counties of Halland, Kronobe ...
up to 3,000 and Kragenäs Scout camp near
Tanumshede
Tanumshede is a locality and the seat of Tanum Municipality in Västra Götaland County, Sweden with 1,697 inhabitants in 2010.
See also
* Rock Carvings in Tanum
The Rock Carvings in Tanum ( sv, Hällristningsområdet i Tanum) are a collection of ...
in
Västra Götaland County
Västra Götaland County ( sv, Västra Götalands län) is a county or '' län'' on the western coast of Sweden.
The county is the second most populous of Sweden's counties and it comprises 49 municipalities (''kommuner''). Its population of 1 ...
up to 1,000.
Frustunaby is national scout facility owned by Scouterna, given as a gift to the Guides of Sweden in 1925.
The national sailing vessel of Scouterna,
Biscaya av Vindalsö, was scheduled to be sold in 2016.
References
External links
Scouterna official website
Scouterna in English
{{WAGGGS, europe
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts member organizations
World Organization of the Scout Movement member organizations
Scouting and Guiding in Sweden
Organizations established in 2012
2012 establishments in Sweden