The excitement is building as Scouts from across Australia and around the world prepare to gather for the 26th Australian Jamboree (AJ2025) a monumental event set to unfold from 6 to 15 January at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Park in Queensland.
With over 10,000 Scouts and Venturers expected to attend, the jamboree promises ten days of adventure, skill-building, and cultural exchange, embodying the spirit of Scouting that has inspired generations.
This year’s jamboree is not just a celebration of camaraderie and resilience; it is a testament to the rich history of Scouting in Australia and its enduring global connections.
The Boy Scouts movement began in England on January 24, 1908, with the publication of Robert Baden-Powell’s Scouting for Boys, inspired by his military experiences and his desire to teach young boys about morality, outdoor skills, and good deeds.
Baden-Powell’s first experimental camp with 21 boys on Brownsea Island in 1907 was a success, leading to the rapid growth of Scout troops across Britain. By the end of 1908, 60,000 Scouts had joined, and the movement quickly spread globally. In 1909, the first national meeting was held in London, with Girl Scouts joining in 1910.
Scouting in Australia began in 1908, shortly after the publication of Baden-Powell’s Scouting for Boys. Baden-Powell’s influence extended with the creation of the Cub Scouts and the first international Jamboree in 1920.
By 1934, Australia had firmly established itself within the global Scouting movement, hosting its inaugural international jamboree in Frankston, Victoria. The Frankston Jamboree was a pivotal event for Scouting in Australia, drawing 10,000 Scouts from 24 countries, including Belgium, South Africa, Fiji, and India.
This was a historic occasion, as it marked the first international Scout gathering outside Europe and was graced by Scouting founder Baden-Powell.
The Indian contingent included the Prince of Mandot; Kumar Deo Singh, the third son of the Maharajah of Dhenokal; Armar Singh; and Santokh Singh, who arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia, aboard the “Jervis Bay.” Their presence was a powerful symbol of Scouting’s mission to unite diverse cultures under the shared values of friendship and service.
Scouting in India also has a storied past, beginning in 1908 as an overseas branch of the Scout Association. However, in its early days, the movement largely excluded native Indians due to colonial policies. This changed thanks to pioneers like Justice Vivian Bose and social reformers such as Annie Besant, who championed inclusivity.
By 1950, Indian Scouting consolidated under the Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG), a voluntary, non-political, and secular organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, which now engages millions of young people across the country. Unfortunately, this year, the BSG contingent will not be able to participate in the Australian Jamboree.
The spirit of global friendship that characterised the Frankston Jamboree continues to resonate in today’s Scouting events. AJ2025 will undoubtedly echo this legacy, bringing together Scouts from different corners of the world to share experiences, forge connections, and celebrate their collective commitment to making the world a better place. It is a fitting reminder that Scouting, though deeply rooted in history, remains a forward-looking movement, empowering young people to navigate the challenges of the future with confidence and compassion.
As Scouts prepare to pitch their tents in Maryborough and embark on a week of unforgettable experiences, they carry with them the enduring values of the Scouting movement—a tradition of adventure, leadership, and unity that continues to inspire and connect communities across the globe.
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