Be prepared for Scout Scarf Day

Every child has the right to be adventurous says chief scout and thrill seeker Bear Grylls.

And today scouts, cubs and keas around the world, around New Zealand and around Whanganui will be wearing their scarves to promote the cause.

National Scout Scarf Day marks the anniversary of the start of Baden Powells' experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Dorset in Britain in 1907 which lead to today's scouting movement.

Pictured are cubs, scouts and keas from St Johns Scout Group in Whanganui prepared for the third annual Scout Scarf Day.

Former scout members are also encouraged to wear the scarf.

The scarves, held in place with a woggle or tied in a friendship knot, are symbolic of scouting which has a big focus on outdoor activities and survival skills. It's been suggested in the first days of scouting, the scarves were untied when members had done their good turn for the day.

Scouts New Zealand said the organisation is flourishing here, with more than 400 groups and 21,000 youth and adult members around the country.

There are new groups being started up every year, especially in low socio-economic areas.
PHOTO/BILL CHARNOCK