A history of scouting in Malta : 1908-1939

Abstract

Scouting is nowadays a worldwide movement and you can hardly find anyone who has never heard of it. However, in the following study I emphasized on the establishment and development of Scouting in Malta particularly between 1908 and 1939, stress being put on three early branches: Sliema, Mosta and 1st Cospicua Scouts Groups. The first thirty years of Scouting in Malta were full of events which were crucial for the consolidation of the movement on our islands. These are marked with ups and downs, opening and closing of different local branches, appointments of leaders, quarrels with the Church and a lot more. In the first chapter: 'General Background On The Scout Movement And Its Origins', I try to unfold the manner in which the idea of a boy Scout organization originated in the mind of Baden Powell. Furthermore, I proceed to explain the origins of Scout signs and gestures, as well as names and titles which made out of this grouping a recognisable movement. Taking a look at Baden Powell's life and achievements as an army man will help one to understand what triggered him to create and further this movement, not only in England but all over the world starting with Malta, into a world wide organisation which is still growing at the present. The second chapter deals with the origins of Scouting in Malta, being the first foreign branch outside Britain. It focuses in some detail on the first Scout Branches in the Maltese Islands mostly on the Sliema Scouts Group, the Mosta scouts Group and the 1 st Cospicua Scouts Group. This chapter will also point out what was going on in the international scene and how this in tum led to a specific economic situation in Malta in which the Scout movement grew. This will be followed by the main rules and regulations which were laid out for the set up of the first Troops in the Malta Boy Scout Association. Having created the rules and structure of the movement in Malta, the last chapter will show that the Scout movement was not only a disciplinary organization for children but also an institution in which one could enjoy himself by the several activities organized from time to time and in the meantime, create a strong and educated character. Moreover, the musical aspect of the Scout movement is very interesting for the Maltese islands as the Scouts gave Maltese boys, the opportunity to discover music apart from discipline. Jamborees were also another educational activity for the movement and it helped to widen knowledge of the boys, apart from giving them a chance to discover, exchange ideas and learn from different cultures.