Scout Association of Malta yesterday announced a programme of events to celebrate the first centenary of the Scouting Movement. Scouting in Malta started in November, 1908.

On 1 August 1907, at 8am, Lord Robert Baden-Powell blew his kudu horn to open his first camp at Brownsea Island. Scout groups around the world will commemorate the event by doing the same and renewing their Scout Promise at the same time in August.

Chief Scout Vincent Cassar announced the activities at a news conference held at the Island Headquarters in Floriana. He said the Scouting Movement had a lot to celebrate as in its first 100 years, it had over half a billion young people from virtually all countries and cultures who have pledged to live by the Scout Promise and Law since the movement began.

As regards local celebrations, Mr Cassar said over 50,000 boys and girls would have made the same pledge in Malta over the last 100 years.

Tomorrow, the movement will also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Lord Baden-Powell.

The annual celebration, known as Founder’s Day, is an occasion for scouts to reflect on how they can contribute to world peace.

The movement will be inviting President Edward Fenech Adami to inaugurate a hall dedicated to the memory of Joseph Panzavecchia, a former scout who was active during World War II and was decorated with the British Empire Medal.

Decorations and awards will also be distributed.

On Sunday, the South District groups will hold a District Church Parade in Qrendi.

On Tuesday 6 March, the association will hold a Scouts Own celebration for National Scout Council members, commissioners, group scout leaders and other group leaders in the Robert Samut Hall Floriana.

Archbishop Paul Cremona, OP, will be meeting the leaders. A reception at the Island Headquarters will follow.

The association will hold a celebration for all groups called Festa Scout at the Ta’ Qali National Park.

The event will be spread over three days between 16 and 19 March. Activities will be related to scouting skills such as camping, pioneering, outdoor life, environmental care and band displays.

The annual parade will be held on Sunday 6 May.

Celebrations in 2008 include an issue of a commemorative badge on Founder’s Day, the unveiling of a life-sized statue of Lord Baden-Powell at the Island Headquarters and a commemorative stamp issue.