Czech Republic

Promise:

Guide/Scout Promise

On my honour I promise that I will do my best:
To serve the Highest Truth and Love faithfully at all times,
To fulfil all my own duties and to observe the Guide/Scout Laws,
To be prepared to help my country and my neighbours by all my soul and body.

Optional clause: May God help me so.

Law:

Guide/Scout Law

1 A Guide/Scout speaks the truth.

2 A Guide/Scout can be trusted and is loyal.

3 A Guide/Scout is useful for the society and helps others.

4 A Guide/Scout is a friend to all people of good will and sister/brother of all Guides and Scouts.

5 A Guide/Scout is courteous.

6 A Guide/Scout protects nature and valuable human products.

7 A Guide/Scout obeys her/his parents, superiors and Guide/Scout leaders.

8 A Guide/Scout is of cheerful mind.

9 A Guide/Scout is thrifty.

10 A Guide/Scout is pure in thought, word and deeds.

Development of the movement:

Guiding started in Bohemia, a part of the Austrian Empire, in 1915 as a section of the union Junák-Český skaut. Shortly after the country proclaimed its independence in 1918, the Czecho-Slovak Boy Scout Association (which included Guides) was established. Czechoslovakia’s Association was a founder member of WAGGGS. In 1934 the name was changed to the Czechoslovak Boy and Girl Scouts Association, with independent executive committees created for Scouts and Guides.

In 1939 all youth organizations were required to become members of the official political organization and were forbidden to use the name skaut (Scout); only the Czech name Junák was allowed. The girls continued to use the name skautky (Girl Scouts), but they were not allowed to wear the international Trefoil. Scouting and Guiding continued for a short time, but were prohibited from holding large gatherings. They were forced to stop their activities in 1940 when they were officially banned by the Nazi regime and all property was seized for the use of the Nazi Youth Organization.

In 1945, when the country was liberated, Guiding and Scouting re-emerged and the Association was re-established. By the end of the year membership had reached nearly 38,000. Another major setback occurred in 1950 when Guiding and Scouting were once again banned and all possessions were confiscated by the Communist Youth Movement.

In 1968 Guiding and Scouting officially resumed, but international contacts were not re-established because the organization was a part of the Federation of Children and Youth Organizations, supported and governed by the state. In 1970, for the third time in its history, the Movement was banned and its possessions were taken over by the Communist Youth Organization.

In 1989 the situation in Czechoslovakia changed once again. With the establishment of democracy, the National Association of Scouts and Guides was recognized. Membership rose quickly despite practical difficulties faced by the organization in finding meeting places and resources.

In 1990 the Association was welcomed back as an Associate Member, but in 1993 the country split, becoming the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Later that year WAGGGS recognized the separate Associations for the newly formed Republics. In 1996, the Association was given Full Membership in WAGGGS.

Programme:

The present programme in operation in the Czech Republic focuses on the development of the individual and service. It is currently under revision to ensure that it meets contemporary needs. The Association has also developed a Ranger Section.

The name of Czech Brownies is ‘Fireflies’. Their main duty is to ‘enlighten’ the world.

Relationship to society:

Service has always played a major part in the Association’s programme. Projects will be developed as the Association becomes more firmly established.

Communication and Co-operation

The Association has a tradition of international exchanges and participates in events organized by other member organizations and the Europe Region. Scouting Nederland has a special link with Junák, involving an exchange programme and exchange visits. Exchanges have also taken place with Guides from the United Kingdom. Teaching of English at Czech camps has proved very popular. The Association cooperated with other youth organizations and is a member of the Czech Council of Children and Youth. It publishes four monthly journals for all age groups.

Training:

The Association organizes leadership training courses at local and national level. They are based on a developed system of gradual education.

Outdoor Activities

The Guides regularly go for hikes during the whole year. Camps, the highlight of the Guide year, last two or three weeks. The Guides build the camps, a speciality of Czech camps being the wooden bases under tents. Environmental education is the centre of the camp programme.

Projects

• Fundraising For School In Africa
• Promotional Activities
• Be Prepared Internet Programme