Chinese (Republic of China) Boy Scout Uniforms

Figure 1.--This Chinese Scout was photographed probably in the early 1940s, but this is only an estimate by HBU.

The Chinese Scout movement was founded in 1912. Its growth was limited by the poverty and turmoil experienced in China during the early 20th century. Scouts initially came from small, relatively affluent European oriented population of China. The movement grew and by the 1940s over a half milliion Chinese boys had become Scouts. The Communists abolished Scouting in China aftter their victory in 1948, repacing it with the Party controlled Young Pioneer Movement. Scouting continued on Taiwan where the Nationlist Chinese found refuce.

History

The Mainland

Following the birth of the Republic in 1912, the first scout troop was organized in WuChang on February 25th of the same year. The movement spread rapidly all over the county. The General Association was formally established in Nanking in 1934 and became a member of the International Scout Conference in 1937. The registered membership reached 570,000 in 1941 in the midst of World War II.

Taiwan

All Scouting activities on the Mainland were interrupted in 1949 when the Communists defeated the Nationalist Army and seized power. The Association was reorganized in 1950 in Taiwan, and resumed the membership of International Scout Conference. Since then it regained its vigorous momentum and became more active than ever. the membership is approaching 70,000 in 1997.

Structure

Figure 2.--

Program

Cultivation of good citizenship is the major objective of Scouting movement, and the outdoor activities and community service are considered to be the best ways to achieve this goal.

Scouting activities include not only the traditional camping, hiking, water sports and so on, but also ham radio, computer operation, JOTA and Internet communication, environment conservation, etc. and through youth Forum to keep up with the high tech industrial trends and the social development. All these programs are led by young adults like Rover and Ranger Scouts who always play an important role in Scouting movement. They are encouraged to plan, implement and evaluate Scouting activities.

Structure

Uniform