Figure 1.--Here we see a Brazilian Scoting image. We think that the boys are Cubs. I'm not sure when the photograph was taken, probably the early 2000s.

The Scouting movement is relatively weak in South America. Unlike countries like America and Britain, relatively few boys have particioated in the Scouting movement. This is in part because Scouting is predominately a middle-class mpvement and the middle class is only a small part of the population in most countries in the region which are predominately low-income countries. Most boys can simply not afford to be Scouts. Even so there are enthusiastic Scouters in each country. Please have a look at available information on Scouting in the following countries and the development of the various national uniforms in each different country.

Argentina

We believe that Argentina has a substantial Scouting movement, but have little information at this time. The largest Scouting organization in Latin America appears to be Argentina. As far as we know Scouting is the only important uniformed youth group. We have few details on Argentinde Scouting. There appears to be a separate Catholic Scouting association. The image here suggests considerable attention to the unidform. As with most groups, there a destincr Cub and Scout uniform. We are not sure if any other youth groups have been active in Argentina. There does appear to be a popular youth hostel movement in Argentina.

Bolivia

Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America. Over half the area and population of the continent is Brazilian. I am not sure, however, about the size of the Scout movement in Brazil. The only Brazilian youth group we know of is Scouting. We have virtually no information on Braziian Scouting at this time. Give the size of Brazil, you would expect the country to have a very substantial Scouting movement. We do not know if there is one national association or different association. One report indicates that Brazilian Scouting became coeducational (May 1997). We note the groups in 2004 were Cubs (7-10), Scouts (11-14), Senior Troops (15-17), and Rovers (18-21). We have a few images of Brazilian Scouts archived on HBU, but wechave very little information on the Scouting movement. Hopefully our Brazilian readers will provide us some information.

Chile

The Chilean Scout movement was founded in 1909 after a visit to Santiago by Baden Powell. There are in Chile more than one Scout assoction, however, the main group is the Agrupación Nacional de Boy Scouts de Chile. Like many Latin American Scout movements, only a very narrow sector of the population could participate, mostly middle-class boys that could afford the uniform and other costs. Scouts in the 1990s continued to wear a traditional uniform.

Colombia

Ecuador

French Guiana

Guyana

Paraguay

Peru

The Peruvian Scout Association is the Asociación de Scouts del Perú (ASP). It was founded (1911). It became a charter member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (1922). The ASP like many other Scout associations in Latin america is a relatively small group, only about 5,500 members (2008). The best known Peruvian Scouter is Dr. Elias Mendoza H. who was awarded the Bronze Wolf by the World Scout Committee for exceptional services to world Scouting (1973). The ASP puts an emphasis on Vocational training, conservation programs, and community service. Thy have a close association with the Red Cross. Peru is a country with a very destinctive geofraphy, an arid coast, Andean highlands (sieera), and Amazonian jungle. In recent years the ASP has developed conservation programs. Scouts can visit Amazonian jungle villages and learn about the conservation of nature. Tree planting is a popular activity. Scouts also work to restore and maintain indigenous (Native American) pre-Colombian sites. Peru was the cebnter of the Inca civilization and Machu Picchu is one of the most important Inca sites. Other Scout projects deal with increasing food production and improving nutrition. There are several Scout levels: Lobatos/Cubs (ages 8 to 11), Scouts (ages 11 to 14), Caminantes/Venturing (ages 14 to 17), and Rovers (ages 18 to 21).

Suriname

Uruguay

Venezuela

Unknown

HBU has obtained a number of images of Scout uniforms, but can not identify the nationality. If you can figure out what country these boys are from, please let HBU know.