Figure 1.-

Swiss Scouts organized their first groups a few years adter the movement was founded in Britain (1910). The Scout groups began forming cantonal associations and several (Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Berne, Bâle, Zurich and St.Gallen-Thurgau) when the Swiss Scout Federation (SSF) was founded in Berne (1913). The first Girl Guide groups were formed (1913). The various Guide groups because they were organized locally had a variety of basic belifs, uniforms, and symbols. Scouting as in the rest of Europe was quickly established as a suitable activity for boys. There was some concern about similar activities for girls. There was considerable interest, however, among girls so Guiding gradualy expanded as well. The national Swiss Guide Federation (SGF) was founded (1919). Swiss Scouting fared better during World War II than Scouting in many other European countries. Switzerland was not invaded and occupied by the NAZIs. Many Swiss expected a NAZI invasion. As part of the military preparations during the War, Swiss Scouts were integrated into the Swiss Army as an auxiliary service. Lady Baden Powell visited a Swiss Scout encamplent to honor the SSF's 30th anniversary (1949). The SSF celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Scout Chalet" in Adelboden (1952). The SSF held another Rovermoot in Kandersteg (1953). After World War II, gender attitudes began to change throughout Europe. Coeducation in the schoolds, for example, became the dominant approach. This affected the Scouting movement as well. The SSF and SGF Guides holds Roverschwert (Rover Sword), a joint undertaking and the beginning of the fusion process to form a coed movement. .

Foundation

Swiss Scouts organized their first groups a few years adter the movement was founded in Britain (1910). The Scout groups began forming cantonal associations and several (Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Berne, Bâle, Zurich and St.Gallen-Thurgau) when the Swiss Scout Federation (SSF) was founded in Berne (1913). The first Girl Guide groups were formed (1913). The various Guide groups because they were organized locally had a variety of basic belifs, uniforms, and symbols.

World War I

Inter-war Years

Scouting as in the rest of Europe was quickly established as a suitable activity for boys. There was some concern about similar activities for girls. There was considerable interest, however, among girls so Guiding gradualy expanded as well. The national Swiss Guide Federation (SGF) was founded (1919). Guide groups in Berne, Geneva, Bâle, Lausanne, Neuchâtel and Zurich agreed to seven articles of the Guide Law, a common constitution, and a common badge. The SSF was recognized by the World Bureau (WOSM) in 1922. The SSF began printing (booklet for the Swiss Scout) (1920). The movement was still quite small in the early and mid-1920s. One source reports that there were eight groups with 60 Scouts (1926). Lous Blondel from Geneva becomes the Chief Scout (1927). Blondel plays a major role in making Scouting an important institution in Switzerland. Swiss Scouts have their first Rovermoot or national jamboree/campout at Kandersteg (1931). Kandersteg becomes a permanent camping center for Swiss Scouts (1935). The second Rovermoot campout is held near Geneva (1935). The Swiss Scout movement had grown to 97 groups with 6,400 Scouts. Switzeland is a multi-cultural country with German and French speakers as well as a much smaller Italian-speaking country. With rise of the NAZIs in Germany (1933), it was unclear how the different communities would be affected in neighboring Switzerland. We do not know, for example, if there was different attitudes toward Scouting in the different language/etnic comminities. (Scouting was banned n Germany and Italy, but very important in France.)

World War II

Swiss Scouting fared better during World War II than Scouting in many other European countries. Switzerland was not invaded and occupied by the NAZIs. Many Swiss expected a NAZI invasion. As part of the military preparations during the War, Swiss Scouts were integrated into the Swiss Army as an auxiliary service.

Post-war era

Lady Baden Powell visited a Swiss Scout encamplent to honor the SSF's 30th anniversary (1949). The SSF celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Scout Chalet" in Adelboden (1952). The SSF held another Rovermoot in Kandersteg (1953). After World War II, gender attitudes began to change throughout Europe. Coeducation in the schoolds, for example, became the dominant approach. This affected the Scouting movement as well. The SSF and SGF Guides holds Roverschwert (Rover Sword), a joint undertaking. This was the first joint national event (1969). The SSF and SGF agreed to a program for combining the two associations (1979). The SSF and SGF held a joint camp at Gruyère (1980). The SSF and SGF sign a fusion agreement (1982). A SSF/SGF General Assembly at Lucerne vote to merge the two groups, creating the Swiss Guide and Scout Movement (SGSM) (1987). Rovers hold the 9th Rover Moot Mondial in Kandersteg (1992). The SGSM hold Cuntrast, the First National Camp (1994).

Sources