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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Scouts
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Youth movement founded in 1908 by *Baden-Powell with the aim of training boys physically, mentally and spiritually to become responsible members of society. The summer camp was the focus of the year's activities, with much of the training being in skills needed for that outdoor adventure (the motto is 'Be Prepared'). The idea was immediately popular and in 1910 two new groups were established – the Girl *Guides and the Sea Scouts (the Air Scouts followed in 1941). Younger boys were involved from 1914 as Wolf *Cubs; and the Beavers (8–10) were added in 1982.
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The first Jamboree was held in London's Olympia in 1920 and now there is a World Jamboree in a different country every four years; the word is 19C American slang of unknown origin. For many years the Scouts put on an annual public entertainment, The Gang Show, produced by Ralph Reader (1903–1982). There are now about 16 million Scouts and Cubs in more than 150 countries. The name was shortened from Boy Scouts to Scouts in 1967.
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