Germany Scouting
Germany Scouting started in 1909. In West Germany and West Berlin, Scouting was reestablished after 1945, but it was banned in East Germany until 1990 in favor of the Thälmann Pioneers and the Free German Youth. Today it is present in all parts of the unified Federal Republic of Germany.
German Scouts of the YMCA before World War I on an early color Photograph
The Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg (DPSG, German Scout Association Saint George) is the largest of Germany's many Scouting organizations. The Catholic association has about 95,000 members of both genders.[1] Via the Ring deutscher Pfadfinderverbände it is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
The DPSG is also a member of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS) and of the Bund der Deutschen Katholischen Jugend (BDKJ).
The DPSG is also a member of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS) and of the Bund der Deutschen Katholischen Jugend (BDKJ).
History
The DPSG was founded in 1929. In the preceding years only a few Catholic Scout groups were active, since most German bishops saw Scouting as a Protestant or secular movement. In the beginning the DPSG did not count more than 800 members. After 1933 membership rose noticeably: Most competing youth organizations were disbanded by the Nazi-authorities or incorporated in the Hitler Youth while the DPSG still enjoyed some degree of protection under the Reichskonkordat. In 1935 membership stood by 16,000 boys in 457 local groups. This development lasted until 1938 when all religious youth organizations were banned.
Catholic Scouting was restarted as soon as World War II was over, thanks to underground networks still existing in some places. The first local groups were reorganized in 1945, mainly in the American occupied zone. In 1946 the national association was restored. When the Ring deutscher Pfadfinderbünde was founded in 1949 the DPSG had about 20,000 members.
The number of members of the association rose also in the following years - with some temporary set-backs - until it reached 100,000 in the early 1980s. Since then membership has stagnated. In 1971, the DPSG did open to girls. Today, nearly all local groups are coeducational but there is also a parallel Guiding organization with strong ties to the DPSG: the Pfadfinderinnenschaft Sankt Georg.
The DPSG was founded in 1929. In the preceding years only a few Catholic Scout groups were active, since most German bishops saw Scouting as a Protestant or secular movement. In the beginning the DPSG did not count more than 800 members. After 1933 membership rose noticeably: Most competing youth organizations were disbanded by the Nazi-authorities or incorporated in the Hitler Youth while the DPSG still enjoyed some degree of protection under the Reichskonkordat. In 1935 membership stood by 16,000 boys in 457 local groups. This development lasted until 1938 when all religious youth organizations were banned.
Catholic Scouting was restarted as soon as World War II was over, thanks to underground networks still existing in some places. The first local groups were reorganized in 1945, mainly in the American occupied zone. In 1946 the national association was restored. When the Ring deutscher Pfadfinderbünde was founded in 1949 the DPSG had about 20,000 members.
The number of members of the association rose also in the following years - with some temporary set-backs - until it reached 100,000 in the early 1980s. Since then membership has stagnated. In 1971, the DPSG did open to girls. Today, nearly all local groups are coeducational but there is also a parallel Guiding organization with strong ties to the DPSG: the Pfadfinderinnenschaft Sankt Georg.
German boy scouts Pfadfinderbund
Program
The Scout emblem is a blue symbol, a combination of the Scouting fleur-de-lis with a cross.
The Scout emblem is a blue symbol, a combination of the Scouting fleur-de-lis with a cross.
Sections
Commemorative stamp of the Deutsche Post on the centenary of Scouting in 2007, depicting a Senior Scout and two Rover Scouts.
The DPSG is divided in four sections according to age:
1 - Wölflinge (Cub Scouts) - aged 7 to 10; orange scarf
2 - Jungpfadfinder (cubs) - aged 10 to 13; blue scarf
3 - Pfadfinder (Venture Scouts) - aged 13 to 16; green scarf
4 - Rover (Rover Scouts) - aged 16 to 20; red scarf
Commemorative stamp of the Deutsche Post on the centenary of Scouting in 2007, depicting a Senior Scout and two Rover Scouts.
The DPSG is divided in four sections according to age:
1 - Wölflinge (Cub Scouts) - aged 7 to 10; orange scarf
2 - Jungpfadfinder (cubs) - aged 10 to 13; blue scarf
3 - Pfadfinder (Venture Scouts) - aged 13 to 16; green scarf
4 - Rover (Rover Scouts) - aged 16 to 20; red scarf
Promise
The DPSG does not know a common Scout Promise. The promise shall be formulated individually by the respective group and for the respective advancement. Nevertheless some local groups have regular wordings that are in use since the 1960s.
The DPSG does not know a common Scout Promise. The promise shall be formulated individually by the respective group and for the respective advancement. Nevertheless some local groups have regular wordings that are in use since the 1960s.
Scout Law
In 2005, the DPSG reintroduced a common Scout Law for the whole association. In the years before, four guidelines[clarification needed] were used instead of a Scout Law.
Als Pfadfinderin .../Als Pfadfinder ...
As a Girl Scout/Boy Scout ...
In 2005, the DPSG reintroduced a common Scout Law for the whole association. In the years before, four guidelines[clarification needed] were used instead of a Scout Law.
Als Pfadfinderin .../Als Pfadfinder ...
As a Girl Scout/Boy Scout ...
... begegne ich allen Menschen mit Respekt und habe alle Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen als Geschwister.
... I'll meet everybody with respect. All Scouts and Guides are my brothers and sisters.
... gehe ich zuversichtlich und mit wachen Augen durch die Welt.
... I'll meet the world confident and with open eyes.
... bin ich höflich und helfe da, wo es notwendig ist.
... I will be courteous and will help where needed.
... mache ich nichts halb und gebe auch in Schwierigkeiten nicht auf.
... I'll finish my task; I won't give up even if it is difficult.
... entwickle ich eine eigene Meinung und stehe für diese ein.
... I'll develop my own opinion and stand by it.
... sage ich, was ich denke, und tue, was ich sage.
... I'll say what I'm thinking and do what I say.
... lebe ich einfach und umweltbewusst.
... I'll live simply and environmentally aware.
... stehe ich zu meiner Herkunft und zu meinem Glauben.
... I'm aware of my origin,and faith.
... I'll meet everybody with respect. All Scouts and Guides are my brothers and sisters.
... gehe ich zuversichtlich und mit wachen Augen durch die Welt.
... I'll meet the world confident and with open eyes.
... bin ich höflich und helfe da, wo es notwendig ist.
... I will be courteous and will help where needed.
... mache ich nichts halb und gebe auch in Schwierigkeiten nicht auf.
... I'll finish my task; I won't give up even if it is difficult.
... entwickle ich eine eigene Meinung und stehe für diese ein.
... I'll develop my own opinion and stand by it.
... sage ich, was ich denke, und tue, was ich sage.
... I'll say what I'm thinking and do what I say.
... lebe ich einfach und umweltbewusst.
... I'll live simply and environmentally aware.
... stehe ich zu meiner Herkunft und zu meinem Glauben.
... I'm aware of my origin,and faith.
1987 Boy Scouts of the Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg
International partners
The DPSG strongly emphasizes its international partnerships. Since the late 1940s, it is twinned with the Scouts et Guides de France and the Associazione Guide e Scouts Cattolici Italiani. More recently a number of development partnerships were started. These partners include the Scouts de Bénin, the Asociación de Scouts de Bolivia, the Lebanese Scouting Federation, the Association des Scouts du Rwanda and the Association Scoute du Togo.
The DPSG strongly emphasizes its international partnerships. Since the late 1940s, it is twinned with the Scouts et Guides de France and the Associazione Guide e Scouts Cattolici Italiani. More recently a number of development partnerships were started. These partners include the Scouts de Bénin, the Asociación de Scouts de Bolivia, the Lebanese Scouting Federation, the Association des Scouts du Rwanda and the Association Scoute du Togo.
Organization
The DPSG is divided in 25 councils (Diözesanverbände) corresponding to the Catholic dioceses of Germany. Only two dioceses in the former German Democratic Republic are without own structures (Dresden-Meissen and Görlitz), they are served by the neighbouring councils.
Most of the councils are divided in districts (total: 137 districts) and on local level more than 1,400 groups (Stämme, "tribes") are active. Regularly, a local group consists of four troops - one of each section.
The DPSG is divided in 25 councils (Diözesanverbände) corresponding to the Catholic dioceses of Germany. Only two dioceses in the former German Democratic Republic are without own structures (Dresden-Meissen and Görlitz), they are served by the neighbouring councils.
Most of the councils are divided in districts (total: 137 districts) and on local level more than 1,400 groups (Stämme, "tribes") are active. Regularly, a local group consists of four troops - one of each section.
Scouting and Guiding in Germany
The Scout movement in Germany consists of about 150 different associations and federations with about 260,000 Scouts and Guides.
The Kohte, the typical black tent of German Scouting since the 1930s
History
Scouting in Germany started in 1909. After World War I, German Scouting became involved with the German Youth Movement, of which the Wandervogel was a part. Another group that, while short-lived, was influential on later German Scouting, was the Deutsche Jungenschaft vom 1.11.1929 founded by Eberhard Koebel; some specifics of German Scouting derive from Koebel's group. German Scouting flourished until 1934-35, when nearly all associations were closed and their members had to join the Hitler Youth. In West Germany and West Berlin, Scouting was reestablished after 1945, but it was banned in East Germany until 1990 in favor of the Thälmann Pioneers and the Free German Youth. Today it is present in all parts of the unified Federal Republic of Germany.
Scouting in Germany started in 1909. After World War I, German Scouting became involved with the German Youth Movement, of which the Wandervogel was a part. Another group that, while short-lived, was influential on later German Scouting, was the Deutsche Jungenschaft vom 1.11.1929 founded by Eberhard Koebel; some specifics of German Scouting derive from Koebel's group. German Scouting flourished until 1934-35, when nearly all associations were closed and their members had to join the Hitler Youth. In West Germany and West Berlin, Scouting was reestablished after 1945, but it was banned in East Germany until 1990 in favor of the Thälmann Pioneers and the Free German Youth. Today it is present in all parts of the unified Federal Republic of Germany.
The Typical Black Tent of German Scouting
Internationales Sommerlager „Interexplo Italia ’93 – The Spirit of B.P.”, das vom 09.08. bis 22.08.1993 auf dem Gelände der Associazione Guide e Scouts Cattolici Italiani (AGESCI) „Padre Ugo Berruto“ der Gruppen La Spezia 2 und 5 bei Arlia/Fivizzano, Toscana, stattfand. Organisiert hatten das Lager die Pfadfinder des Stammes Ägypten, Trupp Penzberg der Katholischen Pfadfinderschaft Europas (KPE) sowie AGESCI-Pfadfinder der Gruppe 5 aus La Spezia. Als weitere Gäste wurden die Pfadfinder der mit den Penzbergern befreundeten 73. Abteilung „Weißer Hirsch“ des ungarischen Magyar Cserkészszövetség (MCSSZ) aus Tapolca eingeladen. Im Bild: Morgendlicher Blick über den Lagerplatz mit zwei Kohten der deutschen Teilnehmer aus dem Stamm Ägypten. Das Schwarzzeltmaterial war bei Klaus Wiese Ausrüstungen, Schönkirchen bei Kiel erworben worden und stammte noch aus deutscher Produktion von der Firma Stromeyer.
Associations
As mentioned above, today about 150 Scouting associations and federations exist in Germany. Most of them are coeducational, but there are also some single-gender organizations - boys-only as well as girls-only. The most important and/or largest associations and federations are:
As mentioned above, today about 150 Scouting associations and federations exist in Germany. Most of them are coeducational, but there are also some single-gender organizations - boys-only as well as girls-only. The most important and/or largest associations and federations are:
Singing Girl Guides of the Christliche Pfadfinderschaft Deutschlands
* Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (interreligious, coeducational, 30,000 members)
* Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg (Catholic, coeducational, 95,000 members)
* Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (Protestant, coeducational, 50,000 members)
* Bund Moslemischer Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Deutschlands (Muslim, coeducational, <1,000 members)
2 Ring Deutscher Pfadfinderinnenverbände (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts member), a federation of
* Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder
* Pfadfinderinnenschaft Sankt Georg (Catholic, almost girls-only, 10,000 members)
* Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder
* Bund Moslemischer Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Deutschlands
3 Verband Deutscher Altpfadfindergilden, affiliated to International Scout and Guide Fellowship
4 Deutscher Pfadfinderverband, a federation of 18 independent associations (interreligious, coeducational, 29,000 members); one of its members is also member of the World Federation of Independent Scouts:
* Pfadfinderbund Weltenbummler (interreligious, coeducational, 2,000 members)
5 Christliche Pfadfinder Royal Rangers (Protestant, coeducational, 14,500 members); affiliated to Royal Rangers International
6 Christliche Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder der Adventjugend (Adventist, coeducational, 10,000 members); affiliated to Pathfinders International;
7 Ring junger Bünde, an umbrella organization of about 20 independent interreligious Scout and Wandervogel organizations with troops in Germany, Austria and Spain (mostly coeducational, estimated 6,000 members); among its members is
* Deutscher Pfadfinderbund (interreligious, coeducational, 3,000 members)
8 Christliche Pfadfinderschaft Deutschlands (Protestant, coeducational, 4,000 members)
9 Members of the Union Internationale des Guides et Scouts d'Europe:
* Katholische Pfadfinderschaft Europas (Catholic, coeducational, 2,500 members)
* Evangelische Pfadfinderschaft Europas (Protestant, coeducational, 500 members)
Mergers of large male and female associations in the 1970s
The mainly male Bund der Pfadfinder (BdP) merged in 1976 with the female Bund Deutscher Pfadfinderinnen (BDP) to form the Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (BdP).
The three Protestant scout organisations Bund Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen (BCP), Evangelischer Mädchen-Pfadfinderbund (EMP) (both female) and Christliche Pfadfinderschaft Deutschlands (CPD) merged in 1973 to form Verband Christlicher Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (VCP).
The Catholic scout organisation Deutsche Pfadfinderschaft Sankt Georg is also open to girls and women since 1971. The primarily female Catholic organisation Pfadfinderinnenschaft St. Georg decided in 1982 not to merge with the inclusive counterpart.
International Scout and Guide units in Germany
A large number of international Scout and Guide units from different countries are active in Germany. Most of them developed on military bases, but there are also some at international schools or connected to diplomatic missions. The majority of international Scout and Guide groups dates back to the Allied occupation of Western Germany following World War II. The small remainder were started recently.
Among the foreign associations in Germany are
A large number of international Scout and Guide units from different countries are active in Germany. Most of them developed on military bases, but there are also some at international schools or connected to diplomatic missions. The majority of international Scout and Guide groups dates back to the Allied occupation of Western Germany following World War II. The small remainder were started recently.
Among the foreign associations in Germany are
1 The Boy Scouts of America with about 120 units, served by three districts of the Transatlantic Council (Barbarossa District, Charlemagne District, and Edelweiss District)
2 The Girl Scouts of the USA with about 80 units, served by USA Girl Scouts Overseas—North Atlantic (NORAGS) and by USAGSO headquarters
3 Girlguiding UK with about 60 units, served by British Guides in Foreign Countries/Germany County in five divisions (Lower Saxony Division, Westphalia Division, EMS Division, West Rhine Division, and Independent District of Munich)
4 The Scout Association with 11 groups, served by British Scouts Western Europe, Germany District.[10]
5 Scouts Canada (1952–1994)
6 Scouting Nederland
7 Külföldi Magyar Cserkészszövetség - Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris
2 The Girl Scouts of the USA with about 80 units, served by USA Girl Scouts Overseas—North Atlantic (NORAGS) and by USAGSO headquarters
3 Girlguiding UK with about 60 units, served by British Guides in Foreign Countries/Germany County in five divisions (Lower Saxony Division, Westphalia Division, EMS Division, West Rhine Division, and Independent District of Munich)
4 The Scout Association with 11 groups, served by British Scouts Western Europe, Germany District.[10]
5 Scouts Canada (1952–1994)
6 Scouting Nederland
7 Külföldi Magyar Cserkészszövetség - Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris
There are also other foreign Scout associations active in Germany, mostly with single troops (e.g. Organization of Russian Young Pathfinders, Plast), Scouts et Guides de France in Munich and Hebrew Scouts Movement in Israel in Berlin.
The Dansk Spejderkorps Sydslesvig offers Scouting to the Danish minority of Southern Schleswig in Schleswig-Holstein. It is affiliated to the Danish Det Danske Spejderkorps as well as to the German Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder and has about 700 members in 15 troops.
The Dansk Spejderkorps Sydslesvig offers Scouting to the Danish minority of Southern Schleswig in Schleswig-Holstein. It is affiliated to the Danish Det Danske Spejderkorps as well as to the German Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder and has about 700 members in 15 troops.
German Guiding and Scouting awarded international peace prize, World Scouting
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