FSE Explorers: A Canadian-Based Movement


Figure 1.--Here we see a group of FSE Canada Explorers about to take off on a European trip. The group gives considerable emphasis to travel.

FSE Explorers a Canadian based movement is part of a larger movement known as the Union Internationale des Guides et Scouts d’Europe (FSE). This movement is one that embraces the traditional teachings and program as developed by Lord Baden-Powell while also actively living and embracing the core values of the Catholic faith.Canada like American and Britain has one major Scout association. We also note an European Scout Federation (FSE) association in Canada--FSE Canada. FSE Scouts are commonly called Baden Powell Scouts in Britain to differentiate them from the mainline national Scout Association. FSE Explorers in Canada have also used the Baden Powell label, but is in the process of changing this and using the FSE name. FSE Canada refers to inself as Explorers rather than Scouts. This is because in Canada as in America, there are laws which reserve the use of the term "Scout" to the one national Scout association. This all-volunteer youth movement offers same gender programs at four key levels. FSE Explorers first came into being in August of 1999 with steady growth being experienced within the founding group.

FSE

FSE Explorers a Canadian based movement is part of a larger movement known as the Union Internationale des Guides et Scouts d’Europe (FSE) This movement is one that embraces the traditional teachings and program as developed by Lord Baden-Powell. This growing movement is not in any way associated with Scouts Canada, the Girl Guides of Canada, or any other like organization. The FSE Explorer movement remains true to its ideals and principles by not simply reinventing itself every few years or so to embrace the lates fads. The SEE in Canada is less concerned about ongoing changes in society and its related evolving and ever changing value system. Rather FSE is more concerned with enduring standards and values. FSE Canada tells us, "We currently call ourselves Baden Powell Explorers, we anticipate dropping the name Baden-Powell to avoid potential confusion with other groups that use the same name." [Ritchi]

Religion

The FSE Explorers is a Catholic group. The FSE Explorer program actively embraces the core values of the Catholic faith. This is reflected throughout the program. Religion is a active element in every meeting and their are devotional a services at summer camp. The active travel progrm includes visit to religious sites such as the Vatican in Rome.

Levels

This all-volunteer youth movement offers same gender programs at four key levels: Otters (known as Beavers elsewhere) ages 7 and 8, Timber Wolves (known as Cubs or Wolf Cubs elsewhere) ages 9 to 12, Explorers (known as Scouts or Venturers elsewhere) ages 12 to 16, and Wayfarers (known as Rovers elsewhere) ages 17 and up. The age level structure is similar to that of Scout groups arpund the world.

Foundation

FSE Explorers first came into being in August of 1999 with steady growth being experienced within the founding group. Specific information about FSE Canadian Explorers can be found at their website here.

Activities

This movement is a very active one with program intensity and complexity increasing, as the youth grow older in age and experience. The program for te younger children is more home based and increasingly adventuresome as the children get older. There is an important emphasis on travel and outdoor activities, especially camping. Examples of program activities for Otters, Timber Wolves, Explorers, and Wayfarers include the following.

Uniform

The uniform has and will continue to play an important part of the FSE Explorer identity today and in the future. This movement works diligently to ensure a common look, especially at the Explorer and Wayfarer level within all 15 countries. Here we have some details on the various uniform garments. The FSE tells us, "The why and how of the uniform can be best summarized as follows: All FSE Explorers (in all 15 countries) wear the same uniform, which represents a highly visible image or a sign of a common and shared large family, a shared ideal and a sense of brotherhood or sisterhood. The uniform can vary somewhat at the Timber Wolf level. Care of uniform – members when putting on their uniform are expected to be careful in doing so, to have a clean uniform and to wear it neatly and completely.

Sources

Ritchi, Paul. Group Leader, FSE Canada, E-mail, January 1, 2006.








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Created: 12:50 AM 1/2/2006
Last updated: 11:31 PM 2/22/2006