Scarf
The Scouting scarf origins lie in the Second Matabele War in 1896 where B-P worked with Frederick Russell Burnham, whose practical style of dress impressed Baden-Powell that he made the scarf a part of the Scout uniform.
The Woggle
In the beginning, the Scout scarves were tied with a variety of knots (like the Friendship knot or rings made from bone, rope or wood. However, when the “woggle” was invented from leather by British Scout Bill Shankley. When Shankley emigrated to Tasmania, Australia. the original woggle was donated to the Tasmanian Scout Heritage Centre.
Scarves at Jamboree
At Scouting camps and jamborees, different scarfs are used represent camps or sub-camps. It is also a tradition to trade country scarves at international jamborees.
Practical use of a scout scarf
What initially impressed Baden-Powell was its ability to prevent sunburn on the back of the neck but it can be used in many other ways.
These include as a
- first-aid triangular band aid,
- a flag or pennant
- smoke mask,
- sweat band,
- a blindfold for playing games
- a blindfold for rescuing horses from fire,
See Also