Scouts' Own

Many Scouts' Owns are based on a particular theme, such as friendship, using resources wisely, or fairness.

The first was held in 1909 at the Crystal Palace Rally in London and were originally meant to be simple interdenominational religious celebrations.

There should not be any special form, but it should abound in the right spirit, and should be conducted not from any ecclesiastical point of view, but from that of the boy.

We do not want a kind of imposed Church parade, but a voluntary uplifting of their hearts by the boys in thanksgiving for the joys of life, and a desire on their part to seek inspiration and strength for greater love and service for others.

Short hymns (three verses are as a rule quite enough-never four); understandable prayers; a good address from a man who really understands boys (a homily "talk" rather than an address), which grips the boys, and in which they may laugh or applaud as the spirit moves them, so that they take a real interest in what is said.