Founded in 1907 in England, the Scouting movement did not arrive in Martinique until 1935. The movement, which turns 90 this year, brings together more than 600 young people in the territory. How will its values of respect, solidarity, and mutual aid take root in Martinique in 2025?
Every year, several hundred Scouts and Guides gather to honor their founder, the British Robert Baden-Powell. This youth movement was founded in 1907. Originally created for boys, the movement expanded to include girls with the introduction of the Guides. «Scouting aims to develop dynamic, well-rounded, active, and productive young people whose role is to be peacemakers,» explains Patrick Henriette, president of the Scouts and Guides of Martinique.
Yet has Scouting—which originated in another century—been able to evolve in step with the world around it, including in Martinique? For Patrick Henriette, the answer is obvious, even in 2025. He adds that evolving is not at odds with remaining true to its values, which are rooted in peace. The movement’s founder was a former soldier who drew inspiration from South Africa, among other places. From this, he derived several principles, including resourcefulness and always being prepared—as embodied in the Scout motto. «The goal for young people is to develop this skill to work toward peace.» Today, Scouting educates young people to be citizens connected to the world in which they live.
In Martinique, starting at age 6, a child can join the Scouts or, at the very least, begin to learn the principles. This age group for the «farfadets” was created two years ago. Next, by age group, come the Cub Scouts, Scouts and Guides, and the Companions. The Companions represent the senior branch of Scouting. “The mission of Scouts and Guides is to be engaged in their community.”.
Martinique is no exception, with 600 young people and 170 adult volunteers, although these figures should be put into perspective. «We had a few more members before the pandemic. We saw a sharp decline in our activities centered on teamwork and outdoor life. Gatherings weren’t allowed.» Like many organizations, the Scouting movement in Martinique is slowly recovering in the wake of the pandemic. «It’s all the more important today for young people in Martinique to have a sense of direction, and for us to be able to share values of solidarity, entrepreneurship, and respect for the environment.» Increasingly, the movement is turning its focus toward the protection of nature and biodiversity.
The movement is well aware of this. This year, it celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Scout movement’s presence in Martinique at Basse-Pointe. As early as 1935, this northern town welcomed its first Scouts. Unfortunately, 90 years later, the Basse-Pointe chapter is seeing a decline in activity and membership. The gathering of 600 young people from Martinique in Basse-Pointe is truly a spotlight moment.
Another characteristic of Scouting is its religious dimension. «We have Catholic roots. We welcome everyone. Our association is open to all. It is recognized as a public-benefit organization and operates under the state-regulated framework for community-based youth programs.» The president continues: «Scouting is a school of life, solidarity, and responsibility. » To make Scouting available to as many people in Martinique as possible, Patrick Henriette is calling for volunteers. «Our educational approach is based on doing things together. So we need adult volunteers to supervise the young people.»
Laurianne Nomel
