World Scout Day 2026
Message from the Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia
Dear Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts, Rover Scouts (and adult volunteers),
Today, Scouts from all around the world will celebrate World Scout Day. For many people, it will seem like just another Saturday. But for us, it is something much more.
It is a day to remember that more than a century ago, a small group of young people gathered around a campfire with a man we call BP, who believed the world could be better if young people were given the chance to lead it.
From that first camp on Brownsea Island in 1907 grew a movement that spread across oceans, crossed borders and changed lives. Just one year later, Scouting arrived in Australia.
Today, more than 118 years on, you are part of that story together with more than 60 million other young people. Think about that for a moment.
Every campfire you have sat around. Every hike you have completed. Every knot you have tied. Every challenge you have faced. Every friend you have made. Every time you have helped another person. You are connected to millions of Scouts who have done exactly the same thing before you. You belong to something extraordinary.
In a world that can sometimes feel divided, Scouting brings people together. In a world where many people wonder where they belong, Scouting gives us a place. In a world that often tells young people what they cannot do, Scouting shows you what you can become.
When you wear your uniform, you wear more than a shirt, scarf and badges. You wear courage. You wear service. You wear friendship. You wear adventure. You wear every lesson you have learned and every challenge you have overcome. You wear the hopes of those who came before you and the promise of those who will follow after you.
This year, as we celebrate the International Year of Volunteers, we also pause to thank the thousands of adults who give their time so that Scouting can exist. They do it because they believe in you. They believe in your potential. They believe that young people can change the world. So please thank all of the adults in your Group for their contribution.
They are right to believe in young people like you. I have seen Scouts lead communities through disaster. I have seen Scouts stand up for people who felt alone. I have seen Scouts volunteer when others walked away. I have seen Scouts become doctors, teachers, engineers, tradespeople, community leaders, parents and mentors. I have seen Scouts become remarkable people.
Not because they were extraordinary to begin with. But because they chose to keep showing up. They chose to have a go. They chose to live by their Promise and Law. And so do you.
This Saturday, I have one simple request. Wear your scarf. Wear it proudly. Wear it to the shops. Wear it to watch sport. Wear it to your local café. Wear it wherever your Saturday takes you. Not because we want people to look at us. But because we want people to see what Scouting stands for.
We want people to see young people who care. Young people who serve. Young people who Lead. Young people who are prepared to leave the world a little better than they found it. When someone sees your uniform on Saturday, remember this: You represent more than your Group. More than your District. More than your State. You represent a movement that has inspired young people for over a century. You represent millions of Scouts around the world. You represent the future.
One day, many years from now, another young person will put on a Scout uniform for the very first time. The story that began on Brownsea Island will continue. The story that arrived in Australia in 1908 will continue. And because of you, that story will be stronger than ever.
So, stand tall. Wear your scarf proudly. Smile when people ask about Scouting. Tell them why it matters. Tell them what it means to you. And never forget how special it is to belong to this movement.
Happy World Scout Day.
The adventure continues.
Yours in Scouting,
Brendan Watson OAM
Chief Commissioner, Scouts Australia
PS: Please don’t forget to thank your Leaders and other volunteers in your Group.
