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Some 28 million young people worldwide now take part in the adventure of Scouting and in 2007 the Movement celebrates its centenary. The 1st Kensington Scout Group was created on Saturday the 19th February 2000 by Mr. Mike P. Rapson, Mr. Arthur Olsen and Mr. Genesio Gomes. It is located in the Baden Powell House, which is one of the most significant buildings for Scouting and it’s also a historical place.

It started with only 4 Cubs (age 8-10 ½ years) and in less than a year it grew to 25 cubs. Nowadays, the group has beavers, scouts and explorers as well as cubs. The group is very international and most of the children were not born in the UK. They have moved here with their parents mainly due to career-related reasons. Many attend private schools and have joined the scout group to improve their English and to make new friends from all over the world. They attend weekly meetings at the Baden Powell House, where they learn about the scout movement and take part in scout activities. They also go camping at least once a month.

The painting took place in April 2007 during one of their scout meetings. The scouts were told that they were going to draw pictures, which will be exhibited in a London university together with paintings from kids from all over the world. This announcement was followed by gasps and screams of excitement. Kids immediately asked if everyone’s painting will be there and if they can come to see it. The positive answer gave them an energy boost and they started painting immediately.

The group is preparing to visit the LSE in May and the kids can’t wait to see their pictures framed in a gallery. They are looking forward to seeing the artwork from other children of their age from other parts of the world. Parents that came to pick up their children were impressed by the children’s talent and the art they produced. This activity was very enjoyable and certainly gave everyone involved a sense of pride.

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