Athenry News & Views Summer 2026

Athenry News & Views

Founders of the Scouting and Guiding Movement

Robert Baden-Powell

Indoor Campfire - Singing along with Fiona during the Thinking Day Celebration at Clarin College Athenry

Olave Soames

Robert Baden-Powell first gained national recognition serving in the Boer War. Drawing on his military scouting experience and his belief in outdoor education, leadership and citizenship, he created a movement aimed at helping young people develop practical skills, confidence and service to others. Scouting rapidly spread around the world and today remains one of the largest youth movements internationally. Olave Baden-Powell, born Olave Soames on 22 February 1889, became a central figure in the Guiding movement after marrying Robert Baden-Powell in 1912. She served as the first Chief Guide for Britain and later became World Chief Guide in 1930. Lady Baden-Powell devoted her life to developing Guiding internationally, travelling extensively and supporting girls and young women through leadership, community and outdoor activities. She visited more than 100 countries during her lifetime and helped shape the organisation that later became the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). The birthdays of Robert and Olave Baden-Powell are commemorated each year on 22 February as World Thinking Day, celebrated by Scouts and Guides across the globe as a day of friendship, reflection and international unity.

Brownies - singing one of their Acting Songs during the Thinking Day Celebration at Clarin College Athenry

Brownies, Ladybirds and Guides enjoying the campfire songs.

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