Harcerstwo – szkoła – społeczeństwo w południowo-wschodniej Polsce w latach 1911–1939

Abstract

The Scouting and Guiding Movement known initially in the territory of Poland as “Scouting” (Polish: Skauting ) began its activity in 1911 in Lviv (now in Ukraine), and then developed in the region of Galicia. Its primary bases of activity were secondary schools in urban areas. Female scouting was to overcome much more difficult obstacles than the male one. The male scouting movement realised an educational ideal, which was generally accepted by the society, whereas female scouting was naturally involved in the emancipation movement. In the beginning, a considerable part of the Galician society, as well as teaching communities, did not accept female scouting. The situation changed after the First World War when the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (Polish: ZHP) in Lviv was established including in its range the Voivodeships of Tarnopol, Stanislawow and a bigger part of the Lviv Voivodeship. It was the general acceptance for the Scouting and Guiding Movement of the government authorities that influenced this change of attitude. However, it was not until the 30s that this positive attitude became apparent. Their cooperation resulted in financial help in organising summer camps. The approach of the government authorities had a significant impact on school authorities who became more interested in creating and running female scouting groups. When the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association was raised to the rank of “High Public Utility Association” in 1936, it gained more importance in the eyes of Polish citizens.