LATVIAN SCOUT AND GUIDE CENTRAL ORGANIZATION

The first Scout troop was established on April 17, 1917 by A.Bredemania and other Scouts from Tartu, Estonia. This was followed by several other Scout Troops in the Riga area. The official founding is said to be in 1917. The Latvian Scout Organization was established in 1921. In 1993, Latvia was admitted into the World Organization (WOSM). In 1998, there were 801 registered Scouts.

The Latvian Scouting program is a youth organization in the Republic of Latvia. It is based on the principles and methods created by Robert Baden-Powell which were forbidden by the USSR government in 1940. LSGCO is a member of the World Organization (WOSM).

In 1940, a special officer was appointed to abolish Scouting by the communists. Scouting continued unofficially and underground. Scouting operated without uniforms and in the forests to avoid detection. In 1941, the Communists killed the Latvian Scout President, Karlis Goppers.

With the fall of communism, Scouting re-emerged. In 1989, the first Scout and Guide camp was organized. In 1990, Latvian Scouts held their 5^TH National Jamboree, "Renewal" and invited several other countries to participate.

There are 801 registered members as of 1998. It is the largest youth organization in Latvia. LSGCO's goal is to develop physical, mental, moral and social skills in Latvian youth and to develop a loyalty to Latvia. The main purpose, is knowing the needs and wants of Latvian youth and to encourage self development.

The organization is based on the following principles:

Duty to God- encourage the fulfillment of their religion.

Duty to others- to help other people, your nation and country

Duty to oneself- being responsible for ones development.

THIS INFORMATION WAS REPRINTED FROM THE LSGCO WEB PAGE

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