The local scouts and cubs are thrilled to reach the century milestone. It is the biggest youth organisation in the world and has 28 million members internationally.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the scouting movement in Australia, originally started by Robert Baden Powell in England to help young people get ahead in their lives.

“He took gangs of young people off the streets and taught them skills,” Wellington leader Paul Campion said.

“It became so popular that the king gave him a Royal Charter dealing with street kids.”

The movement, established in 1907, was so popular that it went worldwide very quickly.

By the following year, scouting groups formed in Australia.

According to Mr Campion, there is no better way to teach practical skills such as tolerance, teamwork, citizenship, navigation and respect for others and their country.

Then there’s the adventures, not to mention the friendships formed.

Cub leader Bev Midson couldn’t even begin to describe the benefits.

“It teaches them so much,” she said. “I can’t put it into words.”

The centenary celebrations were fittingly held in Wellington almost 24 years after the opening of the scouts building in Pierce St.