The Role of Sports and Physical Education in the Scouting Method in Poland between 1918 and 1939.

The scouting movement, initiated in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell, began to develop in Poland in 1911 when Andrzej Małkowski founded the 'first scouting troops' in Lviv. In 1920, the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) united all scouting organisations, adopting as the goal comprehensive youth education, meaning physical, moral, and patriotic development. Sports and physical education played a crucial role in the scouting method, serving not only to improve physical condition but also to shape character, discipline, and cooperation. The scouting program included a wide range of activities such as gymnastics, team sports, swimming, shooting, climbing, and winter disciplines such as skiing and ice skating as well. A significant part of the program was the summer and winter camps, which culminated in the scouts' yearly work, allowing them to practically apply their skills and deepen their connection with nature. At the troop level, sports and physical education were implemented during meetings, outings, and camps, where scouts had an opportunity to earn some badges and scouting ranks. The Scouting Sports Clubs and Skiing Clubs, operating at the district and regional levels, developed sports infrastructure, organised courses and training, and supported talented scouts. The 'ZHP' headquarters were responsible for creating educational tools and collaborating with national sports associations, ensuring consistency and effectiveness in the physical education program throughout the scouting movement. ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR