The Republic of Vietnam Historical Society Blog: Vietnamese Scout Association Photos

Vietnamese Scout leaders and army officers, 1960s-70s, RVNHS Archive.

RVNHS regularly acquires photographs of Republic of Vietnam military personnel, but often among these are many photographs of Vietnamese Boy and Girl Scout members and events. In this posting, we would like to highlight the Vietnamese Scout Association in Vietnam 1930-1975 by showing some photos from the RVNHS Archive.

A rare early photo of Vietnamese Boy Scouts, 1936, RVNHS Archive.

Scouting in Vietnam was officially established in 1930. Over the years, it steadily grew. During the Republic of Vietnam, there were thousands of members across the country with local chapters in most areas. National jamborees drew many, and representative groups of Vietnamese Scouts also participated in events abroad.

A Cub Scout meeting in Vietnam (note the painting of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, flanked by Vietnamese Scout Association and Republic of Vietnam flags), 1960s-70s, RVNHS Archive.

Activities at Vietnamese Scouting events were not unlike those of contemporary scouts throughout the world. Camping, sports, nature activities, and other educational programs were frequently held. However, the wartime condition in Vietnam was something Scouting was not immune too. Safety was routinely a concern at scouting events, and members of the military often participated in scouting events. Many Scoutmasters served in the armed forces with many scouts entering military service when they came of age.

Scout jamboree in Vietnam (note the military officers to the left), 1960s-70s, RVNHS Archive.

Scouting in Vietnam officially ended with the Communist takeover in 1975. However, Vietnamese Scouting activities and groups continue to be vibrant in the Vietnamese diaspora, with local chapters throughout Vietnamese communities overseas worldwide.