Training-Oriented Children’s Organization

Early1900s, Robert Baden Powell designed, based upon the socioeconomic conditions of the United Kingdom as well as various theories of childhood education, an children’s organization, namely Boy Scouts. As a movement, it was widespread because of the worldwide emphasis on the development of nation-states and individual children. In1912, scouting was generated in the Missionary Schools in China. Baden Powell proposed a principle that "non-school, non-army, non-political party". Yet due to the specific societal situation, needs and political economy, Boy Scouts in China did not function as Baden Powell expected.People in the fields of education and politics both paid attention to this children’s organization, and tried to shape its practices from a variety of perspectives, aiming at constructing a true Chinese children’s organization. Local schools were created, supported by various organizations. After the spreading of Military Country Education thoughts, those explored the institutions and curriculums of scouting, based on the purpose of "training new citizens". Accordingly, scout training became increasingly fit with the societal situations in China. However, although the National Union of Educational Association attempted to implement some acts, it failed constantly, because of the division of political powers and territories. As a result, there were a number of problems, such as the funding and scout teachers.In1926,Chinese Nationalist Party unified local Boy Scouts, and established a system that linked between the central and local agencies. Further, along with the establishment of National Government, KMT emphasized the political training in Scouting. Specifically, Chinese traditional morals were added to the Law of scout, and the organizational structures, fees and daily activities were under KMT’s control altogether. As a result, the number of Boy Scouts as well as the quality of practice was enhanced, yet it did not change the nature of justifying the regime. In a word, only by obeying the political rules and controls could Boy Scouts maintain itself as a legitimate organization.In1934, the National Government set scouting as the compulsory subject in schools, and designed a complete set of subject matter. In addition, the military training was also involved in the subject. Highlighting morals, disciplines and hygiene, Boy scouts associated itself with the then-popular advocacy of "the Campaign of New Life". During the Anti-Japanese War, children in the Scouts showed strong national identities and sense of responsibilities.After the liberation, Chinese Young Pioneers became the largest children’s organization in China. Although the political agenda was different, the organization was led by the central government as well and based on the schooling systems. In terms of curriculum, it could be seen as one type of extracurricular activity, but it could not cover all the aspects of children’s daily activities. It was more enriched than physical education, though many aspects were overlapped. In particular, scout training included the material, societal, and mental dimensions of "life education" through the major organization of children’s paly.In conclusion, the Boy Scouts during the Republic of China were highly political,military-oriented and focused on "Nationalism, Civil Rights and People Livelihood". Yet overall, it could be viewed as a localization of children’s organization both at the levels of local and central agencies. Most importantly, the dual nature, political and pedagogical, is the major feature of modern children’s organization. Therefore, the key issue is not how political or pedagogical a children’s organization is, but whether its structure, content, and pedagogy fit with the needs of child development and societal living.