The 1st Halesowen Scout Group was formed in 1908 when a small number of boys began holding meetings in the back garden of one of their number. Inspired by Scouting for Boys written by Baden Powell (later Lord Baden Powell) the boys quickly found adults who were willing to become Leaders. Initially, Scouting was for boys of eleven or twelve years and older, but their younger brothers wanted to get in on the fun and so in 1914 Wolf Cubs were started. Today this Section is known as Cub Scouts. 
 
In 1967, following an major review by the Scout Association, Venture Scouting wasintroduced for those aged between sixteen to twenty year olds and this led to the first girls in Scouting in 1976. By 1983 there was a demand for a section for those aged six to eight and so Beaver Scouting was born.
     
The Scout Movement is continually evolving and in 2003 we had new modern uniforms, a new programme and new Sections - Explorer Scouts for 14-18 year olds and The Scout Network for 18-25 year olds.
     
Scouting is now a fully co-educational organisation and 1st Halesowen has females in all Sections from Beaver Scouts through to Explorer Scouts. We also run our own Duke of Edinburgh Award Unit offering Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Training. This unit is also open to non-Scout Group members.
     
Over the years the Group has met in many premises in and around Halesowen. These have including the Old Rectory, a former Conservative Club, a Methodist Chapel, a Mission Room and the canteen at Groves' Button Factory on the Stourbridge Road. Our existing Headquarters in Elizabeth Road opened in 1960 and cost just £2000 to construct. In 2002, the Group was awarded a £200,000 grant by the National Lottery Community Fund and in August of that year work began on a major refurbishment project for the building and site. Five months later the Group returned to the new 'Scout Centre' which was officially opened on 10th May 2003 by David Shelmerdine, the Secretary of The Scout Association.
     
It is impossible to calculate how many young people and adults have been associated with the Group since it was formed. It runs into tens of thousands, and every one of them will have some good memories of fun and friendship from their experience.
     
In 2007 Scouting celebrates its centinary, and in 2008 our Scout Group will be 100 years old. During the next 100 years we hope to provide just as many young people with activities, opportunities, adventure and fun!
     
  Email us at: webmaster@1sthalesowenscouts.com