Scouting Ireland S.A.I.
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Scouting Ireland SAI began in 1908 as the Dublin City and Dublin County Boy Scouts. In 1921 the name was changed to the Irish Free State Scout Council and it became a national organisation. In 1949, when Ireland became a Republic, the name was changed again to the Boy Scouts of Ireland and further changes in the 1960s and 1990s saw it become first the Scout Association of Ireland (SAI) and then Scouting Ireland SAI.
Since its formation in 1908 SAI consistently offered a true scouting programme as it developed over the years, changing it's policy, organisation and rules to reflect rapidly changing times as Ireland itself developed as an independent nation.
There were major developments over the years. In the mid-sixties the growing ties between the country's two scout associations were formalised with the creation of FISA, the Federation of Irish Scout Associations. SAI and the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland (CBSI),formed in 1927, were now members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement through FISA and both would play an active role in international scouting.
There is no doubt that Ireland and its people were enriched by the existence of two strong associations who each had a strong will to bring all of the benefits of Scouting to each generation of young people and as Irish society developed Scouting grew with it and changes were implemented that reflected the new needs and requirements of the community.
SAI had always been multi-denominational and in addition to Cub Scouts and Boy Scout it also had a Sea Scout section. Developments included the formation of Beaver Scouts for younger children and Venture Scouts for older teenagers and young adults.
SAI also became co-educational in the 1970s, and ever since then girls have played a pivotal role in the success of Scouting in Ireland. The first female Scout in the SAI was Majella Myler, a member of 9th Wicklow (Port of Arklow Sea Scouts).
Scouting Ireland was formed on 1st January 2004 from the two original Scout associations in Ireland, Scouting Ireland S.A.I. and Scouting Ireland (CSI).
