Page History
Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego (ZHP), the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, was founded in 1918 and
is one of the largest youth organisations in Poland, with more than 110,000 members (Scouts, Guides, and leaders).
The ZHP is a founding member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
The ZHP's motto is "Czuwaj!"
which means "Be Prepared!"
.
Scouting in Poland started in 1910. The association grew steadily until 1939, laying sustainable education and programme foundations, as well as becoming one of the largest social and educational movements in the country. During World War II, many Polish Scouts kept their oath and served the nation as resistance fighters. Following WWII, Poland became part of the Communist bloc, and the ZHP was forced to suspend its WOSM and WAGGGS memberships. However, the association retained some independence from the
communist regime and carried on its educational mission while preserving and nurturing its pre-war Scouting traditions. In 1995, a small Polish contingent participated in the 18th World Scout Jamboree in the Netherlands. They returned home with a dream to someday host a World Scout Jamboree in Poland. In 1996, following Poland’s return to a democratic political system, the ZHP re-joined WOSM and WAGGGS.
The ZHP's mission is to educate and support young people in reaching their full potential. The ZHP provides dynamic, values-based, non-formal educational and leadership training programmes for girls and boys between the ages of 6 and 21. It provides a safe
The World Scout Jamboree
The World Scout Jamboree is a major international event organised by WOSM. Held every four years, it brings together tens of thousands of Scouts, aged 14 to 17, from around the globe to promote cultural exchange, friendship, and adventure. The Jamboree provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn from one another, develop leadership skills, and engage in outdoor activities while embracing the Scouting principles of community service, personal growth, and environmental stewardship.
The Jamboree programme includes educational, recreational, and community service activities, such as workshops, team-building exercises, and outdoor pursuits. These experiences help Scouts build a strong sense of global citizenship and foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and connected world.
The first World Scout Jamboree was held in 1920 in London, England. Other than being cancelled during the two World Wars and the Iranian Revolution, it has been organised every four years in different locations worldwide.
In 2027, Poland will host the World Scout Jamboree for the first time, in the city of Gdańsk, in Pomorskie Region.
Dates, Participation, Age
The 26th World Scout Jamboree will be held from 30 July to 8 August 2027. Youth Participants must be between the ages of 14 and 17 at the time of the event (born after 30 July 2009 but not later than 30 July 2013). Individuals older than 18 (born on or before 30 July 2009) can take part as International Service Team (IST) volunteers.
Adult volunteers and Contingent Management Team (CMT) members must be 18 or older (born on or before 30 July 2009).
environment for young people to develop their full potential as responsible and active citizens who participate in their local, national, and international communities.
The President of the Republic of Poland has been the honorary patron of Scouting in the country since 1920. Scouting in Poland enjoys high social trust, and Scouts actively participate in local community life, proving that the motto "Be Prepared!" is not just about readiness, but actual service.
