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 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.
