Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Liechtensteins

Scouting in Liechtenstein began in Schaan in 1931 and Guiding started in Vaduz in 1932. The Scout Association became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) in 1933. The Girl Guides of Liechtenstein became a full member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1952. At the end of World War II, Rangers and Rovers helped in refugee camps.

In 1953 the World Scout Conference took place in Vaduz and a special Scout stamp was issued for this event.

A first-aid-group for Scouts and Guides was founded in 1973. The Scouts and Guides have had their own shop since 1976 and in 1979, they started publishing a bimonthly magazine for leaders, which is called "KNOTEN". Co-operation between the Scout and the Guide Associations has increased since 1981, when joint activities were organized to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Scout Movement in Liechtenstein. In 1989, the two Associations merged and its official name now is "Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Liechtensteins". Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein and his sister, Princess Nora, are Honorary Members of the Movement.

In 2006 a Scout Camp was held in Schaan to celebrate 75 years of Scouting in Liechtenstein and 200 years independence of Liechtenstein. Scouts from Austria and South Tyrol took part in this camp.

The Scout emblem incorporates the national colors of the flag of Liechtenstein. All members wear the same uniform. The Brownies and Cub Scouts branch has a yellow scarf, all others wear a blue and red scarf which also symbolizes the national colors.

Each division draws up its own program. Leaders organize various activities for all branches at local and national level and these are adapted to meet the requirements of the individual in the community.

The Association provides basic training for leaders of all age groups as well as additional courses on special subjects. Patrol leaders are trained at district level.

Members of the Association are involved in many community service projects. During Lent, Guides organize a Soup Day in most villages together with the Liechtenstein Lent Charity. In 1986 the Liechtenstein Scouts and Guides started a community development project in cooperation with the Egyptian Scout Federation. The aim of this "Palm Tree Project" in El Arish, Egypt was to establish a palm tree factory (which can process all parts of a palm tree including the dates) and therefore provide jobs for the inhabitants of the region. During this project, exchanges of Egyptian and Liechtenstein Boy Scouts and Girl Guides also took place.

Various outdoor activities also are organized during the annual programs of all branches. Attendance at international gatherings is encouraged and the number of members participating in international camps, seminars and training sessions is increasing.

The Association informs its members and the general public about its activities through the national press as well as through its bimonthly magazine "KNOTEN".

The PPL is organised in four age branches:

• Bienli/Wölfle (Brownies/Cub Scouts – ages 7 to 11)
• Pfadfinderinnen/Pfadfinder (Guides/Scouts – ages 11 to 15)
• Pionier (Pioneer – ages 15 to 18)
• Ranger/Rover (age 18 and older)

This is the Old Scouts Guild of Liechtenstein. Pfadfinder-Gilde Liechtenstein is affiliated to International Scout and Guide Fellowship. The Adult Scout association works closely together with the Youth association. It was founded in 1953. There are strong ties to the Scout Fellowships of Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

• Alexander Frick
• Scouting in displaced persons camps

• Official website (in German)