Photograph of the Boy Scout World Jamboree in 1929

This photograph shows the South African contingent at the Boy Scouts’ third World Jamboree, held in England in 1929. The jamboree was known as the “Coming of Age” Jamboree, since it marked twenty-one years since the foundation of the Boy Scouts. The photograph provide insights into the core ideals of the Boy Scouts and, more broadly, representations of masculinity and boys’ roles as future empire builders. It reflects the heavy emphasis on militarism, rugged masculinity, and having boys experience “frontier” or outdoors life. 
This source is part of the exploring empire through the lens of childhood and gender teaching module.