Exhibition “Be Prepared! From the History of Scouting in Narva”

“Be Prepared!” – this short motto is familiar to millions of people around the world. For more than a century, it has united children and adults alike, reminding them to be ready to help others, learn new things, and take responsibility for their actions.

Scouting emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century and quickly became an international phenomenon. Its strength lies in simple and universal ideas: loyalty, friendship, respect, care for nature, and the ability to act both independently and as part of a team. Thanks to its unique combination of education and adventure, scouting has remained attractive to new generations for more than one hundred years. This exhibition introduces the fundamental principles, laws, and symbols of scouting, and also tells the story of the emergence and development of the scouting movement in Narva.

In addition, the exhibition presents other youth organizations whose activities were based on scouting principles. In Estonia, scouting became the foundation for the creation of youth organizations Eesti Noorsepad (“Young Smiths of Estonia”), Noored Kotkad (“Young Eagles”), and Kodutütred (“Home Daughters” or “Daughters of the Homeland”). These organizations developed scouting principles further, combining them with the education of active and responsible citizens of the Republic of Estonia.
Even youth organizations established in the Soviet Union were in many ways based on the scouting model. However, the content and purpose of these forms became different — ideological in nature.

Throughout its history, the movement has changed together with the world, yet despite all transformations it has preserved its core: its values, the spirit of brotherhood, and the idea of educating an independent and responsible individual.

Visitors are invited to explore the exhibition at Narva Castle, on the 5th and 6th floors of Hermann Tower, during Narva Museum opening hours.

• Curators: Galina Smirnova, Irina Solodova, Jelena Šuvalova
• Graphic design: Janne Jaagant
• Project manager: Anne Raud
• The team of the exhibition: Zurab Jänes, Kristiina Sarjas, Yuliia Khlystun, Irina Koževina, Deniss Zimin, Konstantin Zakhodyaev, Andrey Saveliev 
• We appreciate: Eesti Rahvusarhiiv (RA), Eesti Sõjamuuseum – kindral Laidoneri muuseum (ESM), Eesti Ajaloomuuseum (SAAM), Eesti Meremuuseum (MM), Võrumaa Muuseum (VK), Mihhail Tint, Vladislav Eglet, Inga Sillat

The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia