First Hong Kong Group
⚜ Our History ⚜

The First Hong Kong Group at St. Joseph’s College was formed on 20th of September, 1913, six years after the Scout movement started in Brownsea Island and one year after Baden-Powell’s famous trip around the world. This marked the beginning of scouting as a world movement of brotherhood and fraternity. At that time, Major F. J. Bowen was Chief Scout Master and the troop was registered with the Boy Scouts Association Headquarters in London on 1st May, 1914.

During World War I, the troop immediately volunteered their services to the government and was reorganized in 1920 when scouting was once again firmly established in Hong Kong. From then on, we enjoyed steady progress, including winning the Prince of Wales’ Banner for three successive years and becoming the Governor’s Troop. However, the troop had to be temporarily dissolved during the Japanese occupation. With the war over, it sprang to life again, owing much to the capable leadership of Mr C. C. Quah, who later became the Hong Kong Chief Commissioner in 1950, and the encouragement given by the school.

The First Hong Kong Group has always been ready to lend a helping hand in public service, from the Great Strike in 1925 and the two World Wars to the Shek Kip Mei fire in 1953 and the recent Chai Wan District clean-up after the super typhoon, Saola, in 2023.

In scouting activities, the group is enthusiastic and energetic. Our senior / Venture Scouts have won the Prince of Wales’ Banner / Venture Scout Competition a record 15 times, while our Scouts have won the Carlton Trophy 9 times since the competition was established in 1951. Additionally, our Cubs won the Hong Kong Chief Commissioner’s Shield while Rovers won the Rover Scout Trophy Competition in 2024.

It is undeniable that when people talk about St. Joseph’s College, they think of the First Hong Kong Group. Our 110 years of scouting have been rich in tradition and glory. We have earned an outstanding reputation due to our remarkable achievements and our well-organized activities. We take pride in our current members and leaders, as well as our many accomplishments.

Moving forward, with the support from our alma mater, our conscientious and dedicated leaders, and the brotherhood and the fighting spirit of our members, the First Hong Kong Group will continue to be a training ground for our boys. With our watchful adult guidance shaping their characters and imparting knowledge and skills, the social and civic responsibility instilled in them will ensure their development into model citizens.