Happy Founder’s Day to all the Scouts

Nearly all National Scout Associations throughout the world are celebrating Founder’s Day or World Thinking Day today in remembrance of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout Movement, and his wife, Olave Baden-Powell, founder of Girl Guide movement. Coincidentally, the husband and wife team both share February 22 as their birthday.

Robert Baden-Powell was a lieutenant-general in the British Army. An avid outdoorsman, Robert published the first book of the scouting movement, Scouting for Boys, in 1908. The book was intended to be used to train scouts for the British Army. The publication was a huge success and became the fourth best selling book of the 20th century. Before long, the book inspired many young boys to spontaneously create scout troops of their own. Robert would spend much of his life encouraging the growth of the movement and inspiring others to help train youths in responsible citizenship, character development and self reliance.

In honor of Founder’s Day, let’s take a look at how these famous former boy scouts are related to Robert Baden-Powell. And make sure to check how you’re related too!

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin is Robert Baden-Powell’s 14th cousin twice removed!

George W. Bush is Robert Baden-Powell’s 14th cousin thrice removed!

Bill Gates is Robert Baden-Powell’s 14th cousin four times removed!