Soma Hellinikou Odigismou

Infobox WorldScouting
name = Σώμα Ελληνικού Οδηγισμού


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caption = Soma Hellinikou Odigismou The Greek Guiding Association
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country = Greece
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f-date = 1932
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members = 9,789
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website = [http://www.seo.gr/ www.seo.gr]
affiliation = World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
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Soma Hellinikou Odigismou (Σώμα Ελληνικού Οδηγισμού, "The Greek Guiding Association"; SEO) is the national Guiding association of Greece. Guiding in Greece started in 1932 and became a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1933. The coeducational organization has 9,789 members (as of 2003).

History

The first Guide units were established in 1932. Only one year later, in 1933, SEO became an associate member of WAGGGS. During World War II the movement fell inactive, bur it was revived in 1945. In 1948 it advanced to full membership with WAGGGS.

The association started special groups for girls with disabilities in 1951; since 1995, children with special needs are integrated in all units.

The 1990s saw a general overhaul of the organization's program: the organization opened for boys and a new branch for pre-school-age children was introduced – the "Asteria" (Stars).

Program and ideals

The association is divided in four age-groups:
* Asteria – Stars (ages 5 to 7)
* Poulia – Birds (ages 7 to 11)
* Odigoi – Guides (ages 11 to 14)
* Megaloi Odigoi/Naftodigoi – Rangers/Sea Rangers (ages 14 to 17)

The troops for each branch have distinct names:
* Galaxias (Galaxy)
* Sminos (Flock)
* Omada (Troop)
* Omada/Pliroma (Troop/Crew)

See also

* Soma Hellinon Proskopon

References

* World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, World Bureau (1997), "Trefoil Round the World". Eleventh Edition 1997. ISBN 0-900827-75-0