Message from Chief Commissioner Gary Pienaar
On the 22nd of February, Scouts all over the world will mark the birthday of our founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Traditionally,, during the weekend closest to his birthday, special ‘Founders Day’ gatherings and activities are arranged to celebrate our Movement and the lasting impact it has had on generations of young people. Members both young and old, will share in Scouting’s legacy, their own personal Scouting journey and receive recognition for their effort, contributions and achievements during the past year.
Today, almost 116 years since the first Scouts gathered at the experimental camp on Brownsea Island, Scouting continues to provide hope and creates positive change in the lives of young people. Baden-Powell challenged all Scouts to ‘try and leave this world a little better than you found it’, providing clear direction through our Promise and Law, the Scout Method and in encouraging service to others and the broader community. He believed that by training and empowering young people, through a programme of learning by doing, that many of the world’s challenges could be overcome.
This year, our National Challenge is focused on ‘Champions for Nature’ and we are encouraging members to increase their understanding of the relationship between humans, nature and biodiversity; some of the key environmental challenges facing our world; and then take concrete action through identified projects in our local communities. We look forward to sharing your stories in the months ahead. In addition, we have partnered with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and have launched our ‘Litter Less Campaign’, with focused activities during February and March. Participate in a ‘Litter Less’ activity and use this towards completing your National Challenge.
So, plenty of opportunities to take up BP’s challenge to help create a better world!
In closing, Scout greetings and best wishes to all our members on this Founders Day. Wherever you are, participate in and enjoy the activities that have been planned in your Groups or Districts to mark this special occasion. Draw inspiration that you are part of the largest and most influential youth organization the world has ever seen. And then let’s take our collective energy and go out there and make a difference in our communities.
