Indian scouts participate in national camp in Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: NRI scouts and Guides from different Indian community-run schools in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in the three-day national camp held recently. Scouting is part of curriculum of all Indian international schools in Saudi Arabia.
The three-day camp provided opportunities for scouts and guides from Indian International Schools in Saudi Arabia to showcase their talent.
225 Boy scouts from Indian schools in Jeddah, Tabuk, Jubail and Dammam participated in the camp themed “Service to Humanity” and used the slogan “Peace, Patience and Perseverance” to focus on the spirit of scouting and volunteering among students.
The children travelled to Dammam all by themselves with their master, without being escorted by parents, which itself was a lesson to learn.
Yuvaraj, Hamza from IIS Dammam and Zaid from IIS Jubail participated in the camp under Special Needs Children category.
“It was wonderful experience to travel without parents and spending time at a scouting camp,” said Mutashim Mohammed, after his return from the camp. “Though it was of short duration, we were able to learn many things,” said another scout, Safwan Mohammed.
“We aim to encourage the attitude of service among youngsters – this was the main agenda of the camp” said Lt. Col. J A Rocque, organizing commissioner.
The squadron was divided into different groups and trained in various life skills during the camp. Various presentations were made to educate the scouts on important life values and principles for young students and contributing members of the society. The highlight event of the camp – the campfire – was memorable with active participation of Saudi boy scouts.
Dr E K Mohammed Shaffe, scouts commissioner and principal, IIS Dammam, Dr Syed Hameed, training commissioner, principal of IIS Jubail, Syed Masood, principal IIS Jeddah and regional commissioner, S M Samshuddin, principal, IIS Tabuk and regional commissioner and Lt Col J A Rocque addressed the gathering and motivated the scouts and encouraged them to be disciplined and confident to lead better lives and improve the society.
Badr M Al Howail, Saudi Scouts Centre and Professor K P Sahad from AIWA College, University of Calicut coordinated the camp. Awad Al Maliki, deputy director, foreign education in Saudi ministry of eucation was the chief guest and Tahir, chairman of IIS Jubail was the guest of honour at the event. Scout Masters Vijender, Adil, Amiruddin, Sawad, Irfan, Raghib Ali, Sadiq Ali, Sajjad, Israr, Riyazuddin, Rahmat and Parvez managed the camp.