Scout movement a must to grow idealism among youngsters

The new generation has to be turned into an efficient, self-dependent and good citizens by instilling the ideals and objectives of cub scouting into them, she said while inaugurating the four-yearly event being held at the National Scout Training Centre.

The grand meet of the cub scouts at the week-long camporee aims at providing the primary school going girls and boys aged between 6 and 11 from across the country with a unique opportunity to enhance experience, develop better understanding, tolerance, undertake new responsibilities and make new friends.

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A total of 881 units, including a 10-member unit from India, are taking part in the camporee amid funfair and inspiration.

The camporee has been divided into six sub-camps named after six traditional birds--Kokil, Moyna, Gangchil, Machhranga, Pankouri and Tia.

"Scouting is interesting as we learn new things and increase our experiences while having fun at the same time," said Golam Rabbani Swadhin of Machhranga, a cub, studying in class five at Doedoba Government Primary School in Lalmonirhat.

"Scouting makes us different from others and gives us some privileges," said fifth grader Habibur Rahman of the same unit, "It's exciting because it provides an opportunity to stay together with friends."

The other unit members, Faisal Anam and Abhijit Das said scouting teaches the principles of discipline and humanity.

Runa Akhtar, Morsheda Akhtar and Susmita Rani Das of Gangchil sub-camp, from Kalemswar Government Primary School in Gazipur, said they are learning lots of new stuffs and meeting new friends from different parts of the country.

They also said they enjoy various camp activities, such as theatrical shows, camp carnival and other challenging events.

"Scouting makes life meaningful," said Ankita, a sixth grader from Tagore International NRI School in Jaypur, India.

Arshi, a second grader from the same Indian unit said this is her first ever participation in a camporee and in a foreign country as well.

"I am feeling excellent because it's a beautiful country," said Neha of the same school.

A rover scout and a volunteer at the camporee, Sayed Md Tarek said, "I was inspired for scouting by its disciplined activities and principles of serving others."

Scouting is a noble means of contributing to the society, to the country and to those in need of help, Tarek said.

The participating young scouts were found living organised, disciplined and self-reliant lives, performing most of their jobs, like keeping tents, maintaining cleanliness and making necessary stuffs by themselves.

Bangladesh is the fifth largest country in terms of scout population after the USA, Indonesia, Philippines and India, said the Chief National Commissioner of Scouts Muhammad Fazlur Rahman in his inaugural speech.

President Iajuddin Ahmmed, also the Chief Scout, said in a message on the occasion, the importance of scout movement in Bangladesh's socio-economic context is immense in creating honest, responsible and self-dependent citizens.