National Scouts Camp Takes Off
By Liza Mohd

Bandar Seri Begawan - Over 600 Brunei Scouts members are prepared to brave the downpour expected in the Belait District and blistering heat at the six-day National Scouts Camp 2006 at Sungai Liang Recreational Beach.

The event is organised by the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD).
Some 303 Scouts members over 12 years old throughout the district are taking part in the national camp, the highest number coming from Belait District with 120 members from six troupes.

Present to officiate the event was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awg Hj Mohammad bin Hj Daud, who in his speech said the National Scouts Camp will provide various benefits particularly current knowledge on the scouts movement, generating youths' interest and commitment in the country on the movement.

"One of the activities deemed as 'Trade Mark' in the scouts movement is the camp or `Jamboree' - a large gathering for scout members. Through the camp or jamboree, the scouts comprising youths will reveal various skills and scouts training by mentors or senior scouts members."

The Minister said the PPNBD in the `National Scouts Camp' will continue the tradition of a `challenging life' experience by preparing self-defence activities as well as physical, mental and emotional activities in line with the theme 'Sihat, Cergas dan Sejahtera' (Healthy, Active and Well).

The Minister further revived the history of PPNBD, which was formed in 1934, and noted that it is the oldest non governmental organisation in the country.

The successful construction of its own building reflected efforts and commitments by scouts in the country, said the Minister.

The Minister further highlighted the PPNBD strategic plan towards achieving 10,000 scouts members in the year 2013.

The Ministry expressed hope that any Plan of Action under the Strategic Plan would be carried out effectively to achieve PPNBD aspirations as the main youth movement in carrying out programmes to drive youths towards excellence and contribute to the nation's development.

Meanwhile the National Head Scouts Commissioner as chairman of the event said the National Scouts Camp would be held over six days from December 23 to 28 and participated by scouts members over 12 years old and youth scouts members aged 16 to 18 years.

The event serves as a highlight of various scouts activities throughout the year and is seen as an opportunity to gather scouts members to establish closer relations apart from building physical skills and providing a new experience to the younger generation.

The National Scouts Camp is purposely held at the area as trial step for PPNBD before the fourth National Jamboree in conjunction with, the 100t'' anniversary of the world scouts movement at the end of next year.

The chairman said that PPNBD still has no permanent camp sites at district or national level and is working towards establishing a permanent camp site for the convenience of PPNBD in holding scouts activities at national, regional or international level.

The Minister officially launched the event by beating the gong. He then handed out the National- Scouts Camp key to camp leader Awg Hj Othman bin Durani.

The event also saw the Minister presenting one of the highest scouting awards called `Anugerah Manikayu 2 Bead' to five senior scouts leaders'- Awg Hi Mohd Salleh bin Hj Othman, ANvg Rosh bin Abd Rahman, Awg Abd Razali bin Hj Abd Rahman, Dyg Hjh Noraini bte Hj Saidi and Dyg Siti Noorafidah bte Dullah.

The 'Manikayu 2 Bead' is normally awarded to scouts leaders who have successfully completed the Leadership Scouts training, General Information Course, Basic and Advance Woodbadge Course, written tests as well as various practical training courses privately conducted by respective Scouts teams. The Manikayu 2 Bead award recipient will then be known as Scouts's Leader Trainer.

An appreciation award or 'Anugerah Pingat Jasa Cemerlang' was also awarded to Dyg Noraini bte Mohamad, the Training Commissioner from Singapore Scouts Association, for her significant contribution in the training of local scouts.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with