Baguio Boy Scouts join jamboree in UK

BAGUIO CITY: Two Boy Scouts from Baguio will join the Philippine delegation to the 21st World Scout Jamboree in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, England, from July 27 to August 8.

Christopher John Daoey, 14, and Edward F. Pedro, 15, both of the Easter College School, are ready to join some 40,000 people from nearly every nation from seven continents in the biggest scouts’ gathering.

The 21st World Scout Jamboree under the theme “One World One Promise” coincides with the centennial of the founding of Scouting on Brownsea Island. The first World Scout Jamboree took place in England in 1920.

“I was surprised when I was informed that I will be part of the World Scout Jamboree and it’s really an honor to represent the city and the country,” said Daoey.

Pedro, for his part, said he was also not expecting the announcement but said he is prepared to share the experiences of the Philippine Boy Scouts. “We will do our best there,” he said.

Daoey and Pedro were among the Boy Scouts who joined in the cleaning of some 20 familiar landmarks and busts of personalities who made great contributions to the city.

The clean-up campaign is a joint effort between the Baguio Centennial Commission and the Boy Scout of the Philippines-Baguio Chapter.

The two scouts are encouraging other young boys to join the BSP, saying that it is one of the best training grounds for leadership and becoming responsible citizens.

Both scouts expressed concern for the growing number of young people involved in juvenile offenses, which they claimed could have been avoided if they were members of the BSP or any other civic-oriented youth groups.

Over 46,000 boy scouts from the 216 countries which have a Scout Movement recognition (as member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement) will be camping for the event, with many others attending for day visits.

The World Scout Jamboree is the largest regular event organized by the Scout Movement. It takes place every four years in a different country. It is above all an educational event to promote peace and understanding among young people all over the world.
--Harley Palangchao - Manila Times