Myanmar National Scout and Guides Camp

There were more than 600 Scouts and Guides from different regions of Myanmar who participated in the 3rd National Camp on 1 – 5 March at No. 1 SHS in Kyaukpadaung Township, Bagan Nyuang U.

The President of the Republic of Union of Myanmar, who is also the Chief Scout, U Thein Sein was present at the National Gathering of Scout and Guides at Forestry Headquarters at Popa Mountain area.

He delivered a speech all the campers of the National Camp. He said that the Scout camping will give a memorable experience as young students from different regions and states gathered at the camp. He encouraged them to pursue positive personality traits of discipline, morality and perseverance with determination so as to be ready when the time comes for them to shoulder the responsibilities of the country. He also signed the Guest Book to commemorate his present there. Few old Scouts (now in their 70s), were present at the gathering. They wore old Scout uniform representing different branch of Myanmar Scouts: Scouts, Sea Scout, Air Scout. Two Lion Scouts (highest achievement Badge) were also present.

At Forestry Department Main Office, the representatives of WOSM-APR and WAGGS-APR had an audience with the Chief Scout in the presence of Union Ministers and senior government officials. These included Reiko Suzuki and Thian Hiong-Boon from WOSM-APR while Ching-Ching Wee-Ong and Grace Tam were from WAGGGS. Chief Commissioner Dr Tin Nyu Chief Commissioner of G Guide Prof. Tin Hla Kyi, Minister of Education Dr Khin San Yee and Union Ministers. After giving a brief of Scouting and Guiding, Special Recognition Ceremony was held whereby Plague of Recognition from WOSM- APR was presented by APR Vice-Chairman Reiko Suzuki, and a souvenir from Scouts Australia was also presented to the President. Special Plague from WAGGS-APR was presented by WAGGS RD Ching Ching Wee-Ong to the President. In return, he presented plaque of appreciation to WOSM-APR and WAGGGS-APR for supporting the development of Scouting and Girl Guiding in Myanmar.

The Chief Scout, HE U Thein Sein attended the Grand Campfire of the National Camp at No1 SHS in Bagan Nyaung U. A number of Union Ministers (including the Union Minister of Education), Deputy Union Ministers, Director-Generals of Education Departments were amongst those guests present. The participants enjoyed Scouting songs and the performances of cultural dances from different regions. They joined in dancing the Messengers of Peace dance. The Chief Scouts, accompanied by his Union Ministers, government officials, top Scout Leaders and Scouts, signed the poster in commemoration of the Centenary Scouting in Myanmar.

Supporting this camp and also the last two National Annual Camps was the Chief Minister of Mandalay Region, U Ye Myint. He was a Scout in his younger days and still very much supporting the growth of Scouting in his region. He was a former Lieutenant General in the Myanmar Army and former Chief of Military Affairs Security. He also provided 20 buses for sightseeing after the camp. He lost in the general election, will step down at the end of March.

The Myanmar Scouts Constitution was approved by the cabinet of Union Ministers on 21 October 2015.

Article and photos: Thian Hiong-Boon