JEDDAH — Twelve schools participated in the three-day scouting camp organized recently in Riyadh. International Indian School Jeddah (IISJ) Boys section sent a battalion of 72 scouts to participate in the camp. Under the able leadership of the Principal Syed Masood Ahmed, respective headmasters and scout masters Vijender Singh and teachers Adil Akhter Khan and Ameeruddin. The boys embarked on a journey to Riyadh learning the first lesson of setting out of their homes without the guidance of their parents learning to travel as a team under the master. The teams were housed in well equipped youth hostel premises with separate tents for patrols under their young scout leader. Scouting has been made part of their curriculum by the Indian international schools in Saudi Arabia as well. During the camp, young scouts performed regular exercises starting with the six breathing exercises named BP 6 after the founder of scouting Baron Robert Baden Powell. The scouts have to manage all their activities and organize them to the best of their abilities. Various presentations educated the scouts on important values and principles in the life of a scout, and a young students and contributing members of the society. Address by the the scout commissioner, principals of the various schools and scout masters motivated the scouts and encouraged them to be disciplined and confident for the betterment of their lives and society. Scouts had interactions with patrols from other schools and performed skits and cultural activities conceived and organized on their own. Interaction around campfire was an important part of the camp. The scout activities play a vital role in building camaraderie among youth from diverse factions of the human society. Toward the end of the camp, various titles and prizes were announced. IISJ patrol bagged titles for the best parade lead by Scout Hardeep Singh. Best Saudi scout title was won by Faiz and the best scout master title was bagged by Vijender Singh.
