Central America & Caribbean Confraternity “Baden Powell”
Mr. Alejandro Tovar represented the Belize Scout Foundation at the Primer Cumbre Centroamericana de Consejos Directivos y Antiguos Scouts (the 1st Central American Summit of Ex-National Scout Committees, Directors and former Scout members) El Coyotepe” that was held at Campo Escuela Scout in Masaya, Nicaragua held from September 13 – 15, 2019.
An official opening ceremony was held on the first day of the event which included a cocktail and dinner to welcome all the participants. This was closely followed by numerous presentations which included a plan on the integration between the different regions in Latin America with the aim of growing the membership of former Scouts with the main goal of contributing to the institutional strengthening and support of National Scout Organizations in each country.
Additional topics such as providing support as mentors, sharing experiences in training, camping, Scout spirit, among others, were also looked at. Membership of each national Association, training, and Adults in Scouting, youth program, regional policies, legal incorporation and recognition of each Fraternity of Baden Powell Fellows in each country, strategies and organizational structures were all looked at.
The Summit had the representation of delegates from Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama. Unfortunately, El Salvador was unable to have representation.
Sessions were conducted in small groups through discussions, exercises and ceremonies as imbued by the visionary Founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell.
As part of the weekend program, Scout brother Francisco Chinchilla from Costa Rica who has been active for over 75 years was presented with an award for his long service to the Scouts and Girl Guides of Costa Rica. Scout brother Rodolfo Marin Castillo who has had a long career in the region as Executive Director for several Associations in the region was presented with the Order of Baden-Powell, a high and distinctive recognition. Congratulations Rudy, on gaining such a deserving award.
The next Summit of the Confederation of Former Scouts will be held in Honduras during the month of September 2020. Former Scouts are encouraged to make an effort to attend so that Belize can have a well-represented delegation.