Historical Facts in Scouting

Did you know?

Gilwell Reunions

Lord Baden-Powell organized and ran the first training course for Scouters at Gilwell Park in England in 1919. At the end of the course, to celebrate the fellowship of Scouting, he invested the Scouters as members of the 1st Gilwell Park Troop by presenting them with two each from a set of Zulu beads he had received as a gift when he was in Africa. The tradition has continued to this day around the world.

Today, Scouters who complete their Wood Badge Training are given the “two wooden beads” (replicas) These are the mark of an individual who has invested the time (five days minimum) needed to complete the Wood Badge training.

Each year, during the 1st weekend in the month of September, Gilwell Reunions are held as an opportunity for those who have completed their Wood Badge (aka Gilwellians) to meet together again.

On September 29, 1990, the 3rd Gilwell Reunion was held at Wesley College grounds in Belize City with the participation of five Gilwellians.  Rev. John Smith from the Methodist Church was the training Commissioner back then.

 

Directors Meeting 3/2023

Directors of the Belize Scout Foundation (BSF) met on July 29, 2023, for their scheduled meeting 3/2023 at the residence of the Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Rene R. Villanueva.

The highlight of the meeting reflected that grant funds for 2023 were exhausted at the closing of the grant period on June 30, 2023, and 13 grants were approved and disbursed to Scout Groups and the Scout Association.

Another important decision taken at the meeting is the official opening date of the Sir Colville N. Young Museum and the official installation of Sir Colville N. Young Fellows.  Tuesday, February 20, 2024, has been set aside for these two significant events.  The Finance and Investment Sub-committee is undertaking preparatory work and planning.

The Belize Scout Foundation – Investing in a better Belize

 

World Scout Jamboree participants receive rain jackets & backpacks from Scout Foundation

The World Scout Jamboree is taking place in South Korea this August and 20 members from The Scout Association of Belize will form the Belize Contingent.

The Belize Scout Foundation is pleased to support the Belize Contingent with rain jackets and backpacks for each participant to make participation more comfortable and memorable.

Roberto Harrison, Chairman of the Finance and Investment Sub-Committee of the Foundation, and Executive Director Hilberto B. Riverol delivered the jackets and backpacks at a short but memorable gathering held at Cayo Cargo in Santa Elena, Cayo District.

Although not all the participants were present, six participants and the contingent leader Aidian Flowers were presented with their jackets and backpacks.

Riverol briefly addressed the participants highlighting the year the Foundation was established and also some of the work the Foundation has done throughout the years.

Harrison for his part in presenting the gifts said that the Foundation through its Chairman, Dr. Rene R. Villanueva was happy to contribute in a small way towards their participation to the Jamboree and wished everyone a safe and enjoyable participation.

Contingent leader Flowers thanked the Foundation for the support received and wished the Foundation success in its endeavors.

The Belize Scout Foundation – Investing in a Better Belize

 

The 2023 Annual YouCan Missions/Jaguar Scouts Shoe Drive

The 2023 Annual YouCan Missions/Jaguar Scouts shoe drive took place this year from June 13 to 19.

Over 2,000 pairs of shoes were distributed to students & nearby communities with 50+ volunteers working tirelessly during the week of service & mission work. This year saw a team of 22 volunteers from Wisconsin, split between Ascension Lutheran Church & YouCan Mission Volunteers.  A great number of Venture Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Scouts from the 27th Cayo Santa Elena Jaguar Scouts participated.

The Wisconsin volunteers got to immerse in Belizean culture by visiting the local farmers market, exploring Mayan temples & engaging in traditional Mayan experiences & cooking. They were able to get a first-hand look at the daily lives of Belizeans. Altogether the team visited 4 schools – St. Joseph RC (Duck Run ll), Los Tambos RC (Los Tambos), Esperanza RC (Esperanza) & SE Baptist School (Santa Elena). Other community projects included the baskets of blessings, which were food baskets prepared by our volunteers and then delivered to nearby homes in the community, touching a handful of homes & creating an impact, and the painting of picnic tables with several designs & writing of Bible verses.  These tables will be distributed within the community.

The final night included a dinner potluck where guests were able to indulge in Belizean cuisine and enjoy a night of fun & laughter.

This year’s shoe drive was a huge success as many lives were impacted. No matter how small it may be, we all were left with the satisfaction of giving back to our community.