The Nepal Scouts – Promoting Social Responsibility
Founded in 1952, the Nepal Scouts is the national Scouting and Guiding organization of Nepal which is affiliated with both the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the World Organization of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. With a membership exceeding 32,000 Nepal Scouts promotes the Mission of the Scout Movement in contributing to the education of young people with the goal of building a better world where self-fulfilled individuals contribute to the welfare of society.
While placing emphasis on education, social responsibility and character development in preparation for adulthood, scouting offers camaraderie and loads of fun with action-packed activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, abseiling and rock climbing, as well as intellectually stimulating activities such as amateur radio, performing arts, and responsible internet usage. Members of the Nepal Scouts are also actively involved in community service projects, nature conservation and literacy campaigns.
The Nepal Scouts are categorized in age groups as follows: Cub/Brownies aged 7 to 10 years; Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts aged 11 to 15 years; and Rovers/Rangers aged 16 to 25 years. While activities are open to both genders, boys generally participate separately from the girls. The curriculum for all Nepal Scout members covers eight main points – physical health; intellectual ability; home service; outdoor activities; handicraft; service; character building; and relationships.
There are two main training centers in Nepal – Kakani International Training Center (KITC) and Sundarijal National Training Center. Located around 25 kilometers northwest from Kathmandu, at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, the KITC is the venue for programs involving local and international scouts and guides. Camping sites and facilities are also hired out to tourists on occasion. The Sundarijal National Training Center is situated about 15 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu in the Shivapuri National Park.
The stated Strategic Priorities of Nepal Scouts include a ‘Youth Involvement’ program to attract young people of all ages to join the organization, and a ‘Volunteers in Scouting’ initiative to recruit and train competent adult volunteers in accordance with the Scouts’ World Adult Resources Policy. The Nepal Scouts also aim to enhance the image of the organization both nationally and internationally, maximize the use of information technology, develop partnerships with affiliated agencies and practice good public relations.
With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) was founded in 1920 by Robert Baden-Powell and has a worldwide membership exceeding 31 million. In honor of the founder of the Scout Movement, in 2007 Nepal renamed Urkema Peak in the Himalayas to Lord Baden-Powel Peak, launching a new trekking route incorporating the peak appropriately named the Lord Baden-Powell Route.
