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The Salvation Army in Russia>News>Scouts of the Salvation Army from Russia join the Scout Jamboree in France
21.08.2019
Scouts of the Salvation Army from Russia join the Scout Jamboree in France

In 2019, the scouting movement of the Salvation Army in France turned 100 years old, and in Belgium — 90 years old!

The leaders of the scout movement of the Salvation Army in Russia become participants in the 10-day jamboree (rally of scouts) dedicated to the celebration of these round dates.

More than 400 people from different countries gathered together in the suburbs of Paris in order to inspire each other, share experiences and, of course, get to know each other and have a good time.

Scouts of the Salvation Army from Russia join the Scout Jamboree in France

All the participants lived in tents and gathered in the evenings around the fire. We talked about our country and the Salvation Army in Russia, taught foreign scouts to play “Trickle” and “Golden Gate”, participated and won the competition, together were afraid of heights in the rope park, conducted master classes on painting nesting dolls, gathered a huge balalaika from logs participated in the fair. For a week we lived a real scout life!

We felt a special unity on the day when all the participants arrived in the center of Paris in the same T-shirts. We walked to the Eiffel Tower, shouting friendly chants from different countries.

Major David Vandebelg (Youth Secretary of France and Belgium Territory) shared his testimony. He spoke about the impact of scouting on the young people of the territory. Many who first became acquainted with the Army came to the church precisely through the scout program, as did many officers!

Philippe Clement (national leader of the Scout movement in France and Belgium Territory) was awarded the founder’s order (the highest order of the Salvation Army) for serving young people through the Scout program for 40 years, for his contribution to the social and spiritual development of children and youth.

Scouting is a multifaceted movement, good for many, but especially for children and youth. In our Command, we offer safe classes that help build character and change lives for the better, so that as adults, young people can become responsible persones who actively participate in society.

Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell (founder of the scouting movement) in his last letter to the scouts wrote: “The main thing that you should try to do is bring happiness to other people's lives.”

The scouts of the Salvation Army hold this position today.

We believe that through the scout movement, people's lives will change.

Our national tie of scouts consists of the same colors as the flag of the Salvation Army (yellow, blue, red), which reflects our faith in the Triune God.

Report: lieutenant Julia Krasova

Scouts in France, August 2019

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