World Scout Day 2016, 22nd February 2016

MESSAGE FROM MR TAN CHENG KIONG 

CHIEF SCOUT COMMISSIONER SINGAPORE SCOUT ASSOCIATION 

1. As we celebrate World Scout Day today, we must remind ourselves of the vison of Scouting - To Build a Better World, and our motto – Be Prepared. When our founder Lord Baden Powell started the Scout Movement more than a hundred years ago, he wrote a training manual “Scouting For Boys” to prepare boys to be responsible citizens who are ready to serve. As Scouts, we must contribute towards efforts to make the world a better place.

2. In November last year, as part of our SG50 International Jamboree, more than 2,500 local and international Scouts engaged the community to Keep Singapore Clean. We also launched the “One Million Good Acts” initiative where we have pledged to collectively do one million good deeds for the community this year.

3. I would like to encourage all Scouts to make service to others a habit. You can start by being observant about your environment so that you will be prepared to meet the needs of the people around you. As an individual, you can do simple acts such as helping your teachers to carry the class workbooks to the staffroom. You can also contribute in your family by washing the dishes after every meal. As a group in your patrols, sixes or units, you can commit to making a larger difference in the community as part of your Values in Action (VIA) programme in your school. For example, as you read media reports of Dengue cases rising this year, you can sign up for the public health training programme conducted by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and share your knowledge of mosquito breeding and prevention with the residents around your school.

4 Take a picture of your service and upload them with the hashtag “One Good Deed a Day 2016” on the Singapore Scout Association Facebook page. This can inspire others to likewise serve the community. These acts of service will count towards our One Million Good Acts initiative.

5 I would like to thank School Leaders, Teachers and Volunteers for the strong support you have given to the Scout Movement and for your dedication in mentoring our Scouts. I urge you to press on with your good work in developing our boys and girls holistically. I wish all of you a Happy World Scout Day, 2016.

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World Scout Day 2016 @ Henry Park Park Primary