Kenya Represented at the 14th World Scout Moot in Canada

Quebec, Canada

The 14th World Scout Moot (Moot Canada 2013) was jointly hosted by the

L’Association des Scouts du Canada and Scouts Canada at the Awacamenj Mino

Scout Camp in Low, Quebec from 8th to 18th August 2013. This was the first

time the Moot was held in North America and it came after Kenya Scouts

Association successfully hosted the 13th World Scout Moot in 2010 for the first

time in Africa.

Awacamenj Mino camp is located on Algonquin ancestral lands, and its name

means “better than best”. The aim of the moot was to familiarize participants

with the traditions of Canada’s First Nations which are very much a part of the

Scout Movement in Canada. The First Nations symbols were present throughout

the moot and were reflected in the dream catcher, talking stick and totem pole;

which are part of the moot logo.

The moot used a system of activities aimed at enabling participants to acquire

skills and knowledge that will make them easier to take on adult roles and

assume responsibilities in society. The activities were based on the scout method

and addressed global issues pertinent to the participants’ age group. The

educational objectives were to promote openness to others, provide an

opportunity for personal development, foster awareness and discussion among

participants about world issues, inspire initiatives and projects in participants’

own countries, teach ways to better assume leadership roles, and to discover

Canada

The moot brought together approximately 2,300 participants and 500 volunteers

from 82 countries across globe for the 10-day experience. Kenya was represented

by Nelson Ochieng Opany. Africa Scout Region was represented by 41

participants and IST members from 5 countries namely: Kenya-1, Cameroon-1,

Namibia-3, Zimbabwe-3 and Angola-33.

The programme of activities for the moot was designed along four different route

paths (life path, eco-responsible path, adventure path and culture path) that

participants had earlier selected during their registration process. Activities

included onsite (water sports like canoeing, sailing and swimming, excursions and

climbing), offsite (service activities in low, hikes, biking, excursions etc), social-

cultural and religious activities.

Other activities included a 2-day urban experience in different cities of Canada,

multi cultural day and a youth parliamentary simulation at the parliament of

Ottawa. The global development village was also conducted under the themes:

human beings and their environment, human beings and themselves and human

beings and other human beings.

The moot provided an opportunity to develop friendships that would last a

lifetime. Ever since the first jamborees in the early 20th century, music and

dance have been important expressions of brotherhood and peace among the

participants. For this reason, the moot provided spaces to get together, take in

shows, sing and dance.

A special reunion of the participants and IST members from the previous moot in

Kenya was also organized. This provided an opportunity for them to recollect the

memories of their “ultimate discovery” in Kenya three years ago. They reunited

with with stories, photo session, music and dance. Wonderful moments of

laughter were shared and the spirit of brotherhood rekindled.

The 15th World Scout Moot will take place in the Republic of Iceland from 25th

July to 2nd August 2017 under the banner “Change: Inspired by Iceland”. Iceland

promises another interesting experience for everyone, and all are invited to plan

to attend.

The 14th World Scout Moot, deservedly termed as the “ultimate gathering of

tribes, where different races meet together to once again learn to speak to each

other, heart-to-heart” by the elders of the Canadian First Nations was truly a

memorable experiences for all who took part. Very many new friendships were

formed, lots of experiences shared, lessons learned and discoveries made.

Despite the challenges that came with it, especially with regard to acquisition of

Visas for participants, it was a worthy and very enriching experience. Focus now

shifts to Iceland, which will host the next edition of the Moot. Hope to see you

there!

Nelson Ochieng Opany-Kenya