76th BP Fellowship Event a vibrant success!
Our 76th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event took place in stunning Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 25–28 October 2024, gathering over 150 Baden-Powell Fellows, guests, and Scouts, working in close cooperation with the Escoteiros do Brasil, the Scouts of Brazil.
Our guests enjoyed a dynamic and engaging programme designed to highlight the impact of Brazilian and international Scouting, honour our dedicated supporters, welcome new BP Fellows with our iconic Fellowship pin, celebrate World Scouting, share progress on the Foundation’s strategy, and showcase the 2024 Annual Appeal, to boost our collective support for World Scouting.
The 76th BP Fellowship Event was opened on Saturday morning, 26 October, by Rob Woolford, Chair of the World Scout Foundation (WSF) and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Knippenberg, welcoming BP Fellows to the first-ever event in South America and Brazil. They were followed by a special address by Ivan Nascimento, President of the Escoteiros do Brasil and a warm welcome from Mauricio Moutinho, President of the 75th RJ BP Air Scout Group, hosts of the Scout Activity; all introduced by Nicole Gooderson, WSF Deputy CEO. The event opening ended with the planting of a golden trumpet tree (ipê-amarelo) by the WSF Honorary Chairman, HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and two of the Group’s Cub Scouts as part of Brazil Scouts 2024 centennial initiative to plant 100,000 native trees. BP Fellows and their guests then joined a morning of activities led by the Scout Group on the themes of forest, cuisine and games!
We are the sum of millions of stories that, together, built the Scouts of Brazil. We take pride in our past and present, and we are confident that we are embarking on the next 100 years with the same determination to bring Scouting to even more children, teenagers, youth, and families. This meeting between the Scouts of Brazil and the World Scout Foundation has fostered a partnership that will allow us to expand into other schools in Salvador, increasing Scouting in vulnerable communities. The World Foundation, through its BP Fellows, transforms many dreams into reality and extends Scout support to those who need it most.” Ivan Nascimento, President, Escoteiros do Brasil
On the afternoon of 26 October, the 2024 Impact of Scouting Seminar featured four Scouts from Brazil, Honduras and Mexico who highlighted how Scouting had impacted their lives, the lives of young people around them and their communities. Luiza shared the immediate action of Scouts following devastating flooding in Rio Grande do Sul; Max spoke about a Scout-led initiative to support young people’s health and wellbeing; Salatiel outlined Scout outreach to vulnerable communities in Bahia State and beyond; and Obek shared how Scouts are facilitating increased access to education. The afternoon was threaded together by our Rio Scout MC, Gui Viana.
Our keynote speaker, Professor Claudia Costin, a leading expert in education, former Global Director of Education at the World Bank, former Secretary of Education for Rio de Janeiro, and a member of UNESCO's Institute for Lifelong Learning, spoke on the importance of free and equitable access to quality education, reflecting on Sustainable Development Goal 4, and how Scouting already responds to challenges and gaps in education, and aligns to global trends. She later joined a panel discussion alongside Chrissy Pollithy, Member of the World Scout Committee and World Scout Foundation Board, and Marcos Versteeg, co-founder of CPO and VIDI, moderated by Felipe Marqueis, WSF Manager, Individual Giving.
Together, they exchanged views on the skills Scouting instills in young people that serve them throughout their lives; how Scouting can help young people to respond to many of the most critical challenges facing young people today such as employability, social inequality, and climate change; the value of investing in Scouting to scale initiatives such as those shared by the Scout speakers; and the profound global impact made possible thanks to the steadfast support of BP Fellows and other donors to World Scouting, via the World Scout Foundation.
Scouting contributes to a number of SDGs from quality education to gender equality. (Scouts) accelerate change where it’s most needed in the world. And by being part of a global community, and by fundraising for a global community, and supporting it, you’re able to help where it’s most needed. You’re a catalyst that makes sure it doesn’t just “go where you know”, it goes where it’s most needed. [...] If you want to do good in the world, there are not a lot of other places where you can find that.” Chrissy Pollithy, Member of the World Scout Committee & World Scout Foundation Board
An animated audience Questions and Answers session followed with the panellists and Scout speakers. The Impact Seminar then turned to a focus on the 2024 Annual Appeal for World Scouting presented by WSF CEO Mark Knippenberg, followed by a call to action by Felipe Marqueis. Deputy CEO Nicole Gooderson closed the event, thanking BP Fellows for their support to date and recognising the Seminar speakers and team.
When we empower young people through Scouting, we drive lasting positive impact in communities around the World. That’s something we all believe in. And now, I’m asking you to help us to do even more. This is about changing the lives of these young people and making them ready for life! It’s about giving them the opportunity to learn, grow, and create a more peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world for us all. And I know that with your support, we can make that future a reality. Thank you so much for being here, for caring, and for making a difference. Let’s keep doing this together.” Mark Knippenberg, Chief Executive Officer, World Scout Foundation
In the evening, participants enjoyed a Brazilian-themed evening, looking out over the Guanabara Bay at the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain, which featured samba music and dancing, local specialities and recognition of the Escoteiros do Brasil — Brazil Scouts, Rio Scouts, a presentation of a Brazil Scouts’ centenary medal to the World Scout Foundation, thanks from the State President of Rio Grande do Sul for support during the 2024 flooding, and an ‘early’ BP Fellowship presentation.
Our programme continued on 27 October with local Rio de Janeiro tours to Corcovado, Copacabana, and Ipanema beaches, a community service project on São Conrado beach for Young BP Fellows and some BP Fellows, plus Rio de Janeiro Rover Scouts, and the 78th WSF Board Meeting.
On Sunday evening, the World Scout Foundation welcomed BP Fellows and guests to the Rio Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel to celebrate their remarkable support to World Scouting at the 76th Baden-Powell Fellowship Dinner.
Guests enjoyed bossa nova music throughout the evening by Rio de Janeiro quartet, Bossa Atlântica. Chair of the World Scout Foundation, Rob Woolford, gave the opening address, reflecting on his Scouting experience and the collective impact of the BP Fellowship.
Photos of the Fellowship Dinner and Recognitions may be found here.
Scouting has instilled in me, and my friends, the skills, values and attitudes that are increasingly important in the world today. We see time and time again how Scouts put these skills, values and attitudes into practice, including when disaster strikes or their communities are in need, and in times like this, Scouts symbolises the very best of international solidarity and friendship. Your continued support for Scouting, and your efforts to reach out to new BP Fellows will help ensure that more young people can thrive in Scouting in their communities around the world.” Rob Woolford, Chair of the World Scout Foundation
39 new Baden-Powell Fellows and 21 Members of the Honours Programme (comprising 7 couples and 7 individuals) were recognised by WSF Honorary Chairman, HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, and Chair Rob Woolford.
CEO Mark Knippenberg then led special recognition for two special individuals associated with World Scouting and the World Scout Foundation. Participants rose to acknowledge outgoing Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Ahmad Alhendawi, a BP Fellow and Honours Programme Member, ex-officio Member of the WSF Board since 2017 and champion of World Scouting.
Ahmad Alhendawi has led the transformation of World Scouting, expanding its global reach to serve over 57 million young people in 176 National Scout Organizations, with vibrant global educational initiatives, strengthened youth representation at the highest levels, expanded global services, and innovative global events and activities. He led the Movement through successes and challenges, including the global pandemic, to a point where Scouting numbers have recovered and are again thriving. Ahmad, we welcome your continued association with the Foundation as a BP Fellow and Honours Programme Member and wish you every happiness and great success in all of your future endeavours.” Mark Knippenberg, WSF Chief Executive Officer
Mark then led a tribute to Margot Bogert, long-standing BP Fellow, Regal Circle Member, champion of Scouting for all, and Board Member for 31 years, which was followed by a presentation of a special certificate by HM The King of Sweden and Rob Woolford. Full tribute here.
A champion of international Scouting, she has come to be known, in particular, for her support for Scout community development and Scouting for all — ensuring that children from all backgrounds and abilities can experience Scouting. Margot became a member of the World Baden-Powell Fellowship in 1982, and she has given generously and continuously to World Scouting alongside her husband Jerry Bogert. [...] She joined the WSF Board in 1992 as our first female Board Member, supporting the Foundation’s governance and fundraising over decades. At her request, Margot moved to the Life Member Category of the Board as of October 2023. [...] A phenomenal and courageous trailblazer, with a heart of gold. We love you for your straight-talking, your no-nonsense attitude and because you always walk the talk — Margot, you’re a true Scout.” Mark Knippenberg, WSF Chief Executive Officer
Mark Knippenberg then reflected on the 47 years of leadership and support by WSF Honorary Chairman, HM The King of Sweden, known by over 57 million Scouts globally as The Scout King!
During His closing address, His Majesty The King of Sweden reflected on his special and close relationship with Brazil. And how special it was to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Brazilian Scout Association. He thanked all present for sharing their stories and reminding everyone how Scouting transforms lives and called on BP Fellows to continue driving the efforts to ensure more young people can experience Scouting.
The principle of kindness was something I experienced when I joined the Scouts about 70 years ago. It did not take long before I realised that Scouting is so much more than tying knots, lighting a campfire, or navigation on a map through the woods. It is about engagement — the desire to be part of something greater, to stand up for one another, and to make a difference in the world. [...] I encourage you to do everything you can to support Scouts worldwide. In doing so, the Scout Movement will continue to serve even more young people and their communities.” HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation
The last day of the event featured an active Update Session for BP Fellows including progress on the Foundation’s strategy by CEO Mark Knippenberg, overcoming barriers to donating, input on a revised recognition model, and a panel discussion on key funding priorities for the new triennium and the work of the Foundation and its role in providing resources to World Scouting, animated by Pani — Javier Paniagua Petisco, featuring panellists Beat Wenger, WSF Chair-Elect; Daniel Corsen, World Scout Committee Chairperson; and WOSM Secretary General, Ahmad Alhendawi. The event was closed by WSF Chair Rob Woolford.
The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Escoteiros do Brasil, in particular to the staff and volunteers who worked incredibly hard to prepare and deliver the event, in addition to three colleagues from the World Scout Bureau, working alongside the small Foundation Team in Rio and working from afar in Switzerland.
Above all, we are deeply appreciative of the unwavering support of all our BP Fellows worldwide. We could not do this without you and value every single gift.
For Scouting. For Good. Together.
Various media will continue to be shared in the coming days and weeks with participants via our website and social media.
Photo Credits: World Scout Foundation, João Pedro Oban, M. Hocherman, V. Ortega.