The 78th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event: A Recap
The 78th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event brought BP Fellows and distinguished guests to Stockholm, Sweden, for a dynamic week of leadership dialogue, Scouting experiences, and celebration of a historic legacy while looking ahead to the future of the Foundation and World Scouting. From a vibrant opening at the Royal Swedish Opera, to conversations on building a peaceful and inclusive world, to engaging directly with approximately 2,000 Swedish Scouts in Hagaparken, the programme united a global community around a shared purpose: empowering young people through Scouting. To relive the event, watch our highlight video below.
The Opening Ceremony
The event officially opened on May 7 at the Royal Swedish Opera House, setting the tone with a sense of energy, friendship, and shared commitment.
BP Fellows from around the world were welcomed by the Honorary Chairman, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, alongside Beat Wenger, Chair of the World Scout Foundation; Göran Hägerdal, Chair of the Organising Committee (The Guides and Scouts of Sweden); and Nicole Gooderson, WSF Deputy CEO. Distinguished speaker Daniël Corsen, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, also gave an address.
In his welcome, Beat Wenger reflected on the spirit of the gathering and the importance of the week ahead:
“Whether you have come from just across the city or from the other side of the world, thank you for showing up with such energy, friendship, and commitment to Scouting.”
He also highlighted the significance of the moment, noting that, alongside fellowship and celebration, the event would honour the extraordinary legacy of His Majesty’s leadership over nearly five decades and its impact on Scouting's global reach.
The Leadership Seminar: A Peaceful and Inclusive World
On Friday, May 8, several hundred leaders, young changemakers, and representatives from across society gathered for the seminar A Peaceful and Inclusive World, initiated by His Majesty The King.
Through dialogue and reflection, participants explored leadership in a time defined by global uncertainty, focusing on peace, democracy, inclusion, and shared values.
In His opening address, His Majesty emphasised the enduring role of Scouting in equipping young people with the courage and skills to contribute to a better world:
“Scouting has already helped millions of young people, developing collaboration, courage, and the ability to take action. A peaceful and inclusive world is an ambitious goal. But when the world seems to be moving in the wrong direction, this goal becomes even more important. And there we are, the Scouts.”
A recurring theme throughout the day was the way Scouting creates spaces where people can meet across generations and backgrounds, strengthening understanding and trust. As young Swedish Scout Nikita Castillo reflected:
“You forget who you are sitting with once you start talking to one another. In the end, everyone is just Scouts sitting around the same campfire. We listen to each other, everyone gets to make their voice heard — and that is the essence of democracy.”
This sense of shared experience was echoed in reflections on Scouting’s long-term impact on individuals and communities. As Dr Andres Morales highlighted:
“Scouting is not an activity — it is a way of life. It is about personal development and inner security. It is a formative journey that shapes who they become.”
Across the seminar, a consistent message emerged: that peace and inclusion are built through relationships, dialogue, and the everyday practice of shared values — at every level of society.
The Swedish Evening
The programme continued with a Swedish Evening at the Grand Hôtel Stockholm, offering BP Fellows and participants an immersive celebration of Sweden’s culture, cuisine, and traditions.
Participants enjoyed a distinctly Swedish menu featuring seasonal and locally inspired dishes, while the hall itself transformed throughout the night. A vibrant light display, inspired by the colours of the Northern Lights, created a striking visual backdrop, shifting across the space and enhancing the sense of occasion.
Adding to the atmosphere, traditional Swedish singers performed from balconies within the hall, their voices weaving through the room and creating moments of surprise and connection as the evening unfolded.
Participants were also treated to outstanding performances by the a cappella group Pros & Cons, whose harmonies and energy brought a contemporary twist to the evening’s programme. Meanwhile, comedian Al Pitcher was a delightful MC and delivered a stand-up set that had the audience laughing to the point of tears!
Together, these elements created an experience that was both joyful and distinctly Swedish — bringing BP Fellows together in a spirit of celebration, connection, and shared cultural discovery.
Scout Day in Hagaparken
On Saturday, May 9, more than 600 BP Fellows and distinguished guests joined approximately 2,000 Swedish Scouts for Scout Day in Hagaparken, placing young people firmly at the centre of the week’s programme.
Scouts aged 8–15 competed in a range of activities—from knot-tying and nature knowledge to fire-making and memory challenges—testing both practical skills and teamwork.
His Majesty the King joined the celebrations to award prizes and reflect on the global spirit of the Movement:
“Never forget that you are never alone. Just here today, we are almost 2,000 scouts, but around the world, we are nearly 60 million. Sixty million Scout friends.”
Beyond the competitions, BP Fellows engaged directly with young Scouts, learning about Swedish Scouting and hearing about its impact first-hand.
At the end of the day, there was a wonderful surprise when, Mark Knippenberg, CEO of the World Scout Foundation, was awarded the Gustaf Adolf-märket by His Majesty, alongside David Berg, Stefan Mahlstein, and Stephen Peck. Julius Kramer, a Young BP Fellow, received the Silver Wolf award, while Andy Chapman was honoured with the Bronze Wolf award, the highest distinction awarded by the World Organization of the Scout Movement.
The Gala Dinner at Stockholm City Hall
The week culminated on the evening of May 9 with a gala dinner at Stockholm City Hall, bringing together BP Fellows, Scouts, and distinguished guests for a celebration of impact, service, and continuity.
A key moment of the event saw His Majesty announce that USD 9.6 million had been raised for the King’s Fund, which will open doors to Scouting across the globe, empower young leaders, and help build peace and inclusion where they're needed most. As a symbol of this extraordinary investment, His Majesty presented 9.6 million seeds to two, young Swedish Scouts.
In his remarks, His Majesty encouraged continued commitment to the Movement’s mission:
“Every young person we reach…helps build bridges and contributes to a more peaceful future.”
During the evening, His Majesty formally handed over the role of Honorary Chair of the World Scout Foundation to His Royal Highness The Grand Duke of Luxembourg, marking a significant transition for the Foundation and our BP Fellowship.
“It has been my honour to serve as an Honorary Chairman,” said His Majesty. “Please extend to [His Royal Highness] your generous support and Scout friendship.”
Now serving as Honorary Chair, His Royal Highness brings a lifelong connection to Scouting, having been a Scout since his formative years and an active member of the Foundation’s Board. In this role, he will work alongside BP Fellows, partners, and supporters to build on the strong momentum established over decades of leadership.
In a deeply symbolic moment, His Majesty was awarded the Gold Wolf award, “a unique distinction conferred only twice before,” said BP Fellow Craig Turpie, who co-presented the award, “first in 1917, by Lord Baden-Powell to His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, His Majesty’s maternal great-grandfather; and secondly, in 1953, to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her patronage of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom.”
It was presented jointly by The Scouts of the UK and Scouterna of Sweden, represented by BP Fellows Göran Hägerdal, Linn Ternefors and Craig Turpie, and UK Chief Volunteer Carl Hankinson. This award was a beautiful capstone to a night celebrating nearly 50 years of His Majesty’s service as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation and His transition to his new role of Honorary Founder.
A week of purpose, partnership, and shared commitment
From global dialogue on leadership to moments of connection with young people, the 78th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event demonstrated the enduring strength of the Scout Movement, and the vital role we have in enabling its impact worldwide.
Across the event, the growth and strength of the Baden-Powell Fellowship were powerfully reflected in the recognition of its members. We were delighted to welcome 16 Young Baden-Powell Fellows, 80 Baden-Powell Fellows, and 110 individuals progressing through the Honours Programme circles, each representing a deep commitment to expanding the impact of Scouting worldwide.
These milestones are a reminder that the BP Fellowship continues to grow through the dedication of individuals who believe in the transformative power of Scouting. As the Movement looks ahead to reaching even more young people, BP Fellows play a vital role in making that vision a reality.
If you are inspired by this work, we warmly invite you to consider joining the Baden-Powell Fellowship and become part of a global community committed to building a better world through Scouting. Click here for more information.
As a new chapter begins under the leadership of His Royal Highness Grand Duke Guillaume, the collective commitment of BP Fellows, partners, and supporters remains central to ensuring that even more young people, in more communities, can benefit from Scouting for generations to come.
Photo credits: Magnus Fröderberg, Jesper Landby, www.joakimke.se, Björn Wiklander
Video credit: Mario Mendoza, KAIT Studios