Successful 74th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event!
The 74th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event, held in Dublin, Ireland, 21–24 April 2022, has come to a successful close having engaged close to 200 of our Baden-Powell Fellows, Scouts and guests in a dynamic programme to highlight the impact of Scouting worldwide; discover the vitality and passion behind local Scouting in Ireland; enjoy local sights and hospitality; and recognise all those who have given valued support to World Scouting at a stunning Fellowship Dinner.
The Impact of Scouting Seminar on 22 April, held in the historic Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin, highlighted both the impact of Scouting and the importance and impact of the unwavering support of BP Fellows. World Scout Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mark Knippenberg, together with the Director of Engagement, Nicole Gooderson, opened the proceedings, underscoring how delighted the Foundation was to finally meet in person to drive more support for World Scouting. The Seminar, MC-ed by Irish Rover Scout, Nora Smith, featured a message of support from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, and then incredible stories of Scout action for impact in the east of Germany, Argentina, Croatia, locally in Ireland and in Ukraine and further afield via Scout Humanitarian Action, introducing two live Irish Scout speakers, Lydia Keating and Jack Horgan, plus Ukrainian Scout and World Scout Committee member, Nika Gorovska, who shared their personal Scouting experiences with a captive and visibly moved audience.
A panel discussion followed the hugely inspiring stories, focusing on the importance of support for more quality Scouting to give more young people from all communities worldwide the opportunity to become Scouts. The panel comprised Mark Knippenberg, Scout speakers Lydia, Jack and Nika, and World Scout Committee Chairperson, Andy Chapman, and was moderated by WOSM Secretary General, Ahmad Alhendawi. An animated Questions and Answers session followed, then an informal opportunity for networking with all of the attendees.
In the evening, BP Fellows split up and were hosted for Dublin Scout Dinners by 17 dedicated Scout Groups from across Dublin. Reports abounded of hearty and delicious Irish-themed dinners, stories, campfires, activities and songs, thanks to the dedicated local Scout hosts.
The programme during the day on 23 April featured Dublin tours for BP Fellows, a vibrant community service project on North Bull Island for 24 Young BP Fellows and accompanying Irish Rover Scouts who worked on an ecosystems initiative to remove an invasive species of plant, and the 73rd Foundation Board Meeting, which importantly endorsed the first Foundation Strategy framework and approved the nomination of the Chair Elect, Rob Woolford, amongst many other decisions.
On Saturday evening, the World Scout Foundation welcomed BP Fellows and guests to magnificent Christ Church Cathedral to celebrate their remarkable support to World Scouting at the 75th Baden-Powell Fellowship Dinner.
Guests were treated performances by the Organist and Choir of Christ Church Cathedral including the 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Messiah, composed by Handel in Dublin, and by Ann Tuite, Harpist, Singer and Composer, who played a selection of traditional airs and melodies during the reception in the Crypt and the dinner in the Nave.
HRH The Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, Chair of the World Scout Foundation, gave the opening address, highlighting the vital role of the Foundation in strengthening the impact of Scouting worldwide and referring to the Scout actions underlined at the Impact of Scouting. He commented on the more than 2.5 billion hours of service delivered by Scouts to their communities since 2013 and also led a touching tribute to his grandfather Grand Duke Jean, the much-loved former Chief Scout of Luxembourg, who had “gone home” three years to the day. HRH Prince Guillaume concluded by thanking Scouting Ireland for their support to host the 74th Fellowship event.
32 new Baden-Powell Fellows and 22 Members of the Honours Programme (comprising couples and individuals) were then officially presented by His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation and HRH The Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, Chair. BP Fellows and guests also congratulated new Regal Circle Members — three couples and one individual — who had been recognised at an exquisite Regal Circle Dinner on 21 April, generously hosted in Dublin Castle by Board Member Siegfried Weiser.
During His closing address, His Majesty The King of Sweden reflected on countless actions by millions of Scouts worldwide to serve and assist others in need, including recent cyclones across Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and the outstanding humanitarian actions of Scouts in support of Ukraine saying, “their actions are testimony to the true values of Scouting”, and expressing pride that the global Scout movement has been able to support them in the greatest of solidarity. He noted how the World Scout Foundation had stood with Scouts throughout each of these challenges, thanks to the continued support of the BP Fellows:
“Your commitment, and Scouts’ actions, fill me with hope. After 45 years serving as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation, believe me, when I say, that Scouting is a possible solution to so many of the world’s challenges. I am delighted to be able to personally recognise so many new Baden-Powell Fellows and Honours Programme Members this evening .[…] You help to give young people the skills, confidence and values to change the world for the better.” HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation
The last day of the event featured an active Information Session for BP Fellows on “Momentum for Scouting” to learn about and participate in round table talks on ways to support the Foundation’s new strategy. HRH The Crown Prince of Luxembourg, Foundation Chair; Mark Knippenberg, CEO and Jo Deman, Vice-Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, took questions from BP Fellows on the Strategy framework and ambitious goals to raise more support by 2030 and the Foundation team committed to deepening its dialogue and engagement with BP Fellows to work together to drive more support for World Scouting.
The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the Scouting Ireland Board and team members, who worked incredibly hard to prepare and deliver the event alongside the Foundation Team. The Foundation additionally recognises the kind support of Meet in Ireland and of local event organiser Deidre Quinn.
Above all, we are deeply appreciative of the unfaltering support of all our Baden-Powell Fellows worldwide. Every single gift from every single BP Fellow makes an impact. You are helping young people to become active citizens; you are developing their leadership skills and empowering change. The results are simply stunning. Thank you.
We look forward to meeting in 2023 in Kandersteg for the 75th Annual Baden-Powell Fellowship Event and Centenary of Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC).
Various media from Dublin will be shared in the coming days and weeks with participants via our website and social media. The gallery below contains a first small selection of photographs.
Photo Credits: World Scout Foundation, V. Ortega, R. Kenny, B. Beese, G. Archer.