Successful 75th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event
The 75th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event, took place in the spectacular Swiss Alps, 5–8 October 2023, bringing together over 250 Baden-Powell Fellows, guests and Scouts in Kandersteg, Switzerland, as part of the centennial celebrations of Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), the World Scout Centre, and in cooperation with the Swiss Guide and Scout Movement.
The Foundation delivered an exciting and diverse programme for all participants to discover the impact of Swiss and international Scouting; recognise valued supporters and present new BP Fellows with the iconic Fellowship pin; celebrate the KISC Centenary; learn about progress on the Foundation’s strategy; and launch the Foundation’s 2023 Annual Appeal to drive more support for World Scouting.
The 75th BP Fellowship Event was opened on Friday morning, 6 October, by HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, Chair* of the World Scout Foundation, Mark Knippenberg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Philippe Moser and Cristina Egli, Co-Presidents of the Swiss Guide and Scout Movement; Barbara Jost, Mayor of Kandersteg; Aidan Jones, Chair of the KISC Committee, and Jack Higgins, KISC Director; introduced by Nicole Gooderson, Deputy CEO of the World Scout Foundation. The Opening session ended with a flag break and group photo, then guests joined KISC-led Scout activities around the grounds and campsite
A place where bravery, tolerance, compassion and friendship can thrive, where Scouts of the world can come together and feel like they belong together. A place that feels like home.” Philippe Moser, Co-President of the Swiss Guide and Scout Movement, reflecting on the apt description of KISC by the Founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell.
Philippe Moser and Cristina Egli warmly welcomed BP Fellows to Switzerland and spoke passionately about local Scouting, sharing news of their most recent national Jamboree in 2022, for 30,000 Scouts; of the study undertaken at this Jamboree underlining the strong link from Scouting to life-skills; and sharing about the 20% growth of the Swiss Guide and Scout Movement over the last seven years.
On the afternoon of 6 October, the 2023 Impact of Scouting Seminar was held at the Kandersteg Gemeindesaal, highlighting both the impact of Scouting and the importance and impact of the unwavering support of BP Fellows. Nicole Gooderson opened the proceedings, which featured an opening address by HRH Prince Guillaume, then words of welcome and a reflection on the historic ties between Kandersteg and Scouting by Barbara Jost. Moving inputs from Scouts speakers followed to underline the impact of Scouting — Gidds Bambaga from Uganda, a former KISC staff member or “Pinkie”; Lisa Strehlke from Switzerland; Yossr Baaziz from Tunisia; and Edward Nyamwera from Malawi, all MC-ed by Maria Florencia “Flor” Cagliero, KISC Centenary Project Assistant and also the International Commissioner of Argentina and a Youth Representative of WOSM.
A panel discussion followed the hugely inspiring stories, featuring Dr Nina Ferencic, UNICEF, Senior Regional Adviser on Adolescent Health, Development and Participation and Andy Chapman, Chairperson of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and facilitated by Tania Roach, a BP Fellow and Director of Marketing and Fundraising for WWF Germany. Dr Ferencic spoke to the immediate actions of Scouts in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help support fleeing refugees, especially children, when war broke out in February 2022, highlighting the phenomenal U-Act project with the European Scout Region and the Scouts Diary, which captures so many moving stories of Scouts.
It was a fantastic project and the stories from the field tell us how important this was for the arriving refugees but also for the host communities”, says Dr Nina Ferencic, UNICEF Senior Regional Adviser on Adolescent Health, Development and Participation, speaking about the swift Scout mobilisation to assist refugees fleeing the war.
“After the first initial response faded, the Scouts were still there, and to this day they are still there at the borders. […] UNICEF set up “Blue dots”, safe spaces at the borders where a refugee can get access to immediate information and some guidance to make sure that, for example, the children arriving unaccompanied are able to be registered, to be given some real safety and protection. And for the Blue dots, the biggest partner we had, the people in the blue dots, were Scouts, and that gave the blue dots a level of humanity, legitimacy and caring, that was quite extraordinary.”
An animated audience Questions and Answers session followed with the panellists and Scout speakers. The Impact Seminar then saw the launch of the World Scout Foundation 2023 Annual Appeal, presented by Mischa Rychener, Director of Philanthropy and Felipe Marqueis, Associate, Philanthropy, who underlined examples of how to participate and recognised some of the BP Fellows who are supporting via friend-raising, sponsoring a personal event on behalf of the Foundation and planned giving. CEO Mark Knippenberg closed the event thanking BP Fellows for their support to date and inviting everyone to join the appeal.
“No matter how you choose to support World Scouting, whether via a contribution toward your open pledge or an additional gift, we warmly encourage you to keep contributing so more young people can develop as resilient, active citizens who are empowered to lead meaningful action in their local communities, worldwide.” Mark Knippenberg, Chief Executive Officer, World Scout Foundation
In the evening, participants enjoyed pre-dinner drinks generously offered by the Municipality of Kandersteg and then joined a Swiss-themed KISC Centenary Dinner held in the Kanderlodge. The President of the Municipal Council, René Maeder, presented WSF Honorary Chairman, HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden with a special gift to sponsor two Scouts from Sweden to visit KISC, HRH Prince Guillaume delivered a stirring address on what KISC imparts on all who visit it, and Aidan Jones and Jack Higgins then spoke to the KISC goals set for the Centenary and successfully met throughout 2023.
The programme during the day on 7 October featured Kandersteg tours for BP Fellows, a series of community service projects on the KISC campsite for 31 Young BP Fellows, BP Fellows and three accompanying Swiss Rover Scouts, who worked on a landslide project, the restoration of pathways, the Africa region campfire, tree planting, reseeding and vegetation maintenance. The 76th Foundation Board Meeting took place concurrently at the Waldhotel Doldenhorn and among many decisions, approved the new Chair, Rob Woolford and the new Chair Elect, Beat Wenger
On Saturday evening, the World Scout Foundation welcomed BP Fellows and guests to the Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria to celebrate their remarkable support to World Scouting at the 75th Baden-Powell Fellowship Dinner.
Guests enjoyed a majestic Alphorn performance by the Kandersteg Alphorn group Echo vo Fründe (“Echo from friends”) during the reception, then music by local Swiss singer-songwriter and Young BP Fellow, Fabienne Hostettler, who performed both original compositions and arrangements of popular Swiss and international songs.
HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, Chair* of the World Scout Foundation, gave the opening address, reflecting on his two-year term as Chair which he was concluding at the Gala Dinner. He spoke to Scouting’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the largest youth-led contribution, as well as the modernisation of the Foundation during this period and strong bond with the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, saying “I feel very honoured to have had this opportunity to serve World Scouting.”
Without your support, without your passion for Scouting, without your efforts of outreach to new potential members, we would be nowhere. We can’t do this without you. Scouts! Always “Be prepared”. HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, Chair* of the World Scout Foundation
Fredrik Gottleib was then presented with the Bronze Wolf, the highest honour bestowed by the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which recognises the outstanding service, commitment, and contributions of volunteers to the Scout Movement.
59 new Baden-Powell Fellows and 31 Members of the Honours Programme (comprising couples and individuals) were then officially presented by HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation and HRH Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg.
An initiative to increase the number of Young BP Fellows was launched, and BP Fellows rose to the challenge, generously pledging donations.
Mark Knippenberg, CEO, warmly thanked the Pinkies (staff members at KISC), the Swiss Guide and Scout Movement, the Municipality of Kandersteg and distinguished guests, which included Martin Candinas, President of the National Council of Switzerland; Adolf Ogi, former president of Switzerland and former UN envoy, from Kandersteg; Barbara Jost, Mayor of Kandersteg; and René Maeder, President of the Municipality Council of Kandersteg. He then invited the Swiss Scout volunteers who had supported the entire event to be recognised on stage by HM The King and HRH Prince Guillaume.
During His closing address, His Majesty The King of Sweden reflected on His Golden Jubilee and fifty years on the Swedish throne, and his Scouting journey over the last seventy years. He reflected on the fantastic days shared in Kandersteg, 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.
Thanks to my years in the Scouts, I see how important value-based leadership is. Both for the individual and his or her personal development, but also for the opportunity to do good in society. Scouting is a universal language that knows no boundaries. I am happy to see the Movement growing. Still, to support Scouting and spread this strong organisation, we have to do much more — and continue our efforts every day! So, as we celebrate the BP Fellows here tonight, I challenge you to continue doing all you can to reach our goals. You are doing a great job!” HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation
The last day of the event featured an active Strategy Session for BP Fellows for an update on the Foundation’s strategy, progress on the next Strategy for Scouting for WOSM, and exchanges on how to improve the Foundation’s fundraising making best use of its strong network and motivated BP Fellows.
The Event was closed by the new World Scout Foundation Chair, Rob Woolford, who evoked memories of the past days spent in beautiful Kandersteg and rallied BP Fellows to get more actively involved in the Foundation’s strategy, annual appeal and ongoing activities.
The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the KISC Committee and staff, and the Swiss Scout and Guide Movement, who worked incredibly hard to prepare and deliver the event alongside the Foundation Team. Most of all, we are deeply appreciative of the unwavering support of all our Baden-Powell Fellows worldwide. We could not do this without you and value every single gift.
For Scouting. For Good. Together.
Various media will be shared in the coming days and weeks with participants via our website and social media.
Photo Credits: World Scout Foundation, M.de Hoog, D.Moreira, V.Ortega, S. Tschanz
* HRH Prince Guillaume completed his two-year term as Chair on the evening of 7 October and is now the Immediate Past Chair, with a seat on the Executive Committee of the Board of the World Scout Foundation.