Scouts of China Sunday April 15, 2012 ; Taipei City, Taiwan R.O.C.
Scouts in Taiwan experiencing the "Ultimate Water Challenge, 20th World Water Day" to advocate the importance of water to the public The Ultimate Water Challenge requires the challengers to take little drinking water (100c.c.) for a duration of 10 hours, in order to experience the condition of lacking clean drinking water. The event is the first of its kind in Taiwan, and sponsored by environment foundation of 3M Taiwan which has been promoting awareness of the sustainable water resource through public events and donation to local environmental NGO's. This year, Scouts of China is first time invited as event partner to bring attention to the youth. The NSO designated 2012 as First year of World Scout Environment Programme, and also actively establishing partnership with government agencies, institution and NGO/NPO in the related fields of work. During this event, due to the potential risk of impact on the body condition, only scouts older than 15 years old are accepted to challenge; however, younger scouts are welcome to attend and experience "no drinking water" for 2 hours.
The event was held at the Taipei City Water Museum Park where provide great venue in drinking water education activity in the heart of Taipei city. In order to encourage and recognize the effort in participating the challenge, we also designed the unique patch for scouts, with the yellow background as dry earth and the logo of WSEP as young plant which watered by the passion of the Scouts. As one of the event for the 20th World Water Day in Taiwan, the event gets high profile attention by the news media while the scouts is the only youth group on the spot demonstrating active support in caring the water issue.
Participants registered early in the morning at 7:00, then take 100c.c. of drinking water followed by bag check for any liquid before entering the main stage area. We are happy to see friends and families of the scouts also participate and enjoy the educational programs provided by the organizer through out the challenge. We have learned from the presentation by the environmental group on animal habitat conservation about protecting an endangered local tree frog during its breeding season and these information gives scouts a better understanding about the ecological issues in the community. The famous extreme sports icon in Taiwan who crossed the Sahara Desert on foot also share his experience during his own extreme challenge not only how the water affect his body condition, he also participated the well drilling project with the local
Scouts of China tribal people understanding how scarce the water is in that region. This presentation widen our scope of understanding in different places on the Earth, thus see more of the value of water in our own country. There was also a great documentary film about the life of the rivers through Taipei city and the condition as how we should be aware the change of the water quality affecting our own life and the nature environment.
In the afternoon, came the special guests who were the famous stars in a block buster movie "Seediq Bale" which covers a great story about a Taiwan aborigines tribe fighting Japanese occupation. They come to share their tradition in respecting nature and how they survive in the forest in keeping water resource. Scouts learn these ancient knowledge with whole heart and great respect as being active in the wilderness we understand much more than the general public in this aspect.
There is a true surprise to learn that the Chairman of 3M Taiwan, Mr. Paul Kim, was also an honored LIFE Scout on BSA and also an Order of the Arrow fellow. He is a true testimony of "Once a Scout, Always a Scout", and during his career he also care a lot about the sustainability of the environment as well as the social responsibility. He also expressed excitement seeing local scouts are present to support his efforts in promoting the environmental awareness and educating the public.
With the goal in implementing WSEP in Taiwan, Scout of China will be actively working with the responsible enterprises as partners to influence the youth and their family to become the brave warriors in creating a better environment like the aborigines people in protecting their home. With the passion of scouts we shall reach out and act as an Earth citizen to keep our environment truly sustainable.
The Count Down Scouts pledging Down