14TH WORLD SCOUT MOOT REPORT 8th-18th August 2013, CANADA
A Report of the Kenyan Representative NELSON OCHIENG OPANY
14TH WORLD SCOUT MOOT, CANADA 2013
PREAMBLE Introduction The 14th World Scout Moot (Moot Canada 2013) was jointly hosted by the L’Association des Scouts du Canada and Scouts du Canada at the Awacamenj Mino Scout Camp in Low, Quebec from 8th to 18th August 2013. This was the first time the Moot was held in North America and it came after Kenya Scouts Association successfully hosted the 13th World Scout Moot in 2010 for the first time in Africa. Educational Objectives The moot used a system of activities aimed at enabling participants to acquire skills and knowledge that will make them easier to take on adult roles and assume responsibilities in society. The activities were based on the scout method and addressed global issues pertinent to the participants’ age group. The educational objectives were: • • • • • •
Promote openness to others Provide an opportunity for personal development Foster awareness and discussion among participants about world issues Inspire initiatives and projects in participants’ own countries Teach ways to better assume leadership roles Discover Canada
Symbolism of Canada’s First Nations The Awacamenj Mino camp is located on Algonquin ancestral lands, and its name means “better than best”. The objective of the moot was to familiarize participants with the traditions of Canada’s First Nations which are very much a part of the Scout Movement in Canada. The First Nations symbols were present throughout the moot and were reflected in the following three items; which are part of the moot logo. Dream Catchers This consists of a wood ring, a net with a hole in the middle symbolizing a spider’s web, and decorations (pearls, feathers etc). legend has it that an elder once suggested to a woman who had been suffering from nightmares that she should hang a spider’s web inside a circle, and decorate it with a pearl and a feather in order to trap her nightmares and let other dreams through. During the moot participants had an opportunity to make their own dream catchers and reflect on their experiences through objects symbolizing their own adventure. Talking Stick Talking sticks are used by First Nations in ceremonial circles to give every individual a chance to talk. The person holding the stick gets to talk without being interrupted until he or she passes it on to the person to the left. It is a symbol of harmony, sharing and respect. In patrols, participants got an opportunity to make, decorate and practice using the talking stick. Totem Pole On Canada’s west coast, First Nations once erected cedar poles into which they engraved stylish images of interlaced mystical creatures and mythical animals, some of which were painted, depicting their history, culture and exploits. During the Moot, a large pole was sculptured with country names and other engravings to tell participants’ story and exploits. The pole will be erected to commemorate the Moot for future generations visiting Awacamenj Mino Camp. Moot Canada 2013 Theme Song: “One Thought” Elders are talking throughout this land Talking about Awacamenj Mino Do you hear them, can you hear them calling If you’re ready then it’s time to go I say Nanananana Come on everybody Nanananana Scream! Oh oh, we can make a difference Oh oh, pour un monde meilleur Oh oh, j’ai dit tout le monde debout Cause all it really takes… Is one thought! It doesn’t matter what language you speak Ca change rien non plus d’ou tu viens
All that matters is that you are here with me Et ensemble on vas faire du bien J’ai dit nanananana Come on everybody Nanananana Scream! Oh oh, we can make a difference Oh oh, pour un monde meilleur Oh oh, j’ai dit tout le monde debout Cause all it really takes… Is one thought! Music composed by Michel Benac PARTICIPATION The participants arrived in Canada on 7th August and were hosted at the University of Ottawa off-campus student residences (90 University). The International Service Team however came in 3 days earlier just to get ready to receive the participants. The moot brought together approximately 2,300 participants and 500 volunteers from 82 countries across globe for the 10 day experience. Kenya had only one participant, Nelson Ochieng Opany, after other members of the team were denied visa to travel to Canada. Africa Scout Region was represented by 41 participants and IST members from 5 countries namely: Kenya-1, Cameroon-1, Namibia-3, Zimbabwe-3 and Angola-33.
African participants at the 14th World Scout Moot
OPENING CEREMONY On the morning of the 8th of August, the Scouts adorned in their different uniforms marched across the streets of Ottawa to Parliament Hill for the Moot opening ceremony. The podium was symbolically set below the Peace Tower overlooking the lush green lawns infront of the Parliament of Ottawa. The chief guest was His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, the Chief Scout of L’Association des Scouts du Canada and Patron of Scouts Canada. Also in attendance was Mr. John Neysmith, a member of the World Scout Committee, Nicolas Gavin the President of the 14th World Scout Moot among others. In his opening remarks, the Governor General urged the participants to embrace an open mind and allow themselves to discover new friendships and experiences during the moot, for minds like parachutes only work best when open. Some of the key highlights of the opening ceremony included: • • • •
The flag parade and introduction of all participating countries Speeches and opening remarks Reaffirmation of the Scouts Promise and commitment by both participants and Service Team. Handing over of the WOSM flag from Kenya Scouts Association, hosts of the 13th World Scout Moot by Nelson Opany to Scouts Canada, hosts of the 14th World Scout Moot represented by Michel-Olivier Matte
Nelson on flag parade.
Nelson handing over the WOSM flag Michel-Olivier of Canada
Upon completion of the ceremony, participants were treated to a majestic display of the change of guard by the Canadian Military after which the military band led them in a short distance street march before they boarded the iconic yellow and black school buses for a one and a half hour drive to Awacamenj Mino Scout Camp; their home for the duration of the Moot. THE VENUE: SCOUT CAMP AWACAMENJ MINO The Awacamenj Mino camp is located on Algonquin ancestral lands, and its name means “better than best”. The camp is situated within a beautiful surrounding of a natural coniferous forest with a sizeable lake within it. the camp provided a very ideal location for camping and fields for activities. Basic facilities like toilets and fresh water available in all parts of the camp, however the single bathroom block was insufficient. Accessibility to the
camp requires good knowledge of the driving trails or one could end up getting lost in the massive forest.
OPENING SHOW After dinner on the first day, participants and IST gathered at the shores of the lake to witness an opening show led by an elder of the Canadian First Nations. The show involved an introduction to the history of the First Nations as symbolized by the Moot logo, traditional music and drumming and also a canoe flag parade on the lake. There after the participants were treated to a live music concert by a Canadian Musician.
MOOT PROGRAMME Route Paths The programme of activities for the moot was designed along four different route paths that participants had earlier selected during their registration process. Activities included onsite (water sports like canoeing, sailing and swimming, excursions and climbing), offsite (service activities in low, hikes, biking, excursions etc), social-cultural, religious and urban experience activities. The paths were as follows: Life Path-Messengers of Peace Along the life path, participants would discover numerous ways of helping others. For them the journey towards greater global understanding starts within. The moot gave them an opportunity to interact with scouts from all corners of the world and all faiths so that they can share experiences and help make more peaceful communities.
Eco Responsible Path-One Drop Given the participants awareness of the many connections between them and their environment, this was an opportunity to expand their knowledge of their ecological footprint and how to minimize it. By working with groups that are committed to the future of the planet, they would return home with all sorts of experience that will help them assume a leadership role in protecting the environment. Adventure Path-Shelter Box Participants in this path chose to address the challenges associated with achieving their personal best, both physically and psychologically. Whether its adventure or armchair exploration, they would see nature as a boundless playing field. Upon their return from the Moot, they would want to pursue and share your passion for adventure with their scout brothers and sisters. Culture Path Fascinated by the identity of different people and their expressions, participants in this path are open to the world, and the Moot provided them the opportunity for interactions. With their rich and varied cultural baggage, the participants will observe and take part in local cultural events and will become ambassadors for multiculturalism. Urban Experience During the Moot registration, participants chose a city for their urban experience. They had options of visiting Montreal, Quebec or Toronto for sightseeing and do to a service activity under their selected route paths.
Multi Cultural Day The multicultural day started early morning with the sunrise ceremony led by elders of the First Nations. In the morning participants were invited to share their cultures in their sub camps. In the afternoon, contingents presented their countries to everyone at the moot. The evening saw all participants invited to a traditional Canadian evening with a communal meal and musical performance at the Tulip CafĂŠ.
Parliamentary Simulation On August 13th, 105 participants representing sub camp units of three patrols each got to experience a parliamentary simulation in the parliament buildings in Ottawa. They were received in the Senate Chambers and introduced to the Canadian Parliamentary System. They then debated and drafted the text of a Universal Declaration of Brotherhood, which will be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2013 for adoption. Global Development Village As is always the case in major World Scout events, the GDV was a key element in the Moot program. It gave participants a chance to meet non-governmental organizations,
foundations and UN agencies through workshops and participatory activities around pertinent issues. The GDV aimed at helping to prepare participants and to foster their commitment to become change agents in their communities. The GDV ran on three themes with the following objectives: Human Beings and their Environment • Help understand the relationship between human beings and their environment • Discuss the conflict between quality of human life and the exploitation of natural resources in relation to global growth • Identify different options for solving the world’s environmental problems Human Beings and Themselves • Identify the main health challenges around the world • Equip participants to help them prevent the spread of diseases • Foster the adoption of healthy living habits Human Beings and Other Human Beings • Increase awareness about the importance of human rights and human dignity • Equip participants for conflict resolution • Develop skills for promoting peace
Moot Cafés The moot provided an opportunity to develop friendships that would last a lifetime. Ever since the first jamborees in the early 20th century, music and dance have been important
expressions of brotherhood and peace among the participants. For this reason, the moot provided spaces to get together, take in shows, sing and dance. This was in form of cafés. Inuvik Café: Inuvik is a city in Canada’s far north, located in the MacKenzie River delta close to the Arctic ocean. It means a place of man in Inuvialuktun. The Inuvuk Café was the main meeting place during the moot. It featured activities, music and snacks and its décor depicted Canada from coast to coast Humanity Café: The Humanity Café was right at the Global Development Village. It was a place where people could meet and talk about issues addressed during the GDV workshops. The partner NGOs running the GDV organized special evening programs for participants to share on. Rainbow Café: The Rainbow Café was a place to meet and talk for people who are open to diversity; with accompanying workshops and cultural activities. Tulip Café: The Tulip Café celebrated 75 years of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands. Managed by the Dutch contingent, the café was a place for dancing, singing and socializing. Faith and Beliefs Zone The Faiths and beliefs zone was a place for prayer and contemplation in nature. Participants could go individually or in groups to meet religious leaders, for celebrations, services or prayers. Evenings around the campfire were also organized. Religious leaders of different denominations took turns leading those who attend, giving them a chance to find out more about their neighbours, their beliefs and values through discussions about life, happiness, the future and personal choices. August 13th started with a sunrise ceremony led by a group of Canadian First Nation elders. Everyone was invited at the inter-faith ceremony that was a powerful spiritual moment at the Moot. Moot Shop and World Scout Shop There was a shop at the camp selling products with the Moot logo and by extension products of Scouts Canada. The items included scarves, badges, t-shirts, pocket knives, camping tents, sleeping bags among many others. The official World Scout Shop also had a stand in the camp where a variety of official WOSM products were on sale.
13TH WORLD SCOUT MOOT REUNION A special reunion for the participants and IST members who attended the previous moot in Kenya was organized one evening. This provided an opportunity for them to recollect the memories of their “ultimate discovery� in Kenya three years later. The programme involved catching up with stories, photo session, music and dance. Wonderful moments of laughter were shared and the spirit of brotherhood rekindled. Copies of the 13th World Scout Moot Photobooks were also available for distribution as permanent ways of preserving the memories.
EVALUATION On 17th August, a day to the departure, participants in their patrols, units and contingents had an opportunity to give feedback on the various aspects of the entire moot experience. This would help the organizers to evaluate the moot for their own learning and also to help the hosts of the next meet to plan ahead.
CLOSING CEREMONY The closing ceremony was held on the last evening of the moot. It began with a video reflecting on the different activities and experiences of participants and IST during the moot. WOSM Secretary General, Mr. Scott Teare then addressed the Moot via a recorded message followed by Mr. John Neysmith. The address was followed handing over of Certificates of Recognition by Mr. John Lawlor,WOSM Unit Manager for International Events
on behalf of WOSM to L’Association des Scouts du Canada and Scouts Canada for successfully hosting the Moot.
Nelson Opany, representing the 13th World Scout Moot 2010 in Kenya then performed another Moot tradition by handing over the Moot Crystal to Michel-Olivier Matte the Deputy Director of Moot Canada 2013 for Scouts Canada to keep until the next Moot. A show about the next moot was then staged by the Scouts of Iceland inviting everyone to attend. The ceremony ended with a live music show by a Canadian Rock band after which participants had a chance to party all night and bid each other goodbye as departures began by midnight.
15TH WORLD SCOUT MOOT (ICELAND 2017) The 15th World Scout Moot has been scheduled to take place in the Republic of Iceland from 25th July to 2nd August 2017 under the banner “Change: Inspired by Iceland”. Iceland promises another interesting experience for everyone, and all are invited to plan to attend.
DEPARTURES Participants and IST began leaving Awacamenj Mino on the midnight of 17th August and the departures continued until 3:00 pm the following day with bus rides provided from the Camp to University of Ottawa residences, the Ottawa Bus Station, Ottawa Railway Station and Ottawa International Airport for them to catch their buses, trains and flights back home.
LINKS Moot Videos These are links to watch the official moot videos via YouTube: • • • •
Opening Ceremony on Parliament Hill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCedF13bcj4 Opening Show at Awacamenj Mino Scout Camp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1W1j1fJJJw Moot Reflections: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_ruXnT6ofw Moot Canada 2013 Song at Closing Ceremony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkxzW1mOZEk
Moot Bulletins You can view and download the daily Moot Bulletins through the following web links: • • • • • •
Bulletin 1: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-the-mootsbulletin-1/ Bulletin 2: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-the-mootsbulletin-2/ Bulletin 3: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-the-mootsbulletin-3/ Bulletin 4: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-the-mootsbulletin-4/ Bulletin 5: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-themoot%E2%80%99s-bulletin-5/ Bulletin 6: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-themoot%E2%80%99s-bulletin-6/
• • •
Bulletin 7: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-themoot%E2%80%99s-bulletin-7/ Bulletin 8: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-themoot%E2%80%99s-bulletin-8/ Bulletin 9: http://www.mootcanada2013.ca/en/2013/08/download-the-9th-mootbulletin/
CONCLUSIONS The 14th World Scout Moot, deservedly termed as the “ultimate gathering of tribes, where different races meet together to once again learn to speak to each other, heart-to-heart” by the elders of the Canadian First Nations was truly a memorable experiences for all who took part. Very many new friendships were formed, lots of experiences shared, lessons learned and discoveries made. Despite the challenges that came with it, especially with regard to acquisition of Visas for participants, it was a worthy and very enriching experience. Focus now shifts to Iceland, which will host the next edition of the Moot. Hope to see you there! Report Compiled by: NELSON OCHIENG OPANY Moot Canada 2013 Operation Solidarity Kenya Scouts Association Cell: +254 726 951 296, Email: nelochop@gmail.com
We can make a difference… ‘Cause all it really takes, is one thought!