The activities involved an outstanding contribution in terms of diligence – enabling the delegation to hold the attention of the participating Arab nations – as well as order, which the 33 participating scouts displayed at the camp, leaving the area better than it was. The delegation arrived at a late hour of the evening on Saturday 2nd of August 2008, with Scout Commander Mohammed Boukhalfa, member of the General Command of the Algerian Muslim Scouts, there to receive them.
 

It was with good spirit and noble conduct that the Algerian delegation participated in the inauguration ceremony at the meeting, during which they gave presents to both the General Commander of the Tunisian Scouts and Scout Commander Wahid Al-Obaidi, member of the Worldwide Scout Organisation. If this conduct demonstrated anything, it was the depth of understanding and cooperation as well as the durability of the ties of brotherhood and friendship between the Tunisian Scouts and the Algerian Muslim Scouts. So a respectful and esteemed salutation to the Algerian delegation, and also to the French and Danish delegations for accepting the invitation, as well as their positive and active participation in the different activities and elements of the first Mediterranean meeting for Brownies and Cubs in Tunisia.
 

With the participation of more than 800 scouting cubs, brownies and leaders, and the attendance of scouting delegations from Algeria, France and Denmark, the official opening of the first Mediterranean meeting of cubs and brownies began yesterday evening, at the international scout centre at Bordj El-Sidriya.

Superintending in the place of brother Kamal El-Hadj Saasi, the General Treasurer, was the Deputy Director of youths, Mr. Fayez Eyaad, Governor of Bin Arous and Scout Commander of Fath Allah, the General Commander of the Tunisian Scouts, with the attendance of Scout Commander Wahid El-Obaidi, member of the Worldwide Scouting Committee, brother Abdelraouf El-Kilani, the Secretary General and Mr. Tariq El-Frijawi, member of the central committee of assemblies, Mr. Nawfal Bin Ibrahim, the region’s liaison, Mr. El-Jilani El-Hamami, Director at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, a number of regional and local administrative, security and social leaders, and a group of Scouting Commanders and members of the General Command of the Tunisian Scouts.

Before the official announcement of the opening of the meeting, the Governor and General Commander of the Tunisian Scouts and their accompanying delegation inaugurated the Mediterranean Garden by planting a tree in the garden which is situated at the entrance of the centre, as well as unveiling the symbol and slogan of the meeting. The delegation then turned to the divisions of the exhibition to view the important accomplishments of the participating scouting units at this first Mediterranean meeting.

Five captains from the Algerian Muslim Scouts, led by Captain Mohammed Rida Bestandji, the division’s head, who was accompanied by Captain Ahmed Nahal from Constantine, Mostafa Abdoon and Mohammed Brami from Algiers and the brother of the martyr Mohammed Bourass, Captain Morad Bourass will participate in a conference which will last for six days, from the 21^st to the 26^th of August 2008. It will be welcomed by the host nation, Austria, while the organization was superintended by the Worldwide Scouting Organization for Friendship and Guiding. The conference occurs every three years, and in consideration of Algeria’s role as a member of the Worldwide Organization for more than ten years, the distinctive presence of Algeria is always strong and effective, especially as Captain Mohammed Rida Bestandji is the Arab Regional Representative at the International Explorers’ Office. The meeting will cover several important topics, including:

1.       The renewal of members of the International Office.

2.       Discussion of the report of the organization’s activities.

3.       Establishing a work plan for the next three years.

4.       Reforming the fundamental rules as well as the internal organization.

The conference will be attended by more than 500 participants representing the four scouting regions.

 

The Arab League’s Social Affairs Division’s Family and Childhood Department will organise a children’s competition for the best literary work in the classical Arabic language. And in view of Algeria’s concern in the development of children and the pleasure of its sons and daughters in numerous, varied talents, the General Command of the Algerian Muslim Scouts presents the opportunity to nominate Cubs and Brownies who are deemed to be suitable for participation in this Arab competition for the best literary work, which will be presented by Scouts and Itinerants. Submissions must be presented to the Scouts as soon as possible, with the deadline being the 7^th June 2008.

Competition Rules:

·          Participants must be aged between 13 – 18 years old.

·          The participant must choose a subject appropriate to the Arab cultural social experience.

·          The story must be between 12 – 15 pages, 5 from 6.

·          The work must not have been previously published.

·          The participant’s full name must be included, along with the address and telephone number.

·          The story or poem must be written in the classical Arabic language.

·          The work must aim to increase the child’s Arabic linguistic range as well as deepening the awareness of the child’s culture and heritage, enriching his / her imagination and broadening his / her reasoning skills.

·          It must respond to the child’s psychological, social and human needs and form a connection between him and his epoch.

·          It is stipulated that the poem must not exceed twenty-five verses.
 

The republic of Tunisia will be holding the twenty-eighth Arab Scouts Camp, from the 31^st of July to the 11^th of August 2008, with the primary aim of strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Arab Scouts and reinforcing their unity in their work in developing and promoting their societies by retuning their glory and preserving their heritage.

The camp program will include numerous activities which correspond with the Scouts level whilst enabling the forming of acquaintances and the exchange of experiences between the scouts and the Arab scouts leaders, introducing the scout movement and what it comprises of in terms of methods and programs, targeted through the media, with the progress of the scouts leadership in organising and running large scout gatherings.

Participation will be expected in the various activities which will include exploratory trips, tourist visits, scouting activities, sporting games and competitions, an Arab day, religious activities, cultural competitions, development village, soirees, exhibitions and opening and closing ceremonies to proliferate the Arab Badge.