By Dylan Book
This post is part of a series on our upcoming International Service Project to Malaysia and Singapore. You can read more about the project here: http://pccrovers.com/category/iproj/iproj-malaysia-singapore-2015/
On Saturday, April 11, the 180th Pacific Coast Scout Group held their Flag Ceremony to kick off their 5th International Service Project. To show their support for the contingent, the 180th Pacific Coast Scout Group invited honoured representatives of participating nations, members of the local Scouting community, and friends and family to attend the Flag Ceremony. The Flag Ceremony is held to formally recognize the efforts of the contingent’s mission to Malaysia and Singapore. Government officials from the participating nations are invited to inspect the participants. The meticulous inspection of the contingent by government officials ensures that each contingent member adheres to the highest standard of quality as representatives of Canada.
An International Service Project is an opportunity the 180th Pacific Coast Scout Group offers every 12 to 18 months for our Rover Scouts to go abroad in the world and gain valuable learning experiences through helping international communities. In the past, we have travelled to China and had a cultural exchange where we learned about the Chinese equivalent of Scouting. We visited the Philippines to train the local community on Canadian Scouting skills and learned from their Scouting experiences as well. Last year, we travelled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to help build infrastructure at Volcanoes Elementary School and connect with the local Scouting Community.
This year’s project will be just as special. Our contingent of 29 will be embarking on a two week journey through five places in two countries. Overseas, we will be conducting leadership conferences to share the culture of Canadian Scouting as well as the program developed by our Scouts Group. We will also be taking this time to learn from the local Scouts during cultural exchanges. Additionally, we will be undertaking several service projects. In Kuala Lumpur, we will be working together with the orphanage House of Love to brighten up their environment and partake in their monthly food ministry projects. In Kuching, we will be working together with the local scouts and helping with their mangroves environmental program. And in Singapore, we will be working with the organization Willing Hearts that operates as a non-profit soup kitchen to provide for the needy, including the elderly, adults, and children.
At the end of the inspection by our distinguished guests, the Honourable Alice Wong, MP presented a Canadian Flag to our President Karina Lee. This will be carried by the contingent with pride throughout their mission in Malaysia and Singapore.
In addition, the Honourable Alice Wong presented a certificate on behalf of the Government of Canada to commend the efforts of the 180th Pacific Coast Scout Group. We are grateful to receive this honour.
The 180th Pacific Coast Scout Group wishes to express our gratitude to the honoured guests who attended the event to support our International Service Project to Malaysia and Singapore.
We must also thank the Malaysian Association of British Columbia for their generous donation in support of our International Service Project.
The Flag Ceremony marks the beginning of wonderful journey for our Rover Scouts and Advisors to Malaysia and Singapore. It will be a journey filled with joy, excitement, and learning that will be remembered for a lifetime.
View the rest of the photos from the Flag Ceremony here: http://pccrovers.com/flag-ceremony-2015-a-visual-story/