In July we had the honor of welcoming ten visitors from Saudi Arabia who were examining “Scouting and Other Youth Programs.” Their focus was to gain a better understanding of the Scouting movement in the U.S.; to examine the role of other organizations in promoting the healthy development of young people; to learn about tolerance and inclusion among different groups; to present peer-led youth leadership activities; and to explore mentorship and role models for guidance to youth.
They first met with Barbara Vititow, program coordinator for the Homeless Plus Team at First United Methodist Church, and participated in a volunteer activity by feeding homeless members of our community. Afterwards, Major General Alfonsa ‘Al’ Gilley and Charles Howard of the organization Students Taking Responsibility In Developing Excellence (STRIDE) met with the visitors to discuss how their mentor program for at-risk students is helping youth develop character, responsibility, and motivation to succeed in life.
On their second day of appointments the group traveled to Camp Kolomoki to meet the scouts with the Girl Scout Council of the Florida Panhandle. Mary Holden offered them an opportunity to observe the camp and to discuss the organization with its leaders. Later, they visited the Spanish Trail Scout Reservation, a Boy Scout camp in DeFuniak Springs, and met and interacted with some of the leaders and scouts themselves. Jim Boska, Camp/Program Director for the Gulf Coast Council, and Rick Chapman, Assistant Scout Executive, were kind enough to invite our guests not only to visit and have lunch at the camp, but also to assist in the teaching of an Eagle-required merit badge. The group then traveled to Digital Media Education (DMe) where they met with founder and director John Lovrien to learn about a local mentoring program and to acquire a new skill in video production.
For their final event, our guests adventured out to Blackwater River for a canoe trip with Boy Scout Troop 628. There they experienced the beautiful Blackwater River State Park firsthand and participated in a fun teamwork-building activity. Special thanks to Scoutmaster Chris Karp and the members of Troop 628 for participating.
Thank you to everyone who made this program a success and for your continued support of the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council.
