Scouting in Bhutan

 

Scouting program existed since 1980s in the form of annual scout camp initiated by a Non Governmental Organization—Bhutan Youth Development Association (BYDA). Their focus was on school children and some scouting programs had been conducted. However, it could not take its root, since they could not make the scouting popular among the youth and that strong support could not be mobilized.

 

In 1994, the Asia Pacific Region (APR) provided some support towards establishing formal scouting in Bhutan. In January 1996, having realized the usefulness and potential of the Scout program for all round development of youth, Bhutan Scouts Association (BSA) was established.  Consequently, on 26th July 1999, Bhutan Scouts Association (BSA) became a full-fledged member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) during the 35th World Scout conference at Durban, South Africa.

 

The scouting programme in Bhutan which is based in school has three sections:  Cub (6-12yrs), Scout (13-17yrs) and Rover (18-25yrs).  In 2007, the Rover programme was further extended to tertiary institutes and colleges.  Currently, there are 564 active trained leaders and 20148 (2011 status) scout members registered with the Association.

 

To maintain continuity of scouting programme and to pursue it as a lifelong education, the Community Scouting was introduced in Thimphu in 2009.  Till date, there are 253 members enrolled in the four troops for community scouting.  Through Community Scouting programme, voluntary service to community, institutions as well as to individuals are provided.