The First Scout's Training Camp in Aleppo

The second scout training course on curriculum was held at the Monastery of Mor Antonios al-Kabir in the village of Sadad, in the countryside of Homs, Syria, in April 2024. Approximately 50 participants from all Syriac troops in Syria took part in this course. This training session served as a continuation of the scout courses aimed at strengthening the establishment of the scouting sector within the troops. The Scout Training Commission of the Syrian Syriac Scouts, in collaboration with the Scout Training Commission of the World Syriac Scouts, prepared a comprehensive study that included various training sessions on the scout program and curriculum, different child behaviors and how to adjust them accordingly, age groups and areas of growth, as well as the badge system and hobbies.

With the blessing and presence of His Holiness Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, and with a gracious invitation and hosting by His Eminence Bishop Boutros Kassis, the Syriac Orthodox Bishop of Aleppo and its environs, along with the esteemed presence of the venerable bishops of the Syriac dioceses in Syria, the Syrian Syriac Scout organized, in commemoration of the centenary of the foundation of the Mor Aphrem Syriac Cathedral, the Rahawian migration to Aleppo, and the memorial of the Syriac Genocide massacres in Sayfo, a gathering of over 350 scouts from most of the Syriac troops in Syria, including those from Jazeera, Homs, Damascus, and Aleppo, to participate in the Torch March. During the march, each troop presented a unique musical performance, culminating in a collective brass band comprising 320 musicians who showcased a diverse musical performance in front of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese in Suleimaniyah, Aleppo on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Prior to the musical performances, there was a parental session with His Holiness and the bishops of the dioceses, Participants engaged in dialogue with His Holiness through questions and answers. His Holiness provided paternal advice on the importance of scouting and its active role within the church.

Under the supervision of the Universal Syriac Scout, and organized by the Syrian Syriac Scout, the preparatory study for the wood badge was held in the city of Homs, Al-Maqabirah, from September 12 to 17, 2024. The program included a series of training and practical sessions in camping, entrepreneurship, leadership, scout troop formation, preparation of scouting programs, and exploration trips. The study was distinguished by a divine liturgy led by His Eminence Mor Boutros Kassis, Archbishop of Aleppo, and its surroundings, providing participants with essential spiritual enrichment for every leader. Thirty-six leaders from various Syriac troops in Syria participated in this study and received a certified participation certificate from the Universal Syriac Scout and Syrian Syriac Scout.