Thousands of young people from 37 countries enjoyed enthusiastic and challenging activities in the wonderful environment of Sattahip, Thailand, from 28th December 2005 to 3rd January 2006, under the leadership of Camp Chief Sutham Phanthusak, International Commissioner of the National Scout Organisation of Thailand. On 30th December, many key officials of the Asia Pacific Region joined World and Regional Scout Committees members as well as representatives of the World Scout Bureau in a seminar on understanding WOSM governance, constitutional issues, the role of National Scout Organisations and WOSM fee system, which underlined the importance of the Movement’s unity and global vision. After the 25th Asia Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree, WOSM Secretary General Eduardo Missoni prolonged his stay in Asia by visiting Singapore and Indonesia.

In Singapore, Eduardo had a supportive meeting with the Chief Scout and President of the Republic of Singapore SR Nathan. Key Scout officials gave an appraisal of Scouting in Singapore emphasizing the importance of increasing community-based Scouting, extending Scouting to disadvantaged youth, promotion of Rovering, and co-education.

Scouts welcome the year 2006, the golden Jubilee year of Scouting in the Asia-Pacific Region.

On 5th January, Eduardo traveled to Indonesia for five days during which he met national Scout officials and visited the tsunami-affected areas in Banda Aceh. The province was devastated by the massive tsunami a year ago, causing the death and disappearance of hundreds of thousands of people. In the past several months, Scouts have constructed new playgrounds, fishponds and libraries as well as an extensive regreening program. These Scouting projects are now showing good results and are well appreciated by the local community.

The project “Aceh Reconstruction” is part of the Indonesian Scouts’ Community Development Camp (COMDECA) involving the extensive support of many countries through WOSM’s Tsunami Scout Aid Fund.

In addition, Eduardo visited the Bumi Perkemahan Kiarapayung (Scout Camping Ground) in Jatinangor, West Java, which will be used for the Indonesian National Scouts Jamboree in July 2006.