“Proud to be (sc)out” in the Netherlands

For the first time ever, this Saturday, 5 August 2017, Scouting Nederland participated in the Canal Parade in Amsterdam. In the middle of thousands of boats and ships decorated for the occasion, Scouting Nederland’s boat stood out and proudly carried its message of openness to hundreds of thousands lining the famous Grachten in downtown Amsterdam.

“We are very proud to have had the opportunity to sail along in the Canal Parade to emphasise the fact that Scouting is open to everyone”, Wouter Zilverberg, International Commissioner of Scouting Nederland explained.

“Proud to be (sc)out!” was the motto the Dutch Scouts and Guides chose to sail under. Wouter: “Scouting is a youth organisation and we wanted to reflect this with the Scouts and Guides on board. Our participants on the boat were therefore all under the age of 21 and proud of the fact that everyone can be their true selves in Scouting.”

Scouting Nederland’s participation in the Parade also showcased the association's work in diversity and inclusion: everyone can join Scouting and participate in its activities. “As a reflection of society, Scouting Nederland wishes to contribute to the personal development of all its members by providing a safe environment with room for diversity,” commented Wouter.

Apparently, the message of the Scouts and Guides came across very well during the Canal Parade: because at the end of the day, a special jury announced that Scouting Nederland had been won the first prize for “best statement”, and a second prize was awarded by the public. In the eyes of the jury, the Scouts and Guides had excelled in visually implementing and showcasing their chosen theme: “Proud to be (sc)out!”.

Check it for yourself by watching the video clip produced by Scouting Nederland after the Canal Parade.

Background interview on the official website of the City of Amsterdam.