Tirana, October 6 – For the first time in Albania, the Federal Council of Guides and Scouts of Europe, the organization’s highest governing body, was held. This historic event brought together leaders and members from across Europe. Moreover, for the first time, participants from the United States and Canada also joined, reflecting the growing international reach of scouting.

On the second day, the meeting concluded in Shkodër, at the Peace Village in Tarabosh. During the session, participants discussed the development, programs, and future strategies of scouting and guiding. The council aimed not only to strengthen cooperation, but also to exchange best practices and chart the path forward for youth engagement in the region.

“Scouting is extremely important for our children. It provides them with opportunities to grow in friendship, take responsibility, and deepen their Catholic faith. It teaches them to help others not because they have to, but because they want to. Through scouting, they discover the joy of caring for one another, having fun, being active, and living with purpose,” said Paul Ritchie, Chair of the Scouts Federation in Canada. He added that many young people today feel lost and ask: “Why am I here? What is my value?” Accordingly, scouting helps answer these questions. Children gain opportunities to learn new skills and develop in ways they never imagined.

Claire Desplaines from the Scouts Federation in Belgium emphasized her long-term experience in Albania: “I come from Belgium. I arrived in 1997 to build camps with young people in Albania. I found an Albania and Albanian youth in need, in a country that had suffered greatly. Our young people today are the builders of tomorrow. Therefore, building a country is essential”.

Nathalie Flamma, Federal Commissioner of Scouts in Europe, added: “We are 75,000 scouts and guides worldwide, in Europe and America. For me, the main importance of scouting lies in the fact that, through it, and through adventures in nature, we do not only see children’s skills, but also play with them, trust them, and give them responsibility. Furthermore, we remove them from their phones. They see many misguided values spread through social media. Instead, we take them outdoors, play with them, walk with them, and talk with them”.

Overall, the council provided a key opportunity to promote extracurricular education, international cooperation, and personal development through scouting. By participating, young people are prepared to become responsible citizens and future leaders. In addition, the event reinforced the importance of fostering friendship, and social responsibility across borders.

/a.p./