Latakia, Sept. 8 (SANA) A six-day scouting camp has opened in Kassab, Latakia province, bringing together 25 orphaned children for educational, recreational and skills-based activities aimed at building confidence and helping them reintegrate into social and educational life.
The “Guardians of Memory” camp, which began on Monday, is organized by the Basmat Amal Charity Association in cooperation with Scout Troop 77, with support from several businesses.
Camp leader Mohammad Safiya told SANA that the program seeks to equip children with new skills and strengthen trust and cooperation through activities organized in coordination with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management and the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
Building skills and confidence
Safiya said the camp is the culmination of a year of work with scouts and is among the organization’s largest annual activities.
One of the main challenges, he said, is helping orphaned children return to social and educational life and continue their studies after years of disruption, while strengthening their confidence and ability to participate in their communities.
Ziad Imam, director of Basmat Amal’s Latakia office, said the initiative is being carried out with Scout Troop 77 and supported by several companies.
Safiya said scouting plays an important role in children’s cultural, social and physical development, providing them with opportunities to acquire knowledge, develop practical skills and learn values through hands-on activities.
Scouts return to historic campsite
Ayman Shalla, Latakia commissioner for Scouts of Syria, said the camp is being held on grounds used by scouts since 1980 but confiscated by the ousted regime during the years of the Syrian revolution.
Scouts returned to the site after liberation, he said, and the grounds were rehabilitated with assistance from the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management.
Shalla said the ministry also provides scouts with first aid, rescue and firefighting training, preparing them to support emergency teams when needed.
Several scouting camps have been held at the site this year, involving Scout Troops 5, 2 and 9 before the current camp for Troop 77, he added.
The “Guardians of Memory” camp is part of broader efforts by civil society and scouting organizations to empower orphaned children, rebuild their confidence and foster cooperation while supporting their social and educational development.
R.D/ABD
