SCOUTING ASSOCIATION

Brief Origin

Scouting was founded by Robert Stephenson Smith Baden Powell. His parents were prof. Rev. H. J. Powell of Oxford University and his mother was a daughter of a British administrator W.T. Smith. He was born on 22nd Feb 1857. Powell lived a glorious life of outdoor activities like camping. Hiking, playing football and music. He was not outstanding in academics but was liked by every pupil, student, and teacher in school because as a scout he always brought joy where there was sadness. He was full of life. Baden-Powell continued to guide the scouts and girl guides, going on world tours throughout the rest of his life until ill health caused him to retire to Kenya in 1938 where he died on 8th January 1941.

Scouting in this community commenced during the first semester of 1994/1995. However, it officially began on the 12th February 1995. Since then, its presence has been felt whenever there are public gatherings here. Occasionally, the scouts have an opportunity to have mass celebrated by the chaplain to give special tips and confirm their readiness to prayer.

Aims and objectives of the scouting movement

The stated aim of the scouting association is to promote the development of young people in achieving the full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, responsible citizens and as members of their local , national and international communities, scouting is based on the principles of loving and serving God, of human dignity and the rights of individuals, and of recognizing the obligation of members to develop and use their potential it is a movement dedicated to bringing out the best in people. It is this aim that is so blossomed in Kinyamasika.

Specific objectives

Character Development

Here, one’s growth in moral strength and character is emphasized. We may define this as what the student himself is-his personal qualities, his values, his outlook.

Citizenship Training

The second is participating citizenship. Used broadly, citizenship means the seminarian’s relationship with others. He comes to learn his obligations to other people; seminary staff, fellow youths and seminarians, his duties and obligations to his community and to the government.

Personal Fitness

Development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness. Fitness includes the body (well-tuned and healthy), the mind (able to think and solve problems), and the emotions (self-control, courage, and self-respect).

For, at Kinyamasika these activities are rather simplified:

  1. The scouts endeavour to hoist respective flags (Uganda National Flag, Vatican/seminary Flag, and Tooro Kingdom Flag) every day. There are radio talks, sometimes training is done at the district and at the seminary
  2. The scouts endeavour to do the Good Turn (in form of community service and any other form of service to preserve nature). These activities are done on a personal basis and are done every day to strengthen the members of the scouting club to be responsible seminarians and citizens.
  3. The scouts endeavour to give a hand whenever called upon for every service in the community like fetching palms to be used on Palm Sunday, lighting fire on the Easter Vigil, picking balls when the seminary has matches specially football, among others.
  4. Scouts endeavour to have a parade on the Independence Day in honour of our nation and her nationals when they overcame being dependent on the British rule.
  5. The scouts always endeavour to have “A Parade” and “A Guard of Honour” on the commissioning Day of the Theology four students (finalists) to remind them of the scout principles namely; Duty to God, Duty to others, and Duty to oneself. This indicates that they are called to serve God among his people and not to be served.

Addendum

The motto for the scouts suggests; “Be prepared.” This ought to be part of our formation system. We therefore, need to be prepared always and be visible soldiers of Christ the good shepherd; for, this must remain our call as seminarians. Always remember the scout promise: “on my honor, I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, to help all people at all times and to obey the scout law.” As far as its leadership is concerned, they have got a troop leader, assistant troop leader, coordinator, secretary and treasurer