Iraq was one of the first Arab nations to embrace the Scouting movement, launching its program in 1921, just two years after the League of Nations had created the country out of the old Ottoman Empire. Iraq was a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 1922 to 1940, and again from 1956 to 1999.
A quorum of 100 multinational Scouters informally established the Green Zone Council of Scouting in February 2004 as a loose fraternal organization for fellow Scouters serving in Iraq.
Through various Scouting networks, the GZC was formally established as a legal, and fully functioning Scouting program in Iraq. In early 2008, a group of coalition military officers sought to expand the Green Zone Council's model to the Iraqis living in and around the Victory Base Complex.
The group founded the Victory Base Council in April 2008 and began supporting troop meetings in June 2008. The VBC built relationships with local schools and worked with local Iraqi military and civilians to create a camp and community center where the troop meetings are held. Continued growth of the camp facilities, and ongoing cross training of US and Iraqi Scout leaders are underway for 2010.
A National Iraqi Scouting Headquarters is envisioned for Baghdad. Five national Scout camps are also planned. Iraqi Scouts are involved in community service such as helping police with traffic control, giving first aid, cultivating cotton, planting trees and helping during natural disasters.
VBC planning meetings are on Tuesdays and activities on Saturday. The number of Coalition volunteers is limited to 40 per meeting and the Council is overwhelmed with almost 100 Coalition volunteers each week.
FYI: In Arabic, "Be Prepared" is pronounced, "kun musta'idan."
VBC planning meetings are on Tuesdays and activities on Saturday. The number of Coalition volunteers is limited to 40 per meeting and the Council is overwhelmed with almost 100 Coalition volunteers each week.
FYI: In Arabic, "Be Prepared" is pronounced, "kun musta'idan."
