The Iraqi children opened and closed their program with a flag ceremony. They quoted the Iraqi Boy Scout oath and Girl Guide motto in unison and sang the Iraqi national anthem. That's the Iraqi Scout flag in the middle...
Derby car building is still in its infancy here in Iraq--the competition isn't crazy like it is in America! Just wait 'til Iraqi dads get involved... graphite, digital scales, aerodynamic designs, polished axles, etc.
FYI: Major no-no... paint on the wheels will NOT make your car fast!
These Iraqi kids love racing their cars... over and over... and over! Not too different from their American counterparts in the States.
The Scout on the left qualified with a 65 on this field round of archery... that's pretty good!
This brother and sister pair live next door and come to play with their friends every week.
Here's a little guy getting a boost from a very TALL American! These boys loved shooting hoops but their real talent is in soccer... an Iraqi national past time. (They're all peeking at the older Scouts playing soccer in the field to the left.)
A future Mario Andretti?
"Mr George Bush... you push?" "What's the magic word?" "Pluh-eez!"
(Good English for such a little kid!)
Iraqi kids are just like American ones, they love to play and have fun. These kids are super active and having volunteers helps... setting up and organizing, making sure everyone gets a turn, etc. The Iraqi boys and girls segregate... each group sticks together. Not too unusual even for kids in the States. The girls are pretty lady-like and the boys are rough and tumble... sometimes slapping each other in the back of the head! One thing I noticed... Iraqi boys know the meaning of "time out."
