Dear brothers and sisters in Scouting,
As a demanding year draws to the end, it is time to look back at the different sorts of Scouting which have taken place throughout the past 12 months: online virtual camps, online training and meetings, online group nights, activities which were cancelled and personal scout group nights which were suspended temporarily. In our regions around the world – Scout Leaders, Akelas, individual Associations did their best to stay in touch with their group members. Packs, Troops and Groups did their service towards Scouts and Guides and their country. Online training courses, video meetings were organized in the various WFIS regions. There was support for individual members in several countries and lots more were organized by the various Regional Councils and the World Council.
Despite this challenging year, the World Federation of Independent Scouts has welcomed some new Associations from all over the world, as full and prospective members of our Scouting family.
Regional Councils could host their General Assemblies- some different than usual – and some held elections of the Regional Steering Committees. We as WFIS World Council do appreciate the work of the Regional Councils in this difficult year and we do wish the new elected Chairperson all the best for the future work.
In 2021 we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the World Federation of Independent Scouts. The World Council and the Regional Councils will organize some different events to celebrate solemnly our silver anniversary. The members of the World Council look forward to meeting as many of you as possible during the coming year and celebrate that anniversary together with you.
During this year some sad news reached us, several Scout Brothers and Sisters passed away and will be sorely missed by those who knew them. We would like to express our deepest condolences.
Now, where social distancing may keep us away from friends and family, we are sure that the message of Christmas fills your life with joy and peace. We will spend time, thinking about those who have lost a family member or had less fortune in their life and start 2021 with new strength to stay closer and stronger together, as an international Scouting Family.
The Spirit of Scouting given to us all, by our Founder, Lord Baden Powell and the Scout Law will guide us in this critical time, we trust and hope that we can all return to a normal and better Scouting soon.
Continue to look after your own Association, your Group and Troop or Pack, your Guides and Scouts and your families; let us work together for a peaceful and caring world; let us show the civil society that they can count on a Scout word and do remember that
“Together we are strongest”.
Thank you for being part of our Worldwide Scouting family.
In the name of the WFIS Council, I wish you, your family and your members
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Yours in traditional Scouting, on behalf of the WFIS World Council
Klaus Tegeder – President WFIS
