With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan and the influx of millions of Muslims from around the world to Medina, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association launched its annual public service camp in the vicinity of the Prophet's Mosque. More than 350 scouts, leaders, and female scouts are participating in this camp, which is part of a comprehensive field program aimed at serving visitors, worshippers, and those observing the fast at the Prophet's Mosque, and will continue throughout the holy month.
A rich legacy of giving and serving the guests of God
The organization of this camp is a continuation of a long-standing tradition and a proud history of volunteer work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in service to the Two Holy Mosques. For decades, the Saudi Scout Movement has played a pivotal role during major religious seasons such as Ramadan and Hajj, harnessing the energy of young people to provide aid and assistance to pilgrims. These efforts are not merely seasonal initiatives; they are an integral part of the national identity and the culture of giving deeply rooted in Saudi society, and they align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which seeks to increase the number of volunteers and deepen the impact of non-profit work on community development.
An integrated system for leading humanitarian service
The camp operates within a coordinated volunteer framework and in close cooperation with all relevant governmental and non-governmental entities, most notably the Special Forces for Hajj and Umrah Security and the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. The participating scouts' tasks are diverse, including guiding lost pilgrims, assisting the elderly and people with disabilities, helping to manage crowd flow at entrances, courtyards, and prayer areas, and participating in the distribution of breakfast meals. Scouting units from the Ministry of Education, universities, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Ministry of Sports also participate in the camp, demonstrating the integration of roles and the unification of efforts to ensure the provision of the highest quality services to visitors.
National and international dimensions of the initiative
The importance of the camp extends beyond direct field service, serving as an effective educational tool for instilling values of responsibility and national belonging in young people. Through this practical experience, participants acquire valuable life skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork. On the international stage, these young people present a bright and civilized image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting the tolerant message of Islam based on mercy, cooperation, and peace. The sight of these young men working diligently and with such dedication by visitors from various nationalities leaves a profound and positive impression, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as the beating heart of the Islamic world and the custodian of its holiest sites.
The association affirmed that this camp represents a practical model for consolidating scouting principles, highlighting its national and community role in serving the guests of God, and contributing effectively to the success of the organizational plans for the blessed Ramadan season.
