Snapshot of the Day
Welcome
This is a page with information and documents pertaining to the 24th European Scout Conference.
A Snapshot of the Day will be regularly published here to feature outcomes, highlights, activities and key decisions from each day of the Conference.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 1
Highlights of our Opening Ceremony and Day 1
We’ve officially opened the 17th European Guide and Scout Conference, gathering over 450 Scout and Guide delegates from all over Europe in Rotterdam, the Netherlands! An exciting opening ceremony welcomed us in front of the Laurenskerk, Rotterdam as we embark on a new journey for the next five days.
Hosted by Scouting Netherlands, the ceremony featured a welcoming address by Lars Kramm and Eline Grøholt, the chairs of European Scout Committee and WAGGGS Europe Committee.
- Joint opening of the 17th European Guide and Scout Conference
During the first sessions, we had the opportunity to become more familiar with the eVoting system as delegates of both WAGGGS and WOSM voted on:
- Appointing Joint Conference Chairs
- Approval of Joint Agenda,
- Approval of Joint Rules of Procedure
- Approval of Tellers and Recommendations Committee.
In the plenary, we had the chance to hear more about our joint work from Eline Grøholt, Chairperson of the WAGGGS Europe Committee and Martin Persson, Vice chairperson of the European Scout Committee.
We were all taken on a journey “North of the Ordinary” in Norway’s presentation of Roveryway 2024 and Austria’s bid for hosting of the 18th European Guide and Scout Conference.
- Opening of the 24th European Scout Conference
Day 1 also saw WOSM delegations confirm their attendance, and through our newly introduced eVoting system, delegates voted on appointing Conference Co-chairs, Elise Drouet and Julius Kramer, and approval of Tellers and Resolutions Committee.
A presentation of the 2019-2022 Triennium Report allowed us to look back at our progress and successes in the past three years and celebrate our unity and resilience through the challenges of the past triennium. The report was presented by Lars Kramm, Martin Persson, Elena Sinkevičiūtė, Joaquim Castro de Freitas, Julijana Daskalov, Matthias Gerth, the European Regional Committee, and Lana Husagic, Beatrice Leipute and Laura Neijenhuis, the Regional Coordinators.
We heard about the learning path during the pandemic, resilience,connections and wellbeing in a panel with Ahmad Alhendawi, WOSM Secretary General, Edward Andrew ”Andy” Chapman, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, Abir Koubaa, Regional Director of the European Scout Region, and Lars Kramm, Chairperson of the European Scout Committee and the European Scout Region Treasurer’s report.
- Regional Scout Plan 2019-2022
We interacted in small groups to report on the Regional Scout Plan 2019-2022 as we dispersed into breakout sessions to discuss its strategic priorities: Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, Impact of Scouting as well as External Relations and Coordination and Support.
In a café format, we had the wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know both WOSM and WAGGGS Candidates running for election to the European Committee. We met the WOSM Candidates: Jérémy Apert, Péter Bedekovics, Matthias Gerth, Nenad Jovanovski, Martin Seeman, Diana Slabu, Boris Vujnović, Wouter Zilverberg. You may take a look at their presentation here.
- International evening
To celebrate our diversity, delegations gathered in the city centre to showcase their cultures through giving us a taste of their local foods, traditions, traditional wear and music in this vibrant exhibition.
- Follow us
Stay up–to–date with the latest updates of the Conference on the regional official social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. You can follow the plenary sessions live on our Facebook page, every day from 09:00 a.m. CEST.
Your feedback is important as it helps us offer you the best experience. Please remember to rate the Conference and fill out the daily surveys.
Day 2
Highlights of Day 2
We gathered for a second day at the 24th European Scout Conference! This eventful day was filled with inspiring panels, comprehensive presentations and workshops that made us learn more about partner organizations, Scouting initiatives and the draft of the Triennial Plan 2022-2025.
Following our action-packed day, the Rotterdam evening took us on a discovery adventure that unraveled various parts of the port city through a series of Scouting activities.
Inspiring the Region – The Europe we need (and how Scouting can help)
Following the morning reflections on hope, we kicked-off our day with the “Inspiring the Region” moment, a session that welcomed three speakers on stage who addressed the Conference and explored an interesting perspective on “The Europe we need (and how Scouting can help)”
The panel featured Pamela Akplogan, Director of Youth, Sport and Citizenship at Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Ailbhe Finn, Secretary General of the Social Platform and Silja Markklula, President of the European Youth Forum. The panelists answered many questions about diversity and inclusion, sustainability, civil society and how they envisage the future of youth in Europe.
The panelists concluded that youth engagement is key to “listen to the needs of an ever-changing society in order to build successful relations, to establish solid connections and to create inclusive spaces.”
WOSM’s global level inputs and key initiatives
We engaged in a broader and global look at Scouting with World Scout Committee members Wayne Davis, Jo Deman and Pia Melin Graasbøll who covered the next strategy for Scouting, WOSM global initiatives including the Scouts for SDGs and Safe from Harm.
“To have a full understanding of what our Movement needs, we’ll be talking to youth members, local leaders, volunteers and Committee members but also to external partners and young people that are not Scouts, in order to create global conversations on what we expect from the future of Scouting and how the better world that we want to create is going to look like,” said Jo Deman, Vice-chair of World Scout Committee.
Regional Scout Plan 2022-2025
Concluding a very unique triennium, which included a global pandemic that shifted many priorities and activities, we had the chance to dive into the future and build on lessons learned for a new and strategic plan. The next Regional Scout Plan has been named “Strong, Innovative, Green” as by strengthening our resilience we are equipped to withstand and manage future challenges while remaining innovative and keeping sustainability at the heart of our work.
To do so, three strategic priorities have been identified for the next plan: Organizational Resilience, Educational Methods and Environmental Sustainability.
Following a presentation of the draft plan and its priorities, a round-table discussion and Q&A session gave us the opportunity to inquire in smaller groups and offer inputs.
Regional Scout Plan 2022-2025 Breakouts
As we joined breakout sessions that focused on a specific priority of the Regional Scout Plan, we were able to collaborate with peers and contribute with recommendations for potential actions that will help deliver the plan successfully.
The inputs we identified will be summarized and reviewed by the new Regional Committee who will help in preparing the action plan and identify opportunities to ensure an alignment between the Regional Scout Plan and Member Organizations.
Rotterdam evening
We explored the city as we formed smaller groups and discovered the city of Rotterdam through four interactive and educational activities organized by Scouting Nederland. The activities were: Below Sea-level: the Maeslantkering storm surge barrier, Night at the Park, Dutch Camp Experience and Sail the Waves.
Follow us, stay up to date
Stay up to date with the latest updates of the Conference on the regional official social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. You can follow the plenary sessions live on our Facebook page, every day from 09:00 a.m CEST.
Your feedback is important as it helps us offer you the best experience. Please remember to rate the Conference and fill out the daily surveys.
Day 3
Highlights of Day 3
The eventful third day of the Conference presented us with important announcements, networking opportunities, insightful breakouts sessions and compelling presentations of upcoming Scout events.
One major highlight of our day was casting our votes to elect the new members to the European Scout Committee for the 2022-2025 triennium. A total of 37 Member Organizations registered to engage in the voting process.
Election of the European Regional Committee 2022-2025
During the plenary session delegates logged on to the eVoting system and voted on the new European Regional Committee 2022-2025. We are pleased to congratulate the elected Committee members:
Jérémy Apert
Matthias Gerth
Martin Seemann
Diana Slabu
Boris Vujnović
Wouter Zilverberg
WOSM Events and Bronze Wolf Ceremony
We were thrilled to learn more about the exciting plans for the upcoming 25th World Scout Jamboree in Korea, the 43rd World Scout Conference in Egypt and the World Scout Moot 2025 in Portugal.
Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) and European Scout Foundation took the stage, sharing their reflections of the past triennium, priorities for the way forward and their methods of engaging with volunteers and Member Organizations.
During the session, we celebrated Karin Ahlbäck in a Bronze Wolf Ceremony as she was awarded a Bronze Wolf for her years of dedication, service and contribution to the Scout Movement.
World Scouting Showcase
The World Scouting Showcase exhibition was a compilation of simultaneous breakout sessions, where we were able to dive deeper into WOSM’s global practices, initiatives and plans, tackling an array of topics from Safe from Harm and Environmental Sustainability to Financial Management and Youth Engagement in Decision Making.
17th EGSC networking & sharing best practices
In an interactive joint session, members of WAGGGS and WOSM showcased some of their best practices in regard to measuring the social impact of Scouting, organizing sustainable national events, involving young people in decision-making processes, the Growth Potential Project, WOSM’s humanitarian partnership with UNICEF for Ukraine and the European Scout Region’s advocacy position papers.This was a remarkable opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and build on successes and important lessons for our future planning and creating the best environment for young people to thrive.
Follow us, stay up to date
Stay up to date with the latest updates of the Conference on the regional official social media channels on Facebook and Twitter. You can follow the plenary sessions live on our Facebook page, every day from 09:00 a.m CEST.
Your feedback is important as it helps us offer you the best experience. Please remember to rate the Conference and fill out the daily surveys.
Day 4
Highlights of Day 4 and Closing Ceremony
On our final day of the European Scout Conference, delegates took part in important decision-making and listened to inspirational speakers who took the stage before reconvening with delegates from WAGGGS for the closing of the 17th European Guide and Scout Conference.
Voting on Resolutions
We were pleased to hear the announcements of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the European Scout Committee for the coming triennium. Matthias Gerth from Switzerland, will serve as Committee Chairperson and Diana Slabu from Romania, as Vice-Chairperson during the 2022-2025 triennium.
During the plenary, the Resolutions Committee presented its report to the Conference on the proposed Amendments. This was followed by delegations debating and voting on a number of Resolutions and Amendments submitted and seconded by Member Organizations that will shape the future of the Region through the implementation of the Regional Scout Plan 2022-2025: Strong, Innovative, Green.
Closing of the 24th ESC
We listened during the final sessions to addresses from the outgoing Chairperson, Lars Kramm and the newly-elected Chairperson to the European Scout Committee, Matthias Gerth.
“Youth empowerment is a topic that I care very much about, I got a lot of opportunities through Scouting to do what I wanted and dreamt of. To ensure meaningful involvement of young people in the decision making, we need to be brave and to be bold. So please, be bold, be courageous, and be Scout,” said Lars Jramm in his final remarks.
An official handover ceremony by the former Committee to the newly elected European Scout Committee took place on stage and purple Scout scarves were received to commemorate and welcome the elected members.
“I’m feeling encouraged by all the ideas shared here during the Conference. I already feel inspired by this Regional Scout Plan, and I feel excited and prepared to work with all of you. Let’s stay united, let’s stay connected and we will have our moment of celebration when we meet for the next European Scout Conference,” were the first words of Matthias Gerth as the Chairperson of the European Scout Committee.
17th EGSC Voting on Recommendations and Closing
An opportunity for Q&A was given following a report from the Recommendations Committee and we had the chance to vote on the recommendations presented.
We congratulated the host of the 18th European Guide and Scout Conference, Pfadfinder und Pfadfinderinnen Österreichs, for hosting the event in Vienna, Austria in 2025.
Follow us
Stay up to date with the latest updates of the Conference on the regional official social media channels on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you for joining the 17th European Guide and Scout Conference! We hope you enjoyed the sessions, networking and fun journey as much as we did.