KARACHI, Aug 1: A ceremony marking 100 years of the scouting movement was held here today, in memory of Lord Robert Baden-Powells’ scout camp that was organised at Brownsea Island on August 1, 1907.

Sindh Minster for Women Develop-ment Dr Saeeda Malik, who was the chief guest, said that scouting could encourage hidden leadership skills in children and make them effective citizens.

Development Commissioner Sindh Boys Scouts’ Association Mehfooz Yar Khan suggested that swimming, rock/mountain climbing, boating and other adventurous activities must be introduced in scouting along with civil defence, first aid and debating. He said lack of funds was the biggest hurdle in this regard.

He also said that scouting was becoming less attractive for children hence recruitment in the Sindh Boys/Girls Scouts’ Association was on the decline.

He said that in the past two per cent additional marks used to be granted to students who were registered as scouts in the SSC exams, which, to some extent, kept children interested in scouting. But in the last few years the additional marks have not been given to students, he observed. “However President Musharraf, who is the Chief Scout of the country, had assured us that additional marks would be given from now on to the scouts,” he said.—PPI