Our 2025 Honours Programme adventure
A long weekend in Tunisia, Scouting at its best, a group of dedicated supporters of World Scouting, the warmest hospitality and a host of vibrant encounters and rich shared experiences.
Members of the Foundation’s Honours Programme — BP Fellows who give at significant levels to World Scouting — are already convinced of the power of Scouting for good. Our Honours Programme Field Visit to Tunisia, 5–8 December 2025, provided a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in a dynamic, intergenerational and growing Scout community in Tunisia, which is empowering young people to be ready for life.
Meeting Tunisia's Future Leaders
We first came together as a group for a welcome dinner in Tunis Medina and it quickly became clear that along with Scouting adventures, we would also enjoy some great food adventures over the the days to come!
On Saturday morning, our journey of discovery truly began at the Tunisian Scout Headquarters in Tunis, where we learned about the impressive scope of Scouting across the country, including the iconic Future Leaders programme undertaken over many years in partnership with Danish Scouting, alongside peace initiatives, health services to support refugees, youth leadership and advocacy programmes, the establishment of new Scout groups nationwide, family Scouting and cultural heritage preservation.
National leaders openly shared their experiences, learning, successes and challenges faced, then three young leaders from the Voices of Youth programme — Yassine, Rayen, and Khadija — shared their own experiences. Their passion for building resilience in their communities, their articulate vision for Tunisia's future, and their genuine commitment brought Tunisian Scouting vividly to life. Not just beneficiaries of programmes, these are confident young leaders shaping their own futures and inspiring others to do the same.
Immersed in Vibrant Scouting
Our afternoon visit to Hammam Sousse Scout Group showcased Tunisian Scouting in action! The Scout group — totalling six hundred Scouts and Guides of all ages — welcomed our Honours Programme Members into their world with warmth and enthusiasm.
We learned about community action in the next-door primary school, where Scouts were painting borders and walls, clearing rubbish and tending gardens, working side by side and exchanging stories as they went. Back at the Scout House and its surrounds, we joined in a thrilling game of pétanque with Scout elders. Some great shots were played, and each missed shot met with good-natured laughter and encouragement, exemplifying the great intergenerational spirit in Tunisian and all Scouting worldwide!
Then came a whirlwind of activities: arts and crafts sessions where Cubs and Brownies eagerly shared their creations, first aid demonstrations, 3D-printing projects that sparked conversations about innovation, traditional dances that got everyone onto their feet, and countless opportunities for connection across cultures and generations. "The energy was extraordinary" one participant observed. "This was Scouting at its most authentic and vibrant.”
From the youngest Cubs to the eldest Scout leaders, everyone had a role, everyone belonged, everyone contributed to making our experience so special. We shared refreshments, then hit the road in our minbus, to head back to Tunis and a late dinner at Sidi Bou Saïd.
Adventure, Nature and Campfire Magic
Our second, and final, day brought us to Borj Cédria International Scout Centre, spectacularly situated between forest and sea. This facility embodies Tunisia's commitment to making outdoor education accessible to young people from all backgrounds.
Our Honours Programme Members fully embraced the adventure park with enthusiasm, zip-lining through trees, trying archery, and tackling team challenges alongside Tunisian Scouts. A Scout BBQ lovingly prepared by volunteer Scout chefs became another rich opportunity for exchange: swapping stories, sharing laughter and building friendships over delicious food.
We enjoyed a short trek through the forest to the Mediterranean, animated by conversation, connections and further discovery, the joyous moments on the dunes and beach. We then gathered at the open-air theatre for a Scout finale and campfire, dancing with abandon, and singing along, connected by our common bond of Scouting.
Rich Exchanges and Lasting Connections
Throughout the weekend, every activity became an opportunity for meaningful exchange. Deep conversations during leisurely meals, spontaneous moments of connection during hands-on activities, shared adventures that created instant bonds — layered experiences, which built understanding in ways that transcended language and culture.
“Our Tunisian Scout hosts surpassed all of our expectations, taking us on a rich discovery of Tunisian Scouting, culture and hospitality. Thank you to Amal Ridene, International Commissioner, for the months of coordination work, and to Mohamed Ali Khiari (Dali), the leadership of Les Scouts Tunisiens, and every single person we encountered, for delivering an unforgettable experience for our Honours Programme Members. Being part of this Scout community, even for just a few days, was an experience we’ll treasure for years to come, underlining the importance and impact of our support”. Nicole Gooderson, Deputy CEO, World Scout Foundation.
The Legacy Continues
The impact of our Honours Programme Field Visit will extend far beyond the memories participants carry home as our group has commited to leaving a legacy of 2026 project funding for Les Scouts Tunisiens. The funding will ensure that the vibrant, engaging Scouting witnessed during the Field Visit will benefit even more young people and their communities.
"This visit allowed our Honours Programme Members to experience firsthand the dynamic, growing Scout Movement they support", said Darci Swanson, Chair Elect of the Board of the World Scout Foundation. "The warmth, energy, and genuine connections turn understanding into lasting commitment, motivating us all to do even more for World Scouting."
About the Honours Programme
Our Honours Programme recognises BP Fellows who choose to go further in the BP Fellowship, reaching higher levels of philanthropic support to World Scouting via the World Scout Foundation. Our annual Field Visits provide opportunities for Honours Programme Members to experience the impact of their generosity firsthand and connect meaningfully with Scout communities worldwide. Our next Honours Programme Field Visit is in development, expected to be held in September 2026.
See more photos from the Honours Programme Field Visit in our Media Gallery.
Photo credit: Yassine El Hor