Brief Report on the 5 days BULT trianing

With due permission and discussion with DSA commissioner and considering the importance of scouting in our dzongkhag the plannned BULT training for the new leaders was scheduled from 14th-18th Feb. at Jangbi PS. With the concept of Whole School Approach and scouting, the learth of scout leaders was a big concern for existing scout leaders. To eliminate this dire issue DSA found the importance of having more skilled, equipped and confident leaders by conducting BULT training for the intrested and ardent scouters back in the school. This idea of having BULT training was also raised and discussed with all the focal scout leaders from different schools during annual scout conference held at Bumthang  2019. With much felt pivotal importance and befits, the 2nd Badge BULT training was formulated after a decade in the history of scouting in Trongsa.

Over the course of 5 days training, the 26 young and energitic leaders were taken through various theory sessions as well as pratical sessions. The theory sessions outlined on the important topics like: history of scouting, fundamentals of scouting, ideals of scouting, Messenger of Peace, First aid, Hiking and camping, Leadership and scouting, Life skill and scouting, etc. The skilled and knowledgeable facilitators took the initiative to prepare and explain the aforementioned topics to the new leaders. In order to save the participants from boredom, the facilitators presented different and intresting old yells and self composed yells to create enthusiasm in between the sessions. DSA commissioner took the active role to monitor on how the sessions were taken and also being in attendance in all the sessions carried out. All in all, DSA commissioner’s interest in scouting was a catalyst for all the new leaders to take scouting at a new height and level.

The practical sessions also touched on the different important topics like: first aid, flag protocol, flag ceremony, pioneering, red flower show, etc. The practical sessions seemed much joyable and fun because the participants filled the praticals sessions with laughter and reojoice. The sessions were scheduled from morning 5 am with drills and aerobics followed by flag ceremony and camp inspection, different theory as well as practical sessions were also carried from 8: 30 a.m. till 5: 30 p.m. in the evening. Night programs were prepared by all the sixes in rotational basis which was carried out for 1 hour (8-9 p.m.). After the evening program new leaders in their respective six were assigned with the task of gadget making which was shaped and moulded with the different rope works learned during the day’s sessions. We could see the participants actively engaged and showcasing their creativeness, team collaboration and coordination. The gadget work lasting till 1 am in the morning and sometimes even till 2 in the morning. However with full support and cooperation from each other, the task seemed much easier and fun although exhaustive in nature. One of the most difficult task for both the facilitators and the participants was putting integrated hiking into action. The place being new to all the personnels, selecting and making the hiking route was not an easy task. The integrated hiking was found challenging for all the participants which lasted from afternoon till the dark. The long 6 hours hiking was a moment to remember for all the participants.

The 5 days BULT training at Jangbi PS was a moment embedded in everyone’s memory. With much strong emotional bond between the paricipants and the facilitators, the program successfully concluded with scarf and certificated awarding by DSA commissioner. The words uttered by commissioner during the closing and opening was something that every leaders need to reflect and work towards for fulfillment. The lack of discipline in students was the concerned issue raised by guest of honour. He also highlighted to nullify this issue through scouting as a tool in hand for all the teachers.