TELOK MELANO: More than 150 Sea Scouts from Sarawak, Pahang, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and neighbouring Sambas, Indonesia, gathered at Telok Melano for the Sarawak Sea Scout Marine Education Camp 2025, a five-day programme aimed at nurturing marine conservation awareness and fostering unity among young scouts.
The camp, held from August 28 to September 1, was officiated by Datuk Mohamad Safri Datuk Abdillah, deputy president of the Sarawak Scout Council, at an opening ceremony at Hana Homestay, Telok Melano.
In his address, Safri reminded the participants of their responsibility to protect Sarawak’s rich marine ecosystem.
“Sarawak has a very large ecosystem that needs to be sustained for the benefit of our future generation,” he said.
He also extended his appreciation to the camp’s Organising Committee, led by Fauziah Pata, assistant chief scout commissioner for Sea Scouts, for successfully hosting the second edition of the event following the overwhelming response to the inaugural camp.
The camp, carrying the theme ‘Dum Spiro Spero – While I Breathe, I Hope’, highlighted the values of resilience, perseverance and hope.
The message resonated strongly with Sarawak’s own rallying cry of “Agi Idup, Agi Ngelaban”, symbolising courage and strength.
This year’s event also took on added significance as it coincided with the 112th anniversary of Scouting in Sarawak, a movement that has played a vital role in shaping disciplined, patriotic and community-oriented youth.
Over the course of the camp, participants took part in activities such as swimming, kayaking, water rescue techniques, snorkelling and backwoods cooking.
The activities were designed in accordance with the Sea Scout Badge Scheme and tailored to the participants’ age and abilities.
The presence of Scouts from Peninsular Malaysia and Sambas, Indonesia, further elevated the spirit of camaraderie and strengthened the bonds of unity and nationhood among the youth.
Furthermore, John Lim Boon Beng, the chief scout commissioner of Sarawak, in his welcoming remarks, described the camp as an important platform for Sea Scouts to gain knowledge, build identity and strengthen friendships across regions.
“Every challenge a Sea Scout goes through is an opportunity to develop themselves.
“Every task is a step towards becoming stronger, wiser and more holistic,” he said.
