The role of Saudi scouts in Hajj: 20 camps to serve pilgrims
The participation of Saudi scouts in Hajj one of the finest examples of organized volunteer work, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving the pilgrims. During the Hajj season of 1447 AH, the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association activated 20 public service camps in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites. These camps embody the utmost care that the wise leadership—may God support them—dedicates to serving Islam and caring for those visiting the Two Holy Mosques, through an integrated system that includes thousands of young men, boys, and scout leaders who dedicate their energies to serving the pilgrims.
Deep historical roots of scouting volunteer work
This effort is not a recent development, but rather stems from a long history reflecting the deep-rooted tradition of volunteer work in the Kingdom. The origins of public service camps date back to the late 1970s (Hijri calendar), when a group of scouts from the Holy City of Mecca initiated support services for pilgrims. As numbers increased and the vision expanded, scouts from the governorates of Jeddah and Taif joined, until 1382 AH (1962 CE) witnessed the official and institutional launch of these camps with the participation of 150 scouts. At that time, their role was limited to supporting charitable ambulance services, traffic police, and the Ministries of Health and Hajj. Today, these efforts have developed year after year to become one of the largest seasonal volunteer initiatives specializing in serving pilgrims in the Islamic world.
National integration and professional training for crowd management
This year, 5,282 boys, young men, scout leaders, and female scout leaders are participating, spread across 20 sub-camps. These volunteers work in full coordination with various governmental and service agencies, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Ministry of Health, Public Security, the Ministry of Commerce, the Holy Capital Municipality, and the Ministry of Defense. They also participate in the Kingdom's project for utilizing sacrificial animals. To ensure they provide services that meet the leadership's expectations, participants undergo intensive training and qualification programs prior to the Hajj season. These programs cover rescue operations, civil defense, first aid, and the use of navigational maps. They are also trained in effective communication with pilgrims from diverse languages and cultures, as well as rapid intervention during crises and efficient crowd management.
The local and international impact of Saudi scouts' efforts during Hajj
The significance of the Saudi scouts' presence during Hajj simply providing temporary assistance; it has a profound impact on local, regional, and international levels. Locally, these camps contribute to instilling a culture of volunteerism and teamwork in Saudi youth, fostering a spirit of love and harmony among them, thus building a generation aware of its social responsibilities. Regionally and internationally, the Saudi scout stands out as a messenger of peace before millions of pilgrims from around the world. This direct humanitarian interaction reflects the Kingdom's noble civilizational and Islamic values and underscores its pioneering and historical role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, leaving a positive impression and fond memories for pilgrims to take home.
