WELCOME to International Centenary COMDECA

The scout movement in Bangladesh found a firm ground just after the emergence of this new nation in 1972 and has grown up with the changing needs of the society and aspirations of young people. The social dimension of scouting is equally Important alongside the physical, mental and intellectual dimensions. Community Development has interface with the social dimension as well as the fundamentals of scouting. Community Development activities cropped up in scouting for its potential interface with scout's good turn, law, promise, motto and principles. Community Development activities gathered momentum in the scout movement in Bangladesh since 1978 and Bangladesh Scouts has gained rich experience working with the Scouts of Australia, Korea and Japan. The National Government, UN bodies like UNICEF, UNDP, UNFPA, national and international NGOs and WSB/APR extended support to strengthen the experience.

The Community Development Camp Popularly known as COMDECA has created the opportunity among young people to share their accumulated knowledge, skills and experience. Recognizing the need and interest of tne young people as well as the community, Bangladesh Scouts organized different community development projects and programmes like District COMDECA, Regional COMDECA, National COMDECA, A-P COMDECA over the years. Bangladesh Scouts has organized a pioneering event of significance and promise by jOining Rover Moot and COMDECA in order to enrich them in 2001.

The World Scout Bureau/Asia Pacific Region always extended technical and financial support and cooperation in organizing COMDECA and International Partnership programmes for promoting Community Development activities.
The important COMDECA events organized by Bangladesh Scouts are:

1st National COMDECA at Gazipur in 1992
2nd A-P COMDECA at TA-MA-TU, Barguna in1995
3rd National COMDECA & 8th National Rover Moot at Sirajganj in 2001
4th National COMDECA at Cox's Bazar in 2007

In order to commemorate the 100 years of Scouting, Bangladesh Scouts has ventured to organize the International Centenary COMDECA at Cox's Bazar resort during 7-13 December 2007. The site is on one of the largest unbroken seashores in the world on the Bay of Bengal. The site is blessed with rich biodiversity, serene hills, lively beach and mighty sea. The majority of the Mongolian sect in Bangladesh live in and around Cox's Bazar. They lead a colourful life with the art and tune of nature. Some COMDECA activities will be organized in the forest. The sea-based activities include water-ski and sea fishing.

COMDECA is investing in young people. The young people worldwide aged 12-24 years has reached 1.5 billion, the largest in history. They are experiencing a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood. They need focused and special support to shape the foundations of their human capital to be productive workers, family heads, citizens and community leaders.

Gerakan Pramuka, Indonesia was the wonderful host of the 1 st World COMDECA in 1993. Recognizing the potentials and capacities, the WOSM in 1999 advised Bangladesh Scouts to organize COMDECA open to all NSOs of the world. Therefore, International Centenary COMDECA, organized by Bangladesh Scouts, is closely akin to World COMDECA. The WSB/ AP Region endorsed the International Centenary COMDECA as an APR Centenary event.

The theme of the COMDECA is "Breaking down the Barriers". Bangladesh Scouts is making preparation to welcome you at the Cox's Bazar COMDECA site in December 2007. Please join the challenging COMDECA and contribute towards building peace and friendship between young people of the world.