As part of its action plan, the National Chaplaincy/Spirituality Commission of the Scouts of Senegal, in partnership with the Scouts et Guides de France, organized a training camp for all spirituality actors within the movement centered on the theme of interreligious dialogue. This time of sharing, openness, and listening allowed us to become more aware of the need to train ourselves in dialogue to better support young people and contribute to building a more fraternal and peaceful world. This peace, which is one of the ultimate goals of our scouting commitment, can only be built by learning to know ourselves better, to know others better, and to welcome differences as a God-given richness.
This meeting also led us to reflect on the place of spirituality within the scouting movement. It must be noted that although it is the first principle of scouting, this dimension is still too often relegated to the background, or even absent from some of our gatherings. However, spirituality is not just one activity among others: it is a cross-cutting dimension that flows through the entire scouting pedagogy. This is why we invite every scout, regardless of their religious tradition, to return to the roots of scouting and fully live out this fundamental dimension. We also recalled that spiritual advisors must be able to respond to the deep expectations of young people by listening to them attentively, exercising enlightened discernment, and guiding them with patience on the path of goodness.
But how can we make this ambition truly effective?
The answer is clear: through training.
Training leaders is an unavoidable requirement. A spiritual advisor must possess the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to carry out their mission properly. The spiritual training of a scout leader cannot be limited to a simple introduction to catechesis. It should also enable them to acquire a solid foundation in the Social Doctrine of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, liturgy, and knowledge of Holy Scripture. The goal is not to turn every leader into a theologian or a specialist, but to offer them a strong enough foundation to nourish their own spiritual life and serve the youth entrusted to them with greater competence.
In the context of Catholic scouting, this training must naturally open up to the dimension of interreligious dialogue. A spiritual advisor cannot ignore the major religious traditions present in their environment. While the movement is open to all, we must be able to deepen our own faith while developing a true culture of encounter. Knowing the other does not weaken our identity; on the contrary, it helps us better understand our own tradition and build relationships based on respect, trust, and peace. Difference then becomes a richness, a source of wisdom, integration, and fraternity.
A second essential dimension of training involves knowledge of the scouting movement itself. This requirement is particularly important for priests, religious brothers and sisters, and brother advisors who join the movement. Scouting is the largest youth movement in the world. It has an original educational method, a language, symbols, traditions, pedagogy, and an organization of its own. It is difficult to effectively support young people in a reality that one does not know sufficiently. A better understanding of scouting will allow advisors to speak the same language as the youth, better understand their progression, and guide them with greater relevance in fulfilling their duty to God, to others, and to themselves.
Finally, a third dimension of training concerns the knowledge of the human person as well as the creation of a serene, safe, and protective environment. Today’s youth are often confronted with many vulnerabilities and seek credible adults who can listen without judgment. Our scout units must become true spaces of trust where every young person feels welcomed, respected, valued, and protected. This requires leaders to be trained in active listening, discernment, educational accompaniment, abuse prevention, and the protection of children and vulnerable persons. Providing a safe environment is not an option; it is a moral and educational responsibility that is integral to our mission.
Thus, a leader well-trained in all these dimensions becomes a true guide. They inspire trust, listen with benevolence, discern with wisdom, and accompany with truth. They do not merely transmit knowledge, but above all a life witness. However, this transmission will only be fruitful if we ourselves live what we teach. As Baden-Powell reminded us, personal example remains the primary method of education.
Training is therefore not a luxury, but a requirement. It forms the foundation of quality guidance and the condition for scouting to remain faithful to its educational and spiritual vocation. Training leaders, chaplains, sisters, and brother advisors means investing in the future of the movement. It enables every educator to become a peacemaker, a credible witness to their faith, and a guide capable of leading young people toward a fully human life, rooted in God, open to others, and resolutely committed to serving the world.
Father Youssouph Stev YOUM, sm. National Commissioner for Spirituality of the Scouts of Senegal
