The Arab Scout Movement and its Friends Association

An independent youth movement open to everyone

The Arab Scout Movement was founded in 1999 through the initiative of the late leader Noman Shehadeh and others. It is an independent, non-partisan youth scouting movement, open to girls and boys without distinction based on sex, colour, ethnicity or belief. Its official material states that the Movement's leadership and teams participate in Israeli and world scouting frameworks.

A leading non-formal education framework

The Movement describes itself as the largest non-formal education framework in Arab society in the country. For many girls and boys it provides a warm, safe setting after school and enables participation in organised outdoor activity, including trips and residential camps.

Scouting as a way of life and learning by doing

The Movement seeks to turn freedom, peace and equality into daily human values and is grounded in the Scout Law and Promise. It supports education for democracy and democracy in education, following the scouting method established by Lord Baden-Powell.

• Trips to learn about the country
• Winter and summer camps
• Hands-on work and making
• Independence and teamwork

Whole-person development and responsible leadership

The Movement works to empower young people and develop their character so they can grow intellectually, physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally, becoming responsible citizens locally, nationally and globally. Experienced advisers, educators and trainers lead varied educational initiatives.

Inclusion as genuine participation and progression

The Movement is proud to include girls and boys with disabilities, including hearing loss, visual impairment, learning difficulties and motor disabilities, in troops and shared activities. The source material notes that some participants progressed to become trainers and guides for members with and without disabilities.

Volunteering at the heart of community life

The Movement educates for volunteering, giving and helping others. Examples in the source material include programmes linking young people and senior citizens, distributing food and medicine, activity days for mothers, and cleaning roads and cemeteries. Troops also join public and religious celebrations with bands and musical ensembles.