ONE of the country’s pioneer youth movements is looking to its past to help the next generation face the future amid rapid technology and shifting social realities.
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) — with support from the Department of Education (DepEd) and in partnership with the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corp. (PAEC) — recently opened the World of Scouting: Heritage and Adventure Camp at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati.
The project represents an ambitious effort to transform over a century of history into a living, interactive experience that speaks to today’s youth and families dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of scouting in the Philippines.
For generations of Filipinos, scouting has been more than an extracurricular activity. It has served as a training ground for leadership, citizenship, resilience, service and character.
Many of the country’s leaders in government, business, education and civil society trace formative lessons back to their days as a scout in uniform, learning to lead patrols, navigate challenges, and serve communities.
The World of Scouting seeks to bring those experiences to life.
Located on the Upper Ground Floor of Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, the museum combines historical galleries, authentic memorabilia, interactive exhibits, adventure zones, and hands-on learning experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages in teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving.
In his message, Education Secretary Sonny Angara recalled his scouting days and how BSP principles, practices and activities helped his drive for academic excellence, pointing out the importance of scouting in basic education, promoting life-saving and survival skills among Filipino youth.
Angara said the upcoming national meeting between DepEd and BSP will discuss the strengthening of swimming and water survival skills among scouts, in the wake of the drowning of two student-athletes of Ateneo de Manila University as well as the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in General Santos City.
“We cannot control all challenges that our youth will face, but we can prepare them. Safety and survival skills may serve as the difference between danger and hope, at times, even between life and death,” he said.
Angara said these crucial skills for learners may be acquired with the help of BSP, an important partner of the DepEd.
More than worn badges or achieved ranks, he said, scouting helps learners develop preparedness, compassion and readiness to lead during challenges or real-world uncertainties.
“When someone needed you, did you show up? That’s the true essence of ‘Laging Handa’ (always ready),” Angara said of the BSP motto, oath and law, as well as its slogan, “Gumawa ng mabuti araw-araw” (Do something good daily).
For PAEC CEO Lawrence Li Tan, the project reflects a growing need for meaningful experiences that bring families together while nurturing values that remain relevant in the modern world.
“We wanted to create a place where families can spend meaningful time together while discovering values that remain relevant in today’s world. World of Scouting goes beyond entertainment. It is about nurturing character, inspiring leadership, and reminding young people that adventure can also be a powerful teacher,” he said.
The visitor journey traces the scouting evolution from the vision of Lord Robert Baden-Powell to the remarkable story of scouting in the Philippines.
According to BSP national president Emilio Aquino, the museum was conceived as a bridge between generations — connecting the achievements of the past with the aspirations of young Filipinos who will inherit the future. Its greatest purpose is not merely to preserve history but to inspire what comes next.
“Scouting isn’t just an after-school activity; it is a crucible for life. When our young people look at the priceless collections on display — the vintage uniforms, the historic trophies and badges, and the camp crafts — I don’t want them to just see history. I want them to see themselves in that history,” the first Eagle Scout to serve as BSP national president said.
“I want them to realize that the values of leadership, citizenship and service are not dusty, abstract concepts found in a textbook. They are active choices made by generations of brave young scouts who came before them. This modern yet impactful museum isn’t just about preserving the past; it is a launchpad for the future leaders of the Philippines,” he added.
For Tan, the partnership between PAEC and BSP emerged from a shared belief that meaningful institutions and powerful stories have the capacity to shape future generations.
As the organization approaches its next century of service, Aquino says its mission remains rooted in timeless values, even as its methods evolve to meet the realities of a changing world, as BSP embraces digital transformation while remaining faithful to the principles that have defined scouting for generations.