Tavua district scout camper Nikhil Prasad was all smiles when Minister for Youth and Sports Mr Viliame Naupoto visited his camp yesterday at Queen Victoria School.
Nikhil celebrated his 12th birthday at the jamboree camp site and was joined by fellow scouts and teachers from Tavua and Australia in a surprise birthday celebration soon after the opening ceremony.
“This is indeed a surprise and I will surely not feel homesick as I have found many friends here in just a day,” said the shy Nikhil.
“I’m really happy and proud of my teachers and friends for organising a surprise party for me,” said the 12-year-old scout.
The Minister was chief guest and opened the 12th National Scout and Centennial Jamboree at QVS today that is attended by 1410 scouts from around Fiji including Australia and New Zealand.
During his rounds at the camp site, Mr Naupoto was elated to be invited to join Nikhil and his fellow scouts for the birthday celebrations.
The national jamboree coincides with the centennial celebration of scouts in Fiji.
“I would like to congratulate the scout movement on its 100th centurion anniversary. It is a significant milestone for the Scouts movement in Fiji,” said Mr Naupoto.
“The scouting movement in Fiji has come a long way since it began in Fiji in 1914. It is the oldest youth movement in Fiji and has 8000 members, with volunteers that serve the scout movement with dedication and commitment.”
The scouts will march through the capital Suva on Thursday where Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama will officiate at the closing. Scouts will disperse from QVS on Saturday 23rd August.
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