ཤེས་རིག་དང་རིག་རྩལ་གོང་འཕེལ་ལྷན་ཁག།
Ministy of Education and Skills Development
National Scout Jamboree 2026 Marks a Historic
Milestone for Bhutan Scouting
As the final campfire illuminated the cool evening sky above Paro and hundreds of scouts stood together one last time to sing, reflect and celebrate, the National Scout Jamboree 2026 came to a close, leaving behind memories, friendships and experiences that will be cherished for years to come.
For five days, from 26 to 30 May 2026, the National Scouts Centre in Paro became the heart of Bhutan’s scouting movement. More than 600 participants from across the Kingdom, joined by international participants and officials from the World Organization for Scout Movement and APR, World Scouts Bureau gathered for what will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of scouting in Bhutan.
The National Scout Jamboree 2026 was not simply another youth event. It was the first National Scout Jamboree ever organized in Bhutan with international participation from other National Scout Organization and WOSM, making it a landmark occasion for the Bhutan Scouts Association and a significant milestone in the country’s continuing efforts to empower young people through leadership, service and community engagement.
Organized by the Bhutan Scouts Association under the Department of Education Programme, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, the jamboree was dedicated to the celebration of the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, whose visionary leadership and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness continue to shape Bhutan’s development and inspire generations of young Bhutanese.
A Gathering of Bhutan's Future Leaders
From the moment participants arrived at the National Scouts Centre, there was a sense that something special was unfolding. Scouts representing all 20 Dzongkhags and four thromdes travelled to Paro to be part of the historic gathering. Young people aged between 14 and 17 came together from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to the values of scouting.
A total of 618 participants took part in the jamboree, including student scouts, adult leaders, volunteers, staff members and organizers. Throughout the five days, the campsite transformed into a vibrant community where learning, adventure and friendship thrived side by side.
Participants were divided into four sub camps named Mewang, Jigme and Singye and Wangchuck, creating opportunities for teamwork, collaboration and healthy competition throughout the programme. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and purpose as scouts immersed themselves in a wide range of activities designed to challenge, inspire and develop their leadership potential.
Leadership, Service and Mindfulness in Action
The theme of the National Scout Jamboree 2026, “Leadership, Service and Mindfulness Inspired by Bhutan’s Vision for Youth,” reflected the values at the heart of both scouting and Bhutan’s national development philosophy.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in activities that encouraged personal growth while reinforcing the importance of responsibility, compassion and service to others. Scouts took part in camping, hiking, leadership workshops, youth forums, skill competitions, environmental initiatives, volunteer service programmes, cultural performances and campfire activities.
These experiences were carefully designed to nurture resilience, discipline, teamwork, creativity and problem solving skills while helping participants develop a deeper appreciation for their role as future leaders.
For many young scouts, the jamboree represented an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence and discover strengths they may not have known they possessed. Beyond the activities themselves, the experience reinforced an important lesson that leadership is not defined by authority but by the willingness to serve, support and inspire others.
Honouring the Legacy of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo
The significance of the jamboree extended far beyond scouting activities. Held in commemoration of the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the event paid tribute to a monarch whose visionary leadership transformed Bhutan and introduced the philosophy of Gross National Happiness to the world.
Throughout the jamboree, participants reflected on the enduring values championed by His Majesty, including peace, unity, environmental conservation, good governance and holistic human development.
These principles were woven into the programme and served as a reminder that the development of young people is central to the future of the nation. Addressing the opening ceremony, the Minister of Education and Skills Development, Yeezang De Thapa, highlighted the importance of nurturing compassionate and responsible leaders who place service and human wellbeing at the centre of their actions. Her message resonated strongly with the scouts, many of whom see themselves as future changemakers committed to contributing positively to their communities and the country.
A New Chapter of International Friendship
One of the most historic aspects of the National Scout Jamboree 2026 was its international dimension. For the first time in the history of the Bhutan Scouts Association, invitations were extended to National Scout Organizations and officials from WOSM and APR, World Scouts Bureau, transforming the jamboree into a international gathering.
Scouts and delegates from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka joined their Bhutanese counterparts in Paro, while representatives from the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the Asia Pacific Region of the World Scout Bureau also participated in the event.
Their presence elevated the jamboree beyond a national celebration and created valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, learning and international cooperation.
Throughout the week, participants shared stories, traditions and experiences from their respective countries, discovering common values despite differences in language, geography and culture.
For many Bhutanese scouts, it was their first opportunity to interact directly with fellow scouts from other countries, creating friendships that extended beyond borders and strengthening Bhutan’s connection with the global scouting community.
Inclusion at the Heart of Scouting
Among the most inspiring aspects of the National Scout Jamboree 2026 was its commitment to inclusion. The participation of students from Wangsel Institute in Paro demonstrated the Bhutan Scouts Association’s dedication to ensuring that scouting remains accessible to all young people regardless of ability.
Throughout the jamboree, scouts from Wangsel Institute actively participated alongside fellow scouts in activities, learning experiences and community interactions.
Their presence served as a powerful reminder that scouting is built on principles of equality, respect and belonging. The inclusion of students with hearing impairments enriched the event and reinforced the belief that every young person deserves opportunities to learn, lead and contribute meaningfully to society.
In a world where inclusion is increasingly recognized as essential for strong communities, the National Scout Jamboree 2026 demonstrated how diversity strengthens the scouting movement and creates richer learning experiences for everyone involved.
National Scout Jamboree 2026, Bhutan Scouts Association, Scouting in Bhutan, Paro Bhutan, Community Based Scouts, Inclusive Scouting, Wangsel Institute, International Scouts, Youth Leadership Bhutan, Gross National Happiness, Bhutan Youth Development, Scout Jamboree Bhutan, Leadership Service Mindfulness, Bhutan Education, Youth Empowerment Bhutan.
Strengthening Community Through Community Based Scouts
The jamboree also highlighted the growing impact of Community Based Scouts (CBS) in Bhutan, showcasing how scouting continues to expand beyond traditional school environments. Community Based Scouting provides opportunities for young people from diverse communities to engage in programmes that build leadership, encourage volunteerism and strengthen civic responsibility.
This year’s participation of Community Based Scouts reflected the Bhutan Scouts Association’s commitment to inclusivity and its ongoing effort to ensure that scouting is accessible to every young person, regardless of background or circumstance. It also demonstrated how scouting continues to evolve as a platform for empowerment, practical learning and active citizenship.
A particularly inspiring moment came when three women from the CBS group showcased their handmade products created from waste materials. They not only exhibited these innovative eco-friendly items but also demonstrated the weaving process behind them, turning discarded materials into useful and creative products. Their work stood as a powerful example of sustainability, skills development and community innovation within scouting.
By bringing together school scouts and Community Based Scouts under one camp, the jamboree created a meaningful space where young people from different walks of life could learn from each other, share experiences and build lasting connections rooted in respect, teamwork and shared purpose.
Adventure, Learning and Lifelong Memories
Every day of the jamboree offered new opportunities for exploration and growth. Participants challenged themselves through adventure activities that tested endurance, courage and teamwork. They engaged in environmental initiatives that reinforced the importance of conservation and stewardship. They exchanged cultures through performances and interactive programmes that celebrated diversity and friendship. The evenings brought scouts together around campfires where songs, stories and shared experiences strengthened bonds among participants.
For many, these moments became the most treasured memories of the jamboree. The event was not only about acquiring new skills but also about building confidence, fostering friendships and developing a deeper understanding of the values that define scouting.
Many participants described the jamboree as a transformative experience that broadened their perspectives and strengthened their commitment to serving their communities.
revitalizing scouting movement
The National Scout Jamboree 2026 also carried special significance because it marked the return of a major national scouting gathering after a long gap. Its successful organization reflects renewed momentum within the scouting movement and growing recognition of the role scouting plays in youth development and nation building.
The event demonstrated the collective efforts of the Bhutan Scouts Association, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, volunteers, partners, schools and communities who worked tirelessly to make the jamboree a success.
Their commitment ensured that hundreds of young people had the opportunity to experience the transformative power of scouting in an environment that promoted learning, inclusion and personal growth.
A Legacy That Will Endure
As participants departed Paro and returned to their schools, communities and countries, they carried home far more than certificates, badges or photographs. They carried new friendships, valuable lessons and a renewed sense of purpose. The National Scout Jamboree 2026 has established a strong foundation for future jamborees and international scouting events in Bhutan. It demonstrated the ability of scouting to bring people together across cultures, abilities and backgrounds while inspiring young people to become responsible citizens and compassionate leaders.
Most importantly, it reaffirmed the enduring relevance of scouting in preparing young people to navigate an increasingly complex world with courage, integrity and empathy. The tents may have come down and the campfires may have faded, but the spirit of the National Scout Jamboree 2026 will continue to burn brightly in the hearts of those who were part of this historic journey. For Bhutan Scouting, this was more than a successful event.
It was the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter defined by leadership, service, mindfulness, inclusion and international friendship. A chapter that will inspire generations of young scouts for years to come.