Francis Wong
MAy 17, 2024

The BLIA Scouts Sydney, adhering to the "Three Acts of Good Deeds and Four Givings" philosophy advocated by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, founder of Fo Guang Shan, have deeply garnered parents' support. On 28th April, coinciding with the 30th anniversary celebration of the "2024 Buddha's Birthday Multicultural Festival" held at Darling Harbour in Sydney, a special "BLIA Scouts Investiture Ceremony" was held. Nearly 200 attendees, including Venerable Man Ko, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Australia & New Zealand; John Dwyer, State Commissioner – Partnerships & Advocacy Scouts NSW; Helen Dwyer, Scout Commissioner of the Bambara District; Ven. Ru Yi, Guiding Venerable of Fo Guang Scouts in Oceania; Daniel Wu, President of BLIA Sydney,  Jing Fang, Leader of BLIA Scouts Sydney; along with certified scouts and their parents, witnessed the investiture of 30 scouts and 4 new scout leaders.

Since its establishment during the Buddha's Birthday Festival in Sydney Darling Harbour in 2017, the BLIA Scouts Sydney have been committed to learning, community service, and personal growth, integrating into the mainstream scouting community. Their activities have included participation in ANZAC Day events, Clean Up Australia Day, Tree Planting Day, Daffodil Day Cancer Council fundraisers, mainstream scouting outdoor camps, and BLIA events such as the global online examinations.

Commissioner Helen Dwyer was pleased to see 34 new scouts joining the BLIA Scouts Sydney, enhancing local scout development and growth, and serving the community. She emphasized the need for parental and leadership efforts in nurturing Scouts' growth, hoping for collective creativity to cultivate social talents.

Daniel Wu pointed out the alignment of BLIA Scouts Sydney beliefs with those of Fo Guang Shan, urging everyone to cherish the opportunity to integrate the philosophy of "doing good deeds every day" with the " Three Acts of Good Deeds " principles, applying it in daily life for self-improvement and progress.

The ceremony proceeded with a simple yet solemn investiture, inviting Venerable Man Ko, Helen Dwyer, Ven. Ru Yi, and Daniel Wu to certify 4 new scout leaders, 5 Venture Scouts, 2 Scouts, 9 Cubs, 7 Joeys, and 7 transitioning to Scouts. Venerable Man Ko presented the BLIA Scouts scarves, Ven. Ru Yi awarded the BLIA Scouts badges, and Daniel Wu awarded Australian Scout badges and national flag badges.

Commissioner Helen Dwyer, in the presence of the public, led the new scouts in the oath to be loyal to the scout spirit, contribute to the community and the world, help others, and abide by scout laws. The scouts affirmed in unison, "Yes, I Do." The solemn investiture ceremony welcomed 34 new members into the BLIA Scouts Sydney family, where they can grow and serve the community in a disciplined and nurturing environment.

The emotional feedback from the scout investiture was shared by John Dwyer, State Commissioner – Partnerships & Advocacy Scouts NSW, and Helen Dwyer, Scout Commissioner of the Bambara District, both expressing excitement and pride in collaborating with Fo Guang Shan. They acknowledged the alignment of scout goals and principles with Buddhism, emphasizing mutual understanding, cooperation, and friendship. They further highlighted the theme of the World Scout Conference scheduled for July at Nan Tien Temple, "Mutual Existence and Prosperity," echoing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They firmly believed that scouting is the only organization in the world that aligns with all SDGs.

Newly certified scout leader Nora believes that BLIA Scouts Sydney is a trustworthy organization that not only teaches scouting skills but also provides opportunities to learn Buddhism, practice the " Three Acts of Good Deeds " in daily life, and cultivate meaningful values.