An Ethnographic Study of Pakistan Boy Scouts Association Youth Engagement and its Social Impact

Abstract

This study explores the organizational ethnography of Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, which is affiliated with World Scout Organization Movement working for the youth development, globally. The research focuses on finding out; the workings that Pakistan Boy Scouts Association, in the region of Islamabad as an organizational structure, which engages the youth and has a significant social and personality impact on them. This ethnographic study uncovers character traits through participant observation of scout activities, training sessions and also interviews with active and dedicated scouts, and the administrative officials of the organization. The study delves into the internal mechanics of the informal educational method adopted by Pakistan Boy Scouts Association and its impacts on society. Using an anthropological lens, this study shows the formal structure of Pakistan Boy Scouts Association to be helpful in terms of youth outreach and social effectiveness. The Scout method of training, impacts the young people personally and also socially, that helps in engaging youth positively in their respective societies. This method is unique to scouting only, as it attempts to teach the scouts unconsciously certain attributes and character traits that are necessary to be learned in order to be a practical, smart, helping and active citizen of the society. Scouting experience is helpful in creating a society that is cooperative and volunteering. The young become responsible towards their environment as a whole. They also nurture themselves personal characteristics like leadership, honesty and confidence.