As the St Aloysius College Scout Group celebrates its 100th anniversary with a parade today, Claire Caruana finds out what makes Scouting so valuable in young lives.

Thousands of young boys from every corner of the world join the Scout movement every year in search of adventure and outdoor experiences.

Yet while learning how to tie complex knots and pitch tents are important aspects of the Scouting experience, according to those who have spent any time in the organisation, its true value lies in the bond formed with fellow members, which lasts a lifetime.

Speaking to The Sunday Times of Malta, former and present Scouts from the St Aloysius College section said it had instilled in them the importance of being team players. Those who had moved on still felt part of the group.

The college’s Scout group is marking its 100th anniversary this year, and in an attempt to highlight the importance of the team experience, the group is calling on all former members to take part in the annual Scouts and Girl Guides parade being held in Valletta today.

Set up in 1916 and based at the Jesuit college in Birkikara, the group today has about 130 active members.

And while it has had to adapt to a changing society and modern-day realities, the core values instilled in those donning the Scout uniform seem to have remained unchanged.

Here is what five former and active members had to say about belonging to the St Aloysius College group.

Damian Cassola, 8

“I have been a Cub Scout for the past two years and have taken part in many outdoor activities – camping, hiking and even community service.

Camping is my favourite, because I get to sleep in a tent with some of my best friends. I also cook on an open fire and learn how to be responsible for my own belongings.

We learn a lot by playing games, working in teams and respecting one another.”

Andrew Abela, 12

“I have been in the Scout movement for about seven years, starting off as a Cub at the age of six. Being a Scout means experiencing a strong sense of belonging.

It has exposed me to skills that could come in handy in the future, skills we are not necessarily exposed to in our daily lives.

But Scouting isn’t just knots and first aid, it also teaches us skills like working together and is about teamwork at its best. I think the Scout Law sets our values quite clearly: trust, loyalty, friendship, responsibility, respect for yourself and, most importantly, respect towards others.

I am very proud to be part of the St Aloysius College Scout group, one of the oldest Scout groups on the island.”

Daniel Busuttil, 16

“Being a scout is a way of life. Some people see it just as a hobby, but for me Scouting is an essential part of my life. I dedicate lots of time to it, and it also serves as a break from daily duties.

As a Scout group we have regular weekly meetings, which have gone uninterrupted for 100 years, which makes St Aloysius one of the longest-serving Scout groups.

It makes me extremely proud of being part of this extended family.

I joined the group when I was seven and now serve as a senior patrol leader with the Ventures unit. Being part of the St Aloysius Scout Group is something which I cannot describe. It is my second family.”

Johann Bellizzi, 37

“I was a Cub Scout with the Mosta group between seven and 13, and then continued with the St Aloysius troop until I was 20. I have very fond memories of the SAC group, especially of founder John Mizzi, who took the SAC Scouting community to an international level.

Scouting gave me great experiences in leadership, learning values such as sharing and taught me important survival life skills such as knotting, first aid and teamwork. As an SAC Scout, I’m still carrying all these great values.

I’m also still in touch with fellow Rovers, and we meet up every year to reminisce about the good times.”

John Preca Trapani, 54

“I joined the SAC Scout group when I was nine years old. It was a period when there were no Cub Scouts, so they let me join as a Scout.

It was a great time learning new skills and how to abide by the Scout Law, looking forward to the following week’s meeting to learn something new and have another little adventure.

I remember being taught how to light a fire with just a single match and cook on an open fire, and then spending ages trying to clean the black-sooted mess tins – until someone taught me the trick of smearing washing liquid on to the base and around the pot before placing on the fire.

I eventually became Venture Scout Leader. Having the responsibility for 15-to-20-year-olds is not easy. You have to be on the ball and always come up with new ideas and interesting things to do to keep them interested and active and away from other tempting distractions, so we would have camping, expeditions, rafting and raft building and other outdoor activities, which kept the group on its toes.

They were the best times, and 45 years later, I can say that Scouting gives you the backbone for life.

All the values gained are carried along through time and help one to face the challenges of life. Once a Scout, always a Scout.”