30-year anniversary of return to the Scout Movement

The visit coincided with Founder’s Day on 22 February, when Scouts around the world mark the birthdays of both Robert and Olave Baden-Powell. This year’s celebrations had special significance for Polish Scouting. In 1996, ZHP formally returned to WOSM and WAGGGS. Thirty years later, that milestone was commemorated with a conference and national gala.

More than 300 Scout leaders from across Poland attended the evening event, where they received the Chief Commissioner’s Award in recognition of their voluntary service over the past year. The gala brought together current leaders, representatives of WOSM and WAGGGS, and volunteers who were involved in the 1996 return to the Scout Movement. The event was prepared by ZHP volunteers and broadcast live.

Honorary patronage at the Presidential Palace

On 22 February, a ceremony at the Presidential Palace marked another important milestone. Poland’s newly elected President, Karol Nawrocki, formally assumed the honorary patronage of ZHP, continuing a tradition dating back to 1920.

A Scout campfire was lit in the palace courtyard, symbolising continuity and community.

In his address, President Nawrocki highlighted the significance of the upcoming World Scout Jamboree. “This is a great opportunity not only for Polish Scouts, but for Poland as a whole, to show who we are as a nation,” he said, noting that the 2027 Jamboree will be the first ever hosted in Poland and only the second in Central Europe.

The President also met with the Secretary General and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting preparations for the Jamboree. Also in attendance were ZHP Chief Commissioner Martyna Kowacka, Jamboree Organising Committee Executive Director Karol Gzyl, and Małgorzata Sinica from the Jamboree Organising Committee.

Practical preparations underway

The visit also included working meetings focused on the practical aspects of delivering the 26^th World Scout Jamboree, scheduled to take place from 30 July to 8 August 2027.

At the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, discussions with Piotr Stec, Chair of the Council of the National Institute of Freedom, focused on institutional government support for the Jamboree, particularly in security, medical services, and inter-ministerial coordination. Participants also reviewed progress on the draft “Jamboree Act”, which aims to establish a legal framework for the event across a range of areas, including visa facilitation measures, provisions related to the safety of large-scale international gatherings, and operational mechanisms to support cooperation between state services and the organiser.

Later, at the Presidential Palace, the Secretary General met with Wojciech Kolarski, State Secretary at the Chancellery of the President. Discussions centred on preparations for the Jamboree in Gdańsk and its international programme. Minister Kolarski reaffirmed Scouting’s longstanding role in shaping future leaders and expressed continued support for the Jamboree as a globally significant event.

The official programme concluded with a working meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with representatives from the Consular Department and Public Diplomacy Directorates. Director Dagmara Jasińska presented the visa solutions envisaged under the draft legislation, including simplified procedures for participants from visa-required countries and enhanced consular support mechanisms for contingents. The meeting was also attended by Anna Nowosad, Head of the Solidarity Operation Department at the Jamboree Organising Committee, who presented the framework of the “Solidarity Operation” – a financial and organisational support mechanism designed to enable participation of Scouts from countries with limited resources, including those affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.

The three-day visit underscored the strong commitment of ZHP, the Jamboree Organising Committee, and national authorities to deliver the 2027 World Scout Jamboree. With preparations advancing steadily, cooperation between the Scout Movement and public institutions continues to deepen and become increasingly operational.