ZWIAZEK HARCERSTWA POLSKIEGO

The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego - ZHP) is a non-governmental, non-profit and voluntary-based organization providing dynamic, values-based, non-formal education and leadership training programmes for children and young people between the ages of 6 and 21. With membership of ca 105.000 boys and girls, men and women, it is the largest social and educational organization for children and youth in the country. ZHP celebrated the centenary of scouting movement in Poland in 2010. The organization was established in 1918 after the merger of the scout organizations operating in the three partitions of Poland. For nearly 100 years, the main goal of ZHP has been to support the education of individuals by fostering an environment for their comprehensive development. The Mission of ZHP is to educate young people, that is to support them in their full development and character formation through giving them challenges to overcome. ZHP is not just an organization, it is a social movement that builds positive attitudes and strong character. It supports the education of children and youth in line with scouting values, such as patriotism, brotherhood, friendship, service, faith, work, justice, freedom and peace. ZHP is open to all, regardless of origin, nationality, race or creed. To implement its objectives ZHP organises its members in units of 12-25 members which conduct a whole year's activity among children and youth using the scout educational method, consisting in achievement of goals in small peer groups, learning by doing, use of a stimulating programme and invoking ideas expressed in the Promise and Law. This method entails a positive attitude, it is voluntary, based on awareness of goals, individuality, natural methods, indirect influence and mutuality of interactions between adults and young people. ZHP is divided into 17 regions and over 350 Districts throughout the country. The organisation’s structure supports the work of units and their leaders by developing policies and providing programme proposals, training for leaders, logistics for organising big events, platforms for partnerships with other NGOs and institutions. The honorary protector of ZHP is the President of the Republic of Poland. ZHP is a founder member of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM)and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and maintains bilateral and sub-regional relations with their member organisations. Recent international events hosted in Poland are Intercamp 2015 in Nysa, European International Commissioners Forum 2016 in Gdansk, Central European Jamboree 2016 in Wroclaw, Eurosea 13 Seminar in Puck 2016, National Jamboree 2018 in Gdansk (with international participants). ZHP provided overall medical and orderly services at World Youth Days 2016 in Krakow. ZHP is now preparing to host one of the locations of Juliette Law WAGGGS seminars in November 2019 and European Scout Jamboree in August 2020. Young members of ZHP are divided in four sections depending on age. Methods applied in each section correspond with psychophysical development of its members. At present ZHP works on implementing the following programme directions: SCOUTING IN MOTION - covering all types of outdoor activities, propagation of healthy habits, hikes, camps. SOCIAL ACTIVITY - teamwork for the good of the local community based on the needs of the surrounding environment, projects aiming to improve local community. CURIOSITY OF THE WORLD - curiosity about Poland, Europe and the world: people, cultures, nature; curiosity leading to activity. SKILLS FOR THE WHOLE LIFE – fostering interests, practical learning of skills useful in life, scouting techniques filled with up-to-date content, adventure activities, self-organization, diligence, reliability. BROTHERHOOD - friendship, dialogue and respect regardless of differences, making and maintaining with people, opposition against violence. CHEERFUL PATRIOTIS