Farewell from President Kang, Young Joong

Dear Scouting Family,
At the start of spring when the world is full of new life, I express my sorrow at parting. I was not able to meet all of you to say good bye in person at the 2012 Scout Leaders’ Gathering in February so I am writing this letter to warmly bid you farewell.
I first became involved in Scouting in 2003 as a member of the national board, and then as a vice president and then president of the Korea Scout Association for 4 years respectively. Considering all that I have encountered of Scouting, this short time may not have been long enough for me to fully understand what a Scout is. However, the times I spent together with Scout members with the shared goal of ‘creating a better world’ remain valuable and happy memories which I will cherish. During this time, I observed our members, who are the future of Scouting, putting every effort toward their goals. I had an invaluable experience not as the President of the KSA but as a fellow Scout leader.
Also, I think I was a very lucky president. Taking up the presidency in 2008, the biggest international events in the world for Scout leaders, the World Scout Conference and World Scout Youth Forum, were successfully held in the same year, and during my time as president we hosted two Jamborees, which are considered the centerpiece of Scouting. Also, the KSA raised its position in the world by supporting Mr. Simon Hang-Bock Rhee to become chairman of the World Scout Committee, and Mr. Sang Ho Shim in becoming a member of the Asia Pacific Regional Scout Committee. Further to this, our long-cherished ambitions of annual registration growth and the uniform improvement project were pushed forward without any problems. All of these achievements were only possible thanks to the passion and effort made by Scout Councils and staff, commissioners, the expert committee and special committees. I am deeply grateful for your hard work.
This year is an important year as we mark our 90thanniversary. We need to pave the way for developing communication and harmony within our association. As the new president Dr. Ham Jong Hahn has not only a firm will regarding communication and consilience but also has a great depth of Scouting experience and a firm philosophy regarding education. I fully expect to see big developments in Korean Scouting in the years ahead. In order to make a new leap forward, please continue to give your interest and support to Scouting.
In conclusion, there is an old saying that goes: the most beautiful finish is returning to the original mind. Following this, I leave the office with a smile on my face and a fresh perspective; a frame of mind where everything is exciting and impressive. Moving forwards, I will actively support Scouting and participate with pride to enhance Scouting, and to honor my fellow Scouts and the values we work towards. Thank you. I am truly appreciative of your support and ongoing efforts.

Your Fellow Scout Leader,
Kang, Young Joong