Daily TribuneThe World of Scouting: Heritage and Adventure Camp brings Philippine Scouting to life through historical exhibits, memorabilia, interactive displays and hands-on activities that nurture leadership, service, resilience and responsible citizenship among the youth.
THE Milestones Gallery chronicles more than a century of Scouting history, showcasing the achievements and contributions of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
Photographs by Nico Erle Ciriaco for DAILY TRIBUNE
The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), in partnership with the Philippine Amusement and Entertainment Corporation (PAEC), formally opened the World of Scouting: Heritage and Adventure Camp at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati.
The country’s first immersive Scouting destination, it is also the first off-site museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and legacy of Scouting in the Philippines.
“We are in the process of rewriting our history, including that of the Boy Scouts. Let us give our children the chance for moral regeneration, together with the skills that build character, as well as the things that make us appreciate values in the age of AI and social media,” said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, guest speaker at the inauguration on 18 June.
The project represents an ambitious effort to transform more than a century of Scouting history into a living and interactive experience that speaks to today’s young people and families.
For generations of Filipinos, Scouting has been more than an extracurricular activity. It has served as a training ground for leadership, citizenship, resilience, service and character. Many of the country’s leaders in government, business, education, and civil society trace formative lessons to their days in uniform, when they learned to lead patrols, confront challenges, and serve their communities.
A COLLECTION of camping equipment and memorabilia on display.
The World of Scouting brings these experiences — and the values behind them — to life.
Located on the Upper Ground Floor of Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, the destination combines historical galleries, authentic memorabilia, interactive exhibits, adventure zones and hands-on learning activities designed for visitors of all ages.
From rare collections and historic artifacts to immersive activities that foster teamwork, critical thinking and problem-solving, the museum invites guests not simply to learn about Scouting but to experience its values firsthand.
A bridge between generations
“The museum is a living time machine. It is a modern off-site museum in the bustling city of Makati,” said Emilio B. Aquino, National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
“Tour operators can easily bring students here for life-skills training. It is a physical manifestation of Philippine Scouting,” he added. “By preserving our priceless heritage today, we are fueling the fire that will light the trail for the next hundred years of exceptional Filipino leadership.”
Aquino described the museum as “a monument to legacy,” transforming a space within a mall into an adventure camp where Scouts and other young visitors can learn practical skills and earn badges in real time.
He said the museum was conceived as a bridge between generations, connecting the achievements of the past with the aspirations of the young Filipinos who will inherit the future.
“The single biggest message I want them to take away is this: You are part of a grand, global and living legacy, and you have a unique trail to blaze,” he said.
YOUNG visitors explore interactive exhibits that blend play, discovery and experiential learning.
As the first Eagle Scout to serve as National President under the BSP program, Aquino believes the museum gives young people an opportunity to see themselves reflected in the stories of those who came before them.
“Scouting isn’t just an after-school activity — it is a crucible for life,” he said. “When our young people look at the priceless collections on display — the vintage uniforms, historic trophies and badges, and camp crafts — I don’t want them to just see history. I want them to see themselves in that history.”
He added that leadership, citizenship and service should not be regarded as dusty or abstract ideas confined to textbooks. Rather, they are active choices made by generations of young Scouts.
“This modern yet impactful museum isn’t just about preserving the past; it is a launchpad for the future leaders of the Philippines,” Aquino said.
That philosophy is woven throughout the museum experience.
Adventure as a teacher
For Dr. Lawrence Li Tan, chief executive officer of PAEC, the project responds to the growing need for meaningful experiences that bring families together while cultivating enduring values.
“We wanted to create a place where families can spend meaningful time together while discovering values that remain relevant in today’s world,” Tan said.
“World of Scouting goes beyond entertainment. It is about nurturing character, inspiring leadership and reminding young people that adventure can also be a powerful teacher,” he added.
The museum also highlights global Scouting initiatives, sustainability programs, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics or STEM-based experiences. These activities encourage young people to become innovative thinkers, responsible citizens and capable future leaders.
For Tan, the partnership between PAEC and the Boy Scouts of the Philippines grew from a shared belief that meaningful institutions and powerful stories can shape future generations.
“At PAEC, we are always looking for meaningful stories and institutions that have the power to shape future generations. That is precisely why we chose to partner with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines,” he said.
“For more than a century, Scouting has been developing young people through leadership, citizenship, character and service—values that are just as important today as they were when the movement began.”
Tan said these timeless ideals deserved to be presented to a new generation in ways that are engaging, immersive and relevant to the contemporary world.
The World of Scouting was born from this shared vision: to preserve an extraordinary legacy while inspiring young Filipinos to become responsible citizens, future leaders, and changemakers.
Through the partnership, BSP and PAEC hope to make the lessons of Scouting more accessible to families, students and communities across the country.
DEPARTMENT of Education Secretary Sonny Angara (middle) was the guest of honor during the inauguration.
Preparing Scouts for a changing world
Beyond the museum itself, Aquino sees the project as part of a broader transformation within the Scouting movement.
As the organization approaches its next century of service, he said its mission remains firmly rooted in timeless values, even as its methods evolve in response to a rapidly changing world.
“In a world dominated by screens, we will remain the premier laboratory for character,” Aquino said. “This very project — our first off-site museum —proves our strategy of bringing outdoor adventure and physical teamwork directly into the spaces where modern youth gather.”
He added that the BSP is embracing digital transformation while remaining faithful to the principles that have defined Scouting for generations.
“We are actively modernizing our movement, from building a nationwide directory to pioneering technology-forward programs alongside traditional Scout crafts and outdoor activities,” he said.
“We will ensure that our Scouts are not just consumers of technology but its masters and responsible leaders.”
Equally important, Aquino said, is the need to prepare young people for an increasingly uncertain future.
“In these challenging times of worsening disasters, the BSP will be the premier training ground for survival, adaptive life skills, and climate resilience, while aggressively advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
“We will continue molding young Filipinos who stand Laging Handa to safeguard and serve their communities.”
The museum experience culminates at the Grand Arena, a versatile venue envisioned for educational programs, youth gatherings, community events, celebrations, and civic-engagement activities. The space is intended to extend the museum’s influence beyond a single visit by providing a continuing venue for learning, fellowship, and public service.
“We are not a movement of nostalgia,” Aquino said. “By preserving our priceless heritage today, we are fueling the fire that will light the trail for the next hundred years of exceptional Filipino leadership.”
