MESSAGE DU SEPTIÈME CHEF DE GROUPE

Let me tell you the story of a 12-year-old boy who, at the age of 14, lost his mother.

At that time, he was a Scout. When his mother passed away, the Scouts stood by his side, supported him, and became one of his greatest pillars, both within Scouting and beyond it.

From that day on, this boy made a decision: no matter what life brought his way, he would remain part of this family, the Scouting family: “Les Scouts du Liban, Groupe Saint Vincent de Paul Naccache”.

That boy grew up. He went from “Louveteaux” to “Éclaireurs”, then to the “Clan”. He took on responsibilities, became “Chef du Groupe” and today, he is passing on his role to the next generation.

That boy is me.

There is a song we learned, called “Les Retrouvailles”. It begins with the words, « Le temps est loin de nos vingt ans… », and at a certain point, it says, « Ça me fait de la peine, mais il faut que je m’en aille. »

For the past 20 years, from 2006 to 2026, this song has taken on a whole new meaning for me.

« Ça me fait de la peine, mais il faut que je m’en aille. »

Because, at some point, each of us must leave the tent, make room for others, and allow them to experience the same journey we did. We all have our time to serve, to give, to grow, and eventually, to pass the torch.

Just as those who came before me served this group, passed on their responsibilities, and entrusted us with so much, it is now my turn to do the same.

My wish for you is simple: hold on to the Scouting values you learned here when you were young. Carry them with you wherever life takes you, and always remain “Toujours prêts à servir, de notre mieux”.

There is one thing I want you to remember above all else: «كف نظيف و ضمير مرتاح»

These two things will take you wherever you want to go.

Be a positive example in society, in Scouting, and in your everyday lives. Do not be afraid to admit when you are wrong. Own your mistakes, learn from them, and work to become better. And when someone makes a mistake, do not hide the truth. Help them grow, stand by them, and support them in becoming the best version of themselves.

Whether in Scouting, in your personal lives, in society, or in the Church, be the good citizens of tomorrow that we, as Scouts, have always worked to help you become.

To every Chef and Cheftaine taking on a new responsibility, and to every one of you passing one on, I wish you « Bonne route ! »

And above all, don’t be afraid - “ ما تخاف“

Do not be afraid of what lies ahead. As long as you remain faithful to your Scout Promise:

« Sur mon honneur, avec la grâce de Dieu, je m’engage à servir de mon mieux, Dieu, l’Église et la Patrie. »

As long as you put your heart into everything you do, and remember that God walks beside you, you have nothing to fear.

As the Bible reminds us in Isaiah 41:10:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”

To my beloved Groupe Saint Vincent de Paul Naccache,

I am handing over my responsibilities with a peaceful heart and complete confidence in the future of this group.

I see the strength of this group, and I see it in the beautiful family we have built together. This group will continue to grow through you, and you will continue to grow through it.

Take care of one another. Protect what has been built before you, and never forget that you are now responsible for building what comes next.

Thank you for these 20 years. Thank you for giving that 14-year-old boy a family, a purpose, and a place to belong.

Thank you for allowing me to grow up here, to serve here, and to become the person I am today.

I may be passing on my function, but I will never stop being part of this family.

And always remember:

« مش مهم نعدّ السنين، المهم نعرف كيف نعيشها »

Bonne route à tous, et toujours prêts !

— Chef Léonard Nassar