The Shepherds Scout Group (SSG) was established in 1995. After a pause due to the Second Intifada in the 2000s, the group was revived in 2009. Today, the group is home to 230 members, comprising young Palestinians aged four and above. The group has achieved remarkable success among its peer scouts in Beit Sahour and Palestine.
The members meet on a weekly basis, emphasizing community service and embodying the spirit of volunteering. Their many activities include, but are not limited to, leadership training, children's events, and campaigns to clean streets and neighborhoods.
This is in addition to the exceptional brass and bagpipe marching band, which regularly takes part in national and religious festivals in Bethlehem. The scouts parade their distinctive uniforms through the streets with beautiful melodies played by their musical bands, to announce and welcome the Christmas or Easter festivities.
Yet the group is probably most known for the annual “Freedom Race”, a sports event in which hundreds of residents from the Beit Sahour community of all ages and religious groups run around the town, taking paths planned according to age. The main reason for this event, in addition to encouraging running and a healthy lifestyle, is to enhance social interaction in the Beit Sahour community. The sense of togetherness that this activity provides for the community is what makes the activity a yearly success.
We are proud and thankful for the scouts, and for that reason, we have chosen to support them. For the entire Black Friday weekend, we will be participating by donating kufiyas to the Shepherds Scouts for every order placed by our wonderful customers. Stay tuned!
