Travels of the Jungle Refugee Troop

Here’s a story of Scouting values that is reaching global proportions.

There is a troop in Salt Lake City known as the “Jungle Refugee Troop,” or more formally as Troop 1262.

It was formed in 2006 under the direction of Scout leaders and sponsored by the Columbus Branch of the South Salt Lake LDS Stake of the Mormon Church. These Scouts are descendants of Karen and Karenni refugees from Burma (now known as Myanmar), who fled to Thailand generations ago after the military burned their villages and took their food, before immigrating to the U.S. as legal citizens.

After arriving in the U.S. several years ago from refugee camps, several of these first-generation immigrants who were in their teens had trouble adjusting to their new American lifestyles, sometimes ending up in gangs, then detention centers.  Leaders organized Troop 1262 to divert them from gang activity, assist them in finding a positive outlet for physical activity with a purpose and help them appreciate their new community.

It’s working.

Mong Say Aye and Kaing Kyaw join other members of Boy Scout Troop 1262 gathered Wednesday, July 8, 2015, in Salt Lake City to receive their clothing that they will be using at the World Scout Jamboree in Japan. (Scott G Winterton, Deseret News)

Since Troop 1262’s creation, nearly 100 young men – from a variety of faiths – have registered.

And soon, some will be traveling home to their roots.

Eighteen of these refugee Scouts left July 24 to participate in the World Scout Jamboree in Japan. Afterward, they will travel to Myanmar to visit family members in refugee camps, many of whom the boys haven’t seen since they left for the U.S.

Freedom, the American dream, and a chance to give back to their homeland – all made possible for these young refugees by a Scout troop organized for their benefit. My admiration and heartfelt thanks go out to the leaders and volunteers with Troop 1262 for doing a terrific job assisting these young men.

It’s a story worth sharing about how Scouting truly provides life-changing experiences. I urge you to share this inspiring tale with others and reflect on what these opportunities have meant to the futures of these young men who are new to our country.

Thanks, Wayne