French Scouts Unite Muslim and Jewish Youth

Jewish and Muslim girls, both part of the French Scouts, unexpectedly found common ground, growling “Salam” and “Shalom” in the shared exhilaration of outdoor games and teamwork. One of them revealed, "They thought they were different until they met and they realized... 'On est comme des cousines!'"

The French Scout Experience

France's Scout movement is distinctive in its religious segregation. Girls and boys join separate branches as Eclaireuses et Eclaireurs (or Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts) namely Eclaireuses et Eclaireurs unionistes de France and Eclaireurs de France. This division is a reflection of France’s broader secular model of separation of religion from the state, laïcité, but also the preservation of religious traditions and identities. However, these separate scouting groups uniquely share a common curriculum: “Tous les Scouts apprennent la même chose. Etre un leader,” or "All the scouts learn the same thing. To be a leader.” Each member learns navigation, first aid, and campfire skills, among others. They also cultivate a specific sense of duty to their community and a sense of honor. Scout life is shaped by these shared skills and values. Yet, the religious aspects of the program are also sacred. The Muslim French Scouts may say their Islamic prayers at sunrise, and Jewish Scouts — like Israeli soldiers — may don tefillin during prayers. Each branch is committed to its own rituals, foods, and traditions, different from the national French culture and the local community. In addition to these nuances, the Scouts also focus on values that transcend any religious affiliation. The importance of social skills and leadership is underscored with specific practical training: outdoor activities, camping, and competition. Competition, for example, can help the participating groups build skills. In a group project, the scout can learn to work with others, to be a good citizen, and to work together.

Bridging Cultural Divides

France’s secular model of social organization means the country’s diverse population often resides in utopian self-segregation. Although this separation encourages cultural preservation, a neighborhood or town will often have separate cultural communities. When Catholic children walk to the municipal school, for instance, they may walk past Muslim, Jewish, or Christian children who attend religiously affiliated schools. The French Scouts, however, are empowering a new generation to bridge these divisions by fostering friendships between girls from religiously distinct groups. Separation is simply not an end-goal of the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts. In the open environment of Scout camps and competitions, friendships can form between kids from different religious groups. The sense of discovery is a core part of the Scout ethos, and this camp experience will be especially valuable for girls who haven’t stepped outside their religious community before. Jewish Scouts and Muslim Scouts may carry out the outdoor activities they grew up with side by side. A Scout can learn the other’s traditions, who leads prayers, and who leads a Jewish dance and follow suit.

Common Threads

The source of unexpected intimacy is the revelation that Jews and Muslims and Christians are in fact quite similar, even though the myths of difference linger. In one competition, scout groups composed of diverse religions played a game called Salam Shalom, sharing new Hebrew and Arabic phrases, and discovering the similarities in food and common words — both languages are Semitic. In fact, Muslims and Jews and Christians share far more in common. The two cultures, for instance, celebrate the same religion of Abraham. The established traditions of the French Scouts blur the lines of difference effectively teaching their unique sense of community, respect, and values.

The Power of Play

The competition is a vital technique in the French Scout movement. Play is key for making real-world friendships. The two teams work together for a common goal, learning about each other’s cultures while playing a game that tests their awareness and confidence. In addition, the mix of outdoor activities, competitions, and campfire stories presents a unique opportunity to navigate difficult questions about religion, family, and identity. When a Muslim Scout spends a week with a Jewish Scout, she may learn about her family’s own Moroccan roots as well as those of her Jewish friends, and the two Scouts may find they are cousins.

Scout Culture and Values

Cultivation for Leadership

The practical experience of Scouts is complemented by the cognitive and social skills that come into play. At the campsite, they shape an individual’s sense of duty and honor, among other valuable cultural knowledge. The Scouts learn about different religions and cultures. For instance, a Muslim Scout may learn Hebrew words, Shalom and Lirey, and a Jewish Scout may learn the Arabic word for thank you. They might even share common words on their menus. The camaraderie formed during these activities not only teaches Scouts a new language and cultural information but also opens their horizons to the idea that one’s religion is not an obstacle to friendship.

The Universal Language of Teamwork

At the most basic level, the Scouts in France are deeply and mutually enriching. The leader seems to emphasize the value of friendship and finding common ground. However, the Jewish and Muslim Scouts' experience of teamwork and sportsmanship is truly invaluable. If Scouts are able to transcend their differences, if they can move beyond their initial hesitancies, and open their hearts to friendship, they can form bonds that are the bedrock for a more integrated and progressive society. Furthermore, the experience of fun and competition can help Scouts build resilience, empathy, and leadership skills that will translate to all aspects of their social lives. It prepares them to navigate a world that is changing rapidly. For instance, the Scouts can learn how to adapt to new situations and cultures, and make friends with people who are different from them.

Practical Steps for a Young Scout

• Find your tribe: Choose from local Scout chapters, often recommended by other Scouts or local religious or community organizations.
• Create new traditions: Set new goals to include other Scouts and learn about their traditions.
• Organize a competition: The competition can bring together the girls of different religious groups to participate in activities.
• Learn new food and words: Learn the Arabic word “Shukran” and Hebrew “Shalom” for thank you, and make a point of trying a new tradition, like another girl’s favorite recipe.
• Act now, bond later: Keep the momentum going by exchanging messages, meeting up for coffee, or planning the next event together.

The Foundations of the Future

The playful, adventurous and competitive nature of the French Scouts is a reminder that even as the world around us grows more polarized, it is still possible to find common ground.