The fourth National Camp of the Associazione Guide e Esploratori Cattolici Sammarinesi (A.G.E.C.S.), San Marino’s Catholic Guides and Scouts Association, came to a close on Sunday, August 16, in Giarola Valsecchia, in the province of Reggio Emilia. About 280 people — children, teenagers, young adults, leaders and volunteers — took part in the event, which began on August 6 and ran for ten days.
Participants arrived in stages. On August 6, the three Guide and Scout troops, made up of youngsters aged 11 to 16, reached the camp. On August 8 it was the turn of the three Rover and Venture Scout clans, aged between 16 and 21, while on Sunday, August 9, the three Cub Scout packs, children aged 8 to 11, arrived.
“Around 280 people took part — children, teenagers, young people, educators and volunteers — who lived the adventure while reflecting on the themes of the camp: knowing oneself, sharing with others, and opening up to the world, all set within the framework of an imaginary video game across three levels,” the A.G.E.C.S. explains in a statement.
The camp featured outdoor activities, games, construction projects and exploration, alongside moments dedicated to faith and spirituality. “Ten days of outdoor living, experienced in a spirit of community, exploring the independence that comes from learning by doing — through games, building, camp life, exploring the surrounding environment, and moments of faith and spirituality,” the statement reads.
Part of each day was also devoted to scouting techniques and hands-on skills, including an in-depth look at civil protection work. A delegation from San Marino’s Civil Protection volunteers took part in the camp, showing the youngsters the skills, vehicles and equipment used during emergencies.
“Among the camp’s activities were workshops on scouting techniques and manual skills, as well as civil protection, thanks to the participation of a delegation of San Marino’s Civil Protection Volunteers, who shared their expertise with the young people and let them try out firsthand the vehicles and equipment used in emergencies,” the statement reports.
Among the highlights of the experience was also the visit of Bishop Domenico Beneventi, who celebrated Mass at the camp’s midpoint. “During his homily, the Bishop reminded all participants that the talents God has given us must be put to use for others, and are a means to make our lives a wonderful thing to behold,” the association reports.
The organization involved the entire A.G.E.C.S., from troop leaders to chaplains, together with volunteers who handled logistics, supplies and cooking. Members of the Movimento Adulti Scout Cattolici Italiani (M.A.S.C.I. – San Marino 1 Community), the Italian Catholic Adult Scouts Movement, also helped, along with the kitchen staff and other volunteers.
“We bring home, and carry in our hearts, so many encounters, faces, friends, landscapes and starry skies — but above all, a spirit of community that we are certain will make the Association’s future journey even more vibrant and beautiful,” the A.G.E.C.S. concludes.
