4000 scouts at the largest summer camp at Lake Attersee

2023-08-06 16:08:00

“Together”, i.e. a big get-together of around 4000 scouts who experience unforgettable days together: That is the motto of this year’s 15th international scout camp in Berg im Attergau, which starts on Monday. “For ten days, people from different cultures camp peacefully together, they get to know each other better and often make lifelong friendships,” says Christian Wirth, head of the Boy Scouts.

About 40 years ago the idea for a summer scout camp in Upper Austria came up. Initially at irregular intervals, it now takes place every five years in Berg im Attergau. “We wanted to make the event a tradition. Here in the Attergau we have everything we need for a successful scout camp. The participants can let off steam, go on hikes together, cook, design projects together,” says Wirth.

contacts abroad

The organizers are less concerned with entertaining children and young people between the ages of ten and 21. “Of course we all want to have a great time in the scout camp. But it is much more important to convey values and to promote cohesion among each other and abroad. Especially in times like these, this is more important than ever in our society,” says the Country Manager.

Around two-thirds of the participants arriving in Berg im Attergau on Monday come from one of the 300 scout groups throughout Austria. A third comes from abroad. For example, scouts from Spain, Great Britain and Germany are also represented. “Previously, participants from Hong Kong, America or Taiwan were also our guests. But since the registration for the camp was a year ago and the entry conditions were still uncertain at that time due to Corona, they will probably only be there once more at the next scout camp “, Wirth says.

A look at the membership figures in recent years shows that, according to the state director, the scouts are seeing a strong influx, especially following the Corona period. “Our problem is finding volunteers to take care of you. That’s because of the pandemic.”