Camping and caring for the world

From August 1st to 8th, 860 scouts from the Évora National Scout Corps camped at the CACHA camp in Malpique, Portugal. Participants included Cub Scouts (6 to 10 years old), Scouts (10 to 14 years old), Pioneers (14 to 18 years old), and Rovers (18 to 22 years old), accompanied by their leaders. Approximately fifty non-scout volunteers assisted with services.

All activities took place under the motto: "90 Years of Journey and Service – 8 Days of Magic in the Forest"“

The camp was a forest and was full of activities: track games, hikes, water activities, a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima, community service, campfires… and celebrations of faith.

Father Luís Filipe (CPPS), along with Father Tiago (Diocesan) and Father Gui (Angola), who has worked with these children and young people as a Regional Assistant for several years, were involved in promoting the experience of faith. There is a group in the region whose patron saint is St. Gaspar del Bufalo. In his words:

This is an opportunity to bring the spirituality of the Most Precious Blood to children, young people and adults, to bring the community spirit to groups (scouts operate in groups), and to witness the value of Christ's blood and His sacrifice of love, helping them to discover the meaning of giving their lives and loving service to others.

The central feature of the camp was the "Tree of Life," which united all participants in building a better world. At the camp's closing, a tree was planted in that spot, a place that will endure and serve as a memory for the future, as it marked the beginning of the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the founding of scouting in the Diocese of Évora (Portugal).

The Eucharist brought the whole camp together on the 2nd and was presided over by Bishop D. Pedro (Diocese of Portalegre and Castelo Branco), who stated that it is fundamental to base life on the secure tree that is Jesus, to live the values of building the world, of friendship between people and of the commitment of life based on faith for the construction of peace.

In the end, the smile on each participant's face is a sign of hope and that "the best way to be happy is to contribute to the happiness of others" (Baden Powell).