A Journey of Growth, Discovery, and Community Impact

With the support of a €3,700 grant from the European Scout Foundation, the “Ion Soiu” local centre of the National Organization of Romanian Scouts successfully delivered “Journey to Myself” – a three-part camp experience focused on personal development, community engagement, and leadership growth.

The project reached dozens of young people through a program designed to help them reflect on three key questions:
Who am I and where am I? What do I like and what not? Where do I want to go and how do I get there?

Each of the three camps addressed one of these questions, combining scouting values with hands-on activities:

• Self-assessment & progression (June): Scouts reflected on their achievements and planned their development, while the centre opened its doors to the wider community – with over 70 visitors attending.
• Exploration & workshops (September): A follow-up camp allowed participants to choose personalized workshops, building on their goals in a scenic outdoor setting near Moacșa.
• Festival of Lights (October): A gift to the local community, the final event featured workshops for over 100 children and a magical concert performed by Quartet Kronstadt. It also attracted 36 new membership applications – 33 of whom later became full scouts.

Results:

• 72 progression badges and 91 merit badges awarded
• 33 new scouts joined the local centre
• Over 100 local volunteers involved in the Festival
• Workshops and activities inspired lasting community engagement

Despite some post-Jamboree challenges and modest results in recruiting adult volunteers, the project was a success – and laid the groundwork for future development. The team has already committed to continuing the initiative in 2024 to achieve even greater impact.

“Journey to Myself was a step forward – but it’s not enough. We must continue!”