Bridging Cultures Through Scouting: A Joint Polish-Ukrainian Camp Experience in Olchowiec

Supported by the European Scout Foundation with a grant of €2,400.

In July 2023, the 22nd Katowice Scout Troop “Wawer” (Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego) brought to life a meaningful initiative supported by the European Scout Foundation: a summer scout camp in Olchowiec, Poland, uniting Polish and Ukrainian scouts through shared experiences, cultural exchange, and mutual support.

Why This Project?

The idea for the project was born from a clear need. The team from “Wawer” saw an opportunity to both support Ukrainian children displaced by the ongoing war and to deepen understanding between Polish and Ukrainian communities. Their vision included organizing local fundraising activities in advance, allowing Polish scouts to generate funds themselves to help subsidize the participation of their Ukrainian peers. The aim was not only to offer a safe and enriching holiday for children fleeing conflict but also to plant the seeds of solidarity and long-term cooperation.

Camp Life in Olchowiec

From July 15 to 30, 2023, over 60 participants gathered at the scout base in the picturesque Podkarpackie Voivodeship. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Bieszczady region—a place steeped in shared Polish-Ukrainian history—the scouts engaged in a program full of outdoor adventures, joint service, and educational workshops.

Daily life at the camp included:

• Field games and bonfires, fostering teamwork and joy;
• Nature hikes and exploration of the surrounding villages and mountain trails;
• Workshops on local history, with a special focus on the Ruthenian highlander heritage;
• A joint festival of Polish-Ukrainian culture, celebrating traditions, songs, and cuisine from both nations;
• Interactive sessions run by Ukrainian scouts, including a game about the global scouting centers of WAGGGS and WOSM.

Throughout the camp, scouts cooked, cleaned, hiked, and learned together—breaking language barriers and building friendships that stretched beyond borders.

Impact and Lasting Value

The camp offered a moment of peace and normalcy to Ukrainian children, many of whom had recently arrived in Poland from conflict-affected regions. By creating a safe environment filled with laughter, learning, and shared responsibilities, the initiative contributed positively to their mental health and emotional resilience.

At the same time, it strengthened bonds between the young people of both countries. Participants learned to appreciate different languages, customs, and worldviews. Staff members also noted a shift in attitudes—growing empathy, understanding, and collaboration.

On a personal level, the scouts gained new skills, discovered new interests, and earned badges that marked their progress. On a broader scale, the project laid the foundation for future cooperation, including upcoming joint service with Ukrainian scouts in Katowice next year.

This project is a powerful example of how scouting can serve as a bridge in times of crisis – offering not only shelter but also friendship, purpose, and hope.

Thank you to all the volunteers, leaders, and young participants who made this project a success.