Equipping Scout Group “Thunderbolts” for Outdoor Adventures and Growth

In 2025, Scout Group “Thunderbolts”, from Belgrade, Serbia ,found itself at an important turning point. What had started just three years earlier as a small local Scout unit had grown into a vibrant community of 72 active members, ranging from young Cub Scouts to experienced adult volunteers. With every new recruitment cycle, more children and young people wanted to join outdoor adventures, learn practical skills and experience Scouting in nature.

However, despite this growth, one major obstacle stood in the way. The group did not own its own camping equipment and relied on borrowed tents and tools from partner Scout groups. This imposed a significant limitation because camps needed to be adapted to the availability of borrowed gear.

For a movement built around learning by doing and spending time outdoors, this was a challenge that needed a long-term solution.

With support from the European Scout Foundation and the dedication of volunteers, parents and community supporters, Scout Group “Thunderbolts” launched the project “Equipping Scout Group Thunderbolts for Outdoor Adventures and Growth.” The goal was simple, but ambitious: to build the group’s own camping capacity and ensure that every Scout could participate in safe, educational and inclusive outdoor activities.

Through a combination of fundraising, community support and project funding, the group began acquiring the equipment necessary to organize independent camps for up to 65 participants. The planned inventory included patrol tents, group shelters, cooking equipment, lighting systems, first-aid supplies and other essential camp infrastructure.

The excitement truly came to light on their recent camp, where they got to try out most of the new stuff!

Denis, ex scout troop leader and one of the main founders of “Thunderbolts“: “I think we could really see a difference in the execution and quality of the program and how the entire camp area looks because it has new equipment. It’s a completely different feeling knowing that each of those tents is ours. I think projects like this, which the foundation has chosen, are very important, because it’s very important that new units receive support, so that they can develop and have the enthusiasm to continue with even greater intensity.”

Yet this project was never only about tents and equipment, it was about creating opportunities, strengthening inclusion and creating the foundation for years of outdoor learning, leadership development and community building.

The project is expected to allow Scouts to spend significantly more time in nature, develop practical life skills and build confidence through real- world experiences.

Reflections and positive reactions came from many, from older to younger members, so shall we read what they had to say.

Vasilije young scout “We had a blast on this camp and I truly find that all the equipment, that is now ours, helped us to be carefree and enjoy in the moment. I personally liked that everything is of such good quality and my favorite were little sitting mattresses which we could take and sit on wherever we wanted!”

Lidija, rover and a mom of a scout “I think we had more freedom to think of a more interesting and diverse program, because of this new excellent equipment. The tents are of extremely high quality, we have equipment that we haven’t used yet, but there will be opportunities, such as kitchen utensils or even an outside shower, but overall I saw my kid and everybody else enjoy and use it efficiently.”

The impact of the project is already visible. The group aims to increase its membership by at least 20%, recruit new volunteers and deliver hundreds of hours of youth- led educational activities. Most importantly, “Thunderbolts” is building a sustainable system that will continue serving young people long after the project itself has ended.

A dedicated maintenance fund, equipment management procedures, and a volunteer-led asset system will ensure that the investment remains functional for years to come. What is being created is not simply a collection of camping equipment, but a permanent resource for future generations of Scouts.

For many young people, their first camp becomes a memory they carry for the rest of their lives—the first night under the tent, the first campfire, the first experience of responsibility and teamwork away from home. Through this project, Scout Group Thunderbolts is making those experiences possible for dozens of children and young people every year.

Siena, the youngest cub member “I loved everything, I couldn’t tell you my favourite – EVERYTHING was my favourite!”

The story of Scout Group “Thunderbolts” demonstrates how investing in youth can create long- lasting change within a community. What began as a challenge- the lack of camping equipment- has become an opportunity to build a stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable Scout programme.

Thanks to the support of the European Scout Foundation and everyone who contributed to the project, hundreds of young people will have the opportunity to experience the educational value of Scouting in nature for years to come. It is a reminder that sometimes the most important investments are not simply in equipment, but in the opportunities that equipment creates.

Report written by: Lana Lazarević (Editor in Chief)