Scouting by the Sea: A Polish-Ukrainian Camp in Pleśna
💶 Supported by the European Scout Foundation with a grant of €980
In the summer of 2023, the 16th Scout Troop “Żwirki i Wigury” from Czyżowice (ZHP) organized a special international camp in Pleśna, Poland – just 200 meters from the Baltic Sea. Thanks to the support of the European Scout Foundation, scouts from Ukraine were able to join their Polish peers for an unforgettable experience focused on friendship, discovery, and cultural exchange.
Why this project?
The inspiration for the camp came from a desire to promote international cooperation and offer support to children and youth from a country affected by war. The organizers recognized the power of Scouting to connect young people across borders, and they aimed to strengthen ties between communities through shared activities and mutual learning.
What happened at the camp?
The camp was held in an ecologically clean area near the sea, providing the perfect environment for learning, fun, and reflection. The program was full of enriching activities, including:
- 🛶 A kayaking trip on local waters
- 🏛️ Sightseeing excursions and a visit to the Amber Museum
- 🗣️ Language exchange sessions where participants learned basic words in each other’s languages
- 🧭 Workshops and games designed to build teamwork and introduce different cultures
The program focused on integration, communication, and building friendships through action and shared values. Ukrainian guests even gave presentations about their home country, helping others better understand their culture and everyday realities.
Project impact
Without this initiative, many of the Ukrainian children would not have been able to participate in a summer camp experience. Thanks to the funding, they spent meaningful days in a safe and joyful environment, surrounded by nature and new friends.
Importantly, the camp was also a starting point for deeper cooperation. The teams began planning their next joint summer camp for 2024, making concrete arrangements for continued engagement and collaboration.
Lessons learned
One of the most impactful discoveries was how little the participants initially knew about each other’s cultures — and how quickly that began to change. Through shared activities, simple language exchanges, and meaningful conversations, a new sense of closeness and mutual respect began to take root.
Scouting in Pleśna reminded everyone involved that borders may divide countries – but shared experiences can unite people. With a little help, a lot of heart, and the spirit of Scouting, the world truly becomes a little closer.
