From August 1 to 8, 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. Around fifty non-scout volunteers were involved in the 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 true forest and was full of activities: treasure hunts, raids, water activities, a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Fatima, community service, campfires… and celebrations of faith.
Fr. Luís Filipe (CPPS), along with Fr. Tiago (Diocesan) and Fr. Gui (Angola), who has worked with these children and young people as a Regional Assistant for several years, were present to promote 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 Precious Blood to children, young people and adults, to bring the community spirit to the groups (scouts work in groups), and to witness the value of Christ’s blood and His sacrifice for love, helping them to discover the meaning of giving their lives and loving service to others.”
The tree of life stood out as the centerpiece of the camp, uniting all participants in building a better world. At the close of the camp, a tree was planted in that place, which will endure and be a memory in 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 entire camp together on August 2 and was presided over by Bishop D. Pedro (Diocese of Portalegre and Castelo Branco), who mentioned how fundamental it is 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 the face of each participant is a sign of hope and that “the best way to be happy is to contribute to the happiness of others” (Baden Powell).