Although in the past 100 years the history has put the people to several tests, the goal of the scouts has not changed: together, for the community - emphasized Csaba Hende Minister of Defence at the opening ceremony of the National Summer Camp of the Scouts in the Base of the Hungarian Defence Forces in Ócsa.
At the opening ceremony in the centenary camp of the Hungarian Scout Association Csaba Hende held his opening speech in front of almost 4000 foreigner and Hungarian participants, he first welcomed the younger and older scouts from cross-border then he presented the aim of the movement.
This is a movement focused on national unity, outstanding results, self-control and persistence, that is why it is highly important to the government in order to assist to the fulfillment of the national scouting - enhanced the minister.
He added that scouting is not a military service while military service is not scouting, the scouts are not "young soldiers" however, they are more than welcome to take part in the programmes of the Hungarian Defence Forces or later join them.
The minister described it as a fascinating achievement that the scouts in dispersion have preserved the common sense of unity and they are dedicated to pull together the generations as the opening camp in Ócsa proposed to do it.
István Jakab (Fidesz), Vice-President of the Parliament stated the strong power of the young organizations and emphasized that it is priority for the Parliament to help the youngsters and their education.
Péter Henn, the Vice-president of the Hungarian Scout Associations was talking about the history of the movement and said that the "positive example of the past 100 years" is really important. The scouts today - such as their grandfathers -highlight friendship, loyalty, sacrifice and strength. They have realized namely, that in today's virtual world the human relations are the most important.
Flag Raising was also part of the opening ceremony and after that the minister and Barnabás Buday President of the Hungarian Scout Associations signed a framework agreement. According to the agreement it is highly important for the Association that the youngsters get patriotic education and it encourages them to participate actively in the events of the "KatonaSuli" and the "Honvédelmi kötelék" program. The association also cooperates in preserving the memory of the heroes.
The Ministry of Defence supports the events and the promotion of the association and eventually provides it with properties that are out of use.
The National Camp in Ócsa organized by the Hungarian Scout Association is visited by six countries (including Egypt for example) and by approximately 3200 participant from Hungary and cross-border countries. The 10-day camp is managed by 400 organizers.
The camp is held on more bases next to each other where the participants can take part in potholing, paragliding, detective games and talent shows besides the traditional scout activities.
(Ministry of Defence)