English
Scouting is one of the biggest youth movements in the world and Hungary. There are about 38 million Scouts working in more than countries all over the globe, with one common goal in view: to support children and young people to become active and committed adults. In the 200 groups of the Hungarian Scout Association, which was founded in 1912, there are about 10 thousand Scouts working actively, in collaboration with the Hungarian Scout communities living abroad.
Scouting is a voluntary, religious, non-governmental youth movement, which welcomes everybody, regardless of origin, gender, social or financial situation as well as religious belief. Scouting is one of the biggest youth movements in the world. The Hungarian Scout movement believes that society should consist of down-to-earth, devoted, responsible and healthy citizens, who are devoted to advance towards God through their own continuous self-improvement. Scouting provides a life model with the help of its informal means of education – the Scout method –, which focuses on small community education, learning by doing, as well as inspiring and pleasant programmes.
Be prepared!
Be prepared!
Budapest Pf. 192.
H-1255
HUNGARY
E-mail: intercom@mcssz.hu
Címke:
Projects
Here we share projects, programs and any kind of happening or event that we are proud of. This way you can get an overview of our activities.
Be prepared!
Be prepared!
Accredited Teacher Training
Pedagogic innovation is the most determining factor of the profession and society as a whole. Scouting has a significant role in addressing this question. The Hungarian Scout Association has come to realise that Scout empowerment should be increased gradually, by focusing on the organization of communities and teachers. We launched an accredited teacher training free of charge. Its popularity is shown in the fact that the training has been oversubscribed on several occasions.
The Hungarian Scout Association organizes an accredited teacher training free of charge (2x30 hours) for teachers within the framework of the project ‘Supporting Small Community Youth Education’ (Social Renewal Operational Programme, TÁMOP 5.2.8-12/1-2013-0001).
The aim of the Hungarian Scout Association and its partner, the Bethlen Gábor Alapkezelő Zrt., is to contribute to teachers’ training by introducing them to the experience the Association accumulated throughout the years due to its value-based youth education.
By means of the training, teachers shall acquire the necessary knowledge to organize short and long-term productive leisure activities for children and the youth, which focus on community building.
The training takes place at several points of the country and is followed with great interest. More than 400 people applied for the first training; we could accept only 90 of them, from 75 schools of 60 towns. 746 people applied for the second training, which went beyond our expectations. Overall, 216 people participate in the teacher training so far, from 194 schools of 106 towns.
Pedagogic innovation is the most determining factor of the profession and society as a whole. Scouting has a significant role in addressing this question. The Hungarian Scout Association has come to realise that Scout empowerment should be increased gradually, by focusing on the organization of communities and teacher. The teacher training is part of this process.
We wish to pass the accumulated knowledge, experience and practice to as many teachers as possible, because our methods can be used in school education as well.
The Hungarian Scout Association organizes an accredited teacher training free of charge (2x30 hours) for teachers within the framework of the project ‘Supporting Small Community Youth Education’ (Social Renewal Operational Programme, TÁMOP 5.2.8-12/1-2013-0001).
The aim of the Hungarian Scout Association and its partner, the Bethlen Gábor Alapkezelő Zrt., is to contribute to teachers’ training by introducing them to the experience the Association accumulated throughout the years due to its value-based youth education.
By means of the training, teachers shall acquire the necessary knowledge to organize short and long-term productive leisure activities for children and the youth, which focus on community building.
The training takes place at several points of the country and is followed with great interest. More than 400 people applied for the first training; we could accept only 90 of them, from 75 schools of 60 towns. 746 people applied for the second training, which went beyond our expectations. Overall, 216 people participate in the teacher training so far, from 194 schools of 106 towns.
Pedagogic innovation is the most determining factor of the profession and society as a whole. Scouting has a significant role in addressing this question. The Hungarian Scout Association has come to realise that Scout empowerment should be increased gradually, by focusing on the organization of communities and teacher. The teacher training is part of this process.
We wish to pass the accumulated knowledge, experience and practice to as many teachers as possible, because our methods can be used in school education as well.
Camp for Disadvantaged Children
21 August 2014
Press Statement
SCOUT CAMP AT ZÁNKA FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
Minister of State for Family and Youth Affairs Katalin Novák visits the camp “Ready for Life with Scouting” at Zánka on 21 August, organized by the Hungarian Scout Association for children in need. This year 1250 children can spend one week in five turns in the Scout-themed summer camp, realised within the framework of the Erzsébet programme for the third year in a row. Approximately 3000 Hungarian disadvantaged children and students (between the age of 8 and 18) could glimpse into Scouting thanks to the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps in the last two years. In another camp called “Ready for Life with Scouting in the Carpathian Basin” – which is also organized by the Hungarian National Holiday Foundation –, the beneficiaries of the Scouts-in-Exile associations, nearly 450 Hungarian children living abroad, can spend their summer holiday at Zánka in two turns.
Keeping our adventures & adventures. These were the slogans of the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camp at Zánka, on the shore of Lake Balaton. One week that focuses on values, discoveries, challenges and community building. The goal of the summer camps of the Hungarian Scout Association is to provide meaningful, adventurous and community building summer programmes for children, who are not given this opportunity otherwise, due to financial or others reasons. The Erzsébet programme ensures the necessary support.
‘It was really exciting to start this work. It was a novelty for us as well, that Scout leaders organize camps for children, who have not met Scouting before. It was a great pleasure to see how well the Scout methods work with young people between the age of 8 and 18. They participate in the programmes really enthusiastically’ , said Dávid Bence, the programme director of the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps.
The vast majority of the participants are disadvantaged children. The children in need get acquainted with the foundation of the Scout lifestyle under the supervision of experienced, young Scout leaders.
‘It was a great pleasure to see the children running around; they master this way of life rather quickly and they like it. The programme is especially great, since disadvantaged children get closer to Scouting. In addition, they can do all this in a spectacular environment, on the shore of Lake Balaton’, said Barnabás Buday, the President of the Hungarian Scout Association.
One of the most important characteristics of the camps is the small community system. In the small communities, similarly to Scouting, six to eight children form a patrol and they are supervised by a patrol leader, who is a few years older than them. The patrols, organized into units, participate in programmes, which are led by the unit leaders. Units are organized in age sections, which makes it possible to take into consideration the age section characteristics when organizing programmes.
‘Children learn to cooperate, collaborate and play together in small communities in our camps. One of our most important educational methods in Scouting is learning by doing. Everything that we teach, we do together with the children‘, said Balázs Solymosi, the Chief Commissioner and Training Leader of the Hungarian Scout Association.
Every day starts with the hoisting of the flag in the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps and there programmes till the campfire in the evening. Themes are indispensable in terms of the Scout camps. Camp programmes are based on the theme, so children become characters in a story. The theme this year is the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin. Units participate alternately in the programmes in a revolving stage-style. Dragon boats, obstacle course, swimming, sport’s day (football, volleyball, méta (traditional Hungarian ball game), basketball, badminton, cricket) await the participants. Activities: fire lighting, use of knots, encryption, making articles for personal use out of environmentally friendly materials, archery. On the folk revolving stage it is going to be possible to acquire the basics of smaller crafts besides learning folk songs and dances.
About Scout camps:
The Hungarian Scout Association is one of the biggest youth summer camp organizers in the country. Every Scout group organizes its own group camp besides the Explorer Camps, the Scout Balaton and the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps organized for non-Scout children. The Scouts participate in a 10-day-long camp at least once under nomadic or semi-nomadic circumstances in the forests of Hungary. The camping of the 10.000 Scouts results in approximately 80.000 nights. Scout groups go on hikes at least twice a year, which focus on hiking and learning about the given settlement as well as its neighbourhood and surroundings.
This year 1.2 million children can enjoy the summer holiday. According to the data of the National Association of Hungarian Parents despite the existence of the municipal day care the number of “locked up children” can be estimated to several hundreds of thousands, who are left alone all day long due to the work of their parents. Only 10% of children form the age section 7-10 go on organized holidays, because their parents do not have money for the more popular camps. The camps organized with the educational system of Scouting in mind, under the supervision of trained leaders provide a solution for this social problem as well as the families in need. The Scout summer camps are the cheapest forms of camping today besides municipal day care.
Press Statement
SCOUT CAMP AT ZÁNKA FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
Minister of State for Family and Youth Affairs Katalin Novák visits the camp “Ready for Life with Scouting” at Zánka on 21 August, organized by the Hungarian Scout Association for children in need. This year 1250 children can spend one week in five turns in the Scout-themed summer camp, realised within the framework of the Erzsébet programme for the third year in a row. Approximately 3000 Hungarian disadvantaged children and students (between the age of 8 and 18) could glimpse into Scouting thanks to the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps in the last two years. In another camp called “Ready for Life with Scouting in the Carpathian Basin” – which is also organized by the Hungarian National Holiday Foundation –, the beneficiaries of the Scouts-in-Exile associations, nearly 450 Hungarian children living abroad, can spend their summer holiday at Zánka in two turns.
Keeping our adventures & adventures. These were the slogans of the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camp at Zánka, on the shore of Lake Balaton. One week that focuses on values, discoveries, challenges and community building. The goal of the summer camps of the Hungarian Scout Association is to provide meaningful, adventurous and community building summer programmes for children, who are not given this opportunity otherwise, due to financial or others reasons. The Erzsébet programme ensures the necessary support.
‘It was really exciting to start this work. It was a novelty for us as well, that Scout leaders organize camps for children, who have not met Scouting before. It was a great pleasure to see how well the Scout methods work with young people between the age of 8 and 18. They participate in the programmes really enthusiastically’ , said Dávid Bence, the programme director of the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps.
The vast majority of the participants are disadvantaged children. The children in need get acquainted with the foundation of the Scout lifestyle under the supervision of experienced, young Scout leaders.
‘It was a great pleasure to see the children running around; they master this way of life rather quickly and they like it. The programme is especially great, since disadvantaged children get closer to Scouting. In addition, they can do all this in a spectacular environment, on the shore of Lake Balaton’, said Barnabás Buday, the President of the Hungarian Scout Association.
One of the most important characteristics of the camps is the small community system. In the small communities, similarly to Scouting, six to eight children form a patrol and they are supervised by a patrol leader, who is a few years older than them. The patrols, organized into units, participate in programmes, which are led by the unit leaders. Units are organized in age sections, which makes it possible to take into consideration the age section characteristics when organizing programmes.
‘Children learn to cooperate, collaborate and play together in small communities in our camps. One of our most important educational methods in Scouting is learning by doing. Everything that we teach, we do together with the children‘, said Balázs Solymosi, the Chief Commissioner and Training Leader of the Hungarian Scout Association.
Every day starts with the hoisting of the flag in the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps and there programmes till the campfire in the evening. Themes are indispensable in terms of the Scout camps. Camp programmes are based on the theme, so children become characters in a story. The theme this year is the Hungarian conquest of the Carpathian Basin. Units participate alternately in the programmes in a revolving stage-style. Dragon boats, obstacle course, swimming, sport’s day (football, volleyball, méta (traditional Hungarian ball game), basketball, badminton, cricket) await the participants. Activities: fire lighting, use of knots, encryption, making articles for personal use out of environmentally friendly materials, archery. On the folk revolving stage it is going to be possible to acquire the basics of smaller crafts besides learning folk songs and dances.
About Scout camps:
The Hungarian Scout Association is one of the biggest youth summer camp organizers in the country. Every Scout group organizes its own group camp besides the Explorer Camps, the Scout Balaton and the “Ready for Life with Scouting” camps organized for non-Scout children. The Scouts participate in a 10-day-long camp at least once under nomadic or semi-nomadic circumstances in the forests of Hungary. The camping of the 10.000 Scouts results in approximately 80.000 nights. Scout groups go on hikes at least twice a year, which focus on hiking and learning about the given settlement as well as its neighbourhood and surroundings.
This year 1.2 million children can enjoy the summer holiday. According to the data of the National Association of Hungarian Parents despite the existence of the municipal day care the number of “locked up children” can be estimated to several hundreds of thousands, who are left alone all day long due to the work of their parents. Only 10% of children form the age section 7-10 go on organized holidays, because their parents do not have money for the more popular camps. The camps organized with the educational system of Scouting in mind, under the supervision of trained leaders provide a solution for this social problem as well as the families in need. The Scout summer camps are the cheapest forms of camping today besides municipal day care.
Camps - Hikes
Long-distance walks
Many Scouts participated in long-distance walks organized all around the country in autumn 2014 and spring 2015. This programme is popular among Scouts and non-Scouts alike, since a great number of the latter participates in such challenges. The walks are so popular that the local media frequently reports on them. It has been an aim of ours for a while to make long-distance walks available to a broader audience, and – besides getting people acquainted with Scouting in general – to earn some revenue by regularly organizing these events. The Social Renewal Operational Programme, TÁMOP has contributed to the commencement of these programmes, so that they can become recurrent events. Be it October or March, it is long-distance walk time!
National Camp 2013
We have unforgettable memories about the days we spent at Ócsa to celebrate the centenary of the Hungarian Scout Association, which was founded in 1912. The event, where more than four thousand people participated, was partially financed from the project ‘Supporting Small Community Youth Education’. The National Camp 2013 (NNT2013) meant not only a closure to those 100 years, but a start for another 100 years. We stepped into future with the National Camp 2013. Join us on the journey!
National Scout Day
Budapest
The National Scout Day was organized on 26 April 2014. It was a great opportunity to show the city and those interested how big our Association is, how many projects we are engaged in, as well as to clear up false assumptions by meeting people. The attendance of the Scout Day was free of charge for Scouts and inquirers alike, and the expenses of the event were covered from the Social Renewal Operational Programme (TÁMOP-5.2.8.). The event took place in the City Park, which was open and free for everyone, and additional programmes were organized for Scouts throughout the city. There were approximately 3300 visitors together with the inquirers. At the next event there is going to be even more of us!
Many Scouts participated in long-distance walks organized all around the country in autumn 2014 and spring 2015. This programme is popular among Scouts and non-Scouts alike, since a great number of the latter participates in such challenges. The walks are so popular that the local media frequently reports on them. It has been an aim of ours for a while to make long-distance walks available to a broader audience, and – besides getting people acquainted with Scouting in general – to earn some revenue by regularly organizing these events. The Social Renewal Operational Programme, TÁMOP has contributed to the commencement of these programmes, so that they can become recurrent events. Be it October or March, it is long-distance walk time!
National Camp 2013
We have unforgettable memories about the days we spent at Ócsa to celebrate the centenary of the Hungarian Scout Association, which was founded in 1912. The event, where more than four thousand people participated, was partially financed from the project ‘Supporting Small Community Youth Education’. The National Camp 2013 (NNT2013) meant not only a closure to those 100 years, but a start for another 100 years. We stepped into future with the National Camp 2013. Join us on the journey!
National Scout Day
Budapest
The National Scout Day was organized on 26 April 2014. It was a great opportunity to show the city and those interested how big our Association is, how many projects we are engaged in, as well as to clear up false assumptions by meeting people. The attendance of the Scout Day was free of charge for Scouts and inquirers alike, and the expenses of the event were covered from the Social Renewal Operational Programme (TÁMOP-5.2.8.). The event took place in the City Park, which was open and free for everyone, and additional programmes were organized for Scouts throughout the city. There were approximately 3300 visitors together with the inquirers. At the next event there is going to be even more of us!
Explorer Camp
Dear Parent,
The Explorer camp is deliberately good for children who have little knowledge of Scouting. It is ideal for teenagers who cannot participate in Scouting, but would like to be given a taste of Scout camps. The camp welcomes children from the age of 7 to 14 who want to experience nature, are brave enough to sleep for 5 days in tents, and are ready to face challenges.
I have been the operative leader of the Explorer Camp since 2013. Beforehand I participated as a helper. Our camp grows bigger year by year and we always face new challenges. We have a great deal of new ideas for this year’s camp as well. An organizer team helps to come up with with as colourful a programme for the kids as possible. Organizing the camp is an enormous task and a great challenge. We have to do our utmost to make progress each year in the programme, so that it stays exciting. This year we kind of started from stretch, because we realised that this approach led to renewal. We worked out a new strategy, a new organizational system and renewed our image. There was a lot more to do that belonged to the tasks of the organizers beforehand as well. Just think of communication, advertisement, office duties and notifications. I followed every step as a main organizer, hence I see the camp as a whole, and it enables me to provide the best programme for the kids. I find it amazing and enjoy the work a lot. There more and more of us each year. The Explorer Camp started with the participation of 12 children in 2009. Since then 486 children visited the camp all in all. Thanks for your trust.
Themes:
Forest: We advise this camp for adventurous children, who are not afraid of sleeping in tents, like hiking and are curious about nature. (Location: Nagykovácsi & Eger)
Rowing: Our rowing camp is aimed at young people, who would like to explore the wild regions of the river Tisza and the different water paths, or would like to participate in fierce water battles. (Tiszaug)
Biking: If you like biking in communities around Lake Balaton and are not afraid of challenges, then the Biking camp is waiting for you. (Zánka)
Our Motto:
Common values – common adventure. There is a Scout in everyone.
What makes the Explorer Camp special?
Small groups – personal attention – individual growth
There are 8-10 children in each group.
During the camp these groups live together and hence are encouraged to cooperate, share and unite.
Trained and experienced leaders – responsibility and personal care
Experienced, trained, 18+ leaders coordinate each group; they pay attention to and help all the children. The group leaders have several years’ of experience, most of them participated in the organization of international camps as well. - They are really laid-back and open, they will welcome the children with friendliness.
Educational and value-based programmes – with age and gender in mind
We organize a wide range of programmes, so that no child can get bored during the camp.
There are a couple of programmes that are explicitly aimed at boys or girls. For example, for the boys we organize an overnight (voluntary) test of courage. And the girls will have plenty of option to practice their handicraft skills.
Personal and Group Feedback – Discover yourself
At the end of each day we will do a short assessment of the day to discuss what happened during the day, what we achieved, etc.
The group leader is going to prepare a short summary for the parents so that they can see what their child accomplished during the camp.
Outdoors – Ready for Life with Scouting
Spending time in nature is ideal to raise awareness about personal values and the importance of the development of these values. In our everyday life, in the bustling city life, and at school there is no time to ponder over such matters.
Outdoors your child can explore his/her skills and opportunities for 5 days, through a huge variety of programmes.
We make use of the camp organization experience of the Hungarian Scout Association.
Approximately 60.000 young people participated in the camps of the Hungarian Scout Association since it re-foundation in 1989. We believe that after 20 years we have enough experience, a settled programme and educational method.
Programme:
Fable forest, test of courage, handicraft activities, hide-and-seek war game with numbers, Sports’ Day, merchant game, IQ game and more.
We hope to see your child(ren) in our camp.
Balázs Várdai
operative leader
Peace Light
Press Statement
The Peace Light arrived to Hungary from the Holy Land
“Even a small light may bring great brightness.”
/Feri Pál, Hungarian Priest/
Budapest, 14 December 2014. – Scouts take the Peace Light from the Church of Nativity from Bethlehem – one of the least peaceful places on Earth –, to every country of the world during Advent and the Christmas preparations. It was the 24th time this year that the Hungarian Scout Association brought the message of Peace to our country.
The Peace Light campaign was inspired by a TV charitable relief mission “Light in the darkness”, in which a lady gave a lantern in exchange for the offerings. An Austrian Scout group encouraged this mission and set forth the tradition of the Bethlehem Peace Light. Since 1986, when the tradition started, every year a young girl or boy travels to the place where Jesus was born, the Church of Nativity, to light a candle at the eternal flame and bring it to Europe. The transportation of the Bethlehem Peace Light happens by means of special lanterns and eternal flames. The Light reaches its destination by car, air, train, bicycle or foot.
The United Nations declared 1986 to be the International Year of Peace as a commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the organization. Back then they seeked to put an end to the arms race to prevent a global catastrophe. Nowadays peace is threatened in a different way, yet the message is just as relevant as before. The Light, the symbol of peace, which the Scouts bring to Europe, each year draws our attention to the importance of the preservation of love and peace in the period of Advent.
The Peace Light arrived directly to Vienna from Bethlehem, and the representatives of the Hungarian Scout Association with Barnabás Buday, President of the Association, along with delegations from more than 30 countries, took over the Light on 13 December to bring it the homes of Hungarians. The three Scouts of the Hungarian delegation – Róbert Rozgonyi patrol leader, Attila Szabó patrol leader and Krisztina Túróczi scoutmaster – were given the honour due to their outstanding performance, helpfulness and devotion.
The scouts distributed the Light to the representatives of Scout groups from all around the country at a solemn ceremony at a Calvinist Church in Budapest At the ceremony Feri Pál Roman Catholic Priest gave the sermon and welcomed the Scout delegation arriving from Vienna to take the Light over from them. The priest put it wisely when he said: “Even a small light may bring great brightness to people.”
Barnabás Buday, the President of the Hungarian Scout Association handed the Peace Light over and then read the words of welcome of Csaba Böjte OFM. The friar referred to our twisted world concept in his Advent meditation, according to which “people are either good or bad, they cannot change”. By raising our attention to our need for peace he gave an example of the manifestation of love, when he mentioned a story of a child longing for love. “It is easy to condemn a child or and adult and say that he/she is bad. Let us consider a bit what happens at such times. We basically push the condemned into the hands of evil, like a trembling nestling to a wild cat. I believe that in each person the face of our Lord Jesus shines somewhere deep inside, and we are not supposed to push each other into the hands of evil, but should rather help to write, conceive and express words of love and kindness.”
Those present could take the Light home in 200 lanterns that were donated by the Hungarian Scout Association. Thanks to the Scouts the Peace Light was taken to Dunakeszi, Tata, Debrecen, Rácalmás, Kulcs, Pilisszentiván, Székesfehérvár, Törökszentmiklós, Szajol, Mátramindszent, Szuha, Bátonyterenye, Balatonboglár, Miskolc, Gyöngyös, Gödöllő andmany other cities and settlements in Hungary.
The delegation of the Hungarian Scout Association took the Peace Light to the Parliament as well, on Monday, 15 December. János Latorcai, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, took over the Light at 9 o’clock in the morning, and by this he made it possible that the Light arrived at Hungarian homes from the Parliament as well where they would burn till Christmas. Passing the light on from candle to candle symbolizes that we have to pass on peace and love just like light.
For further information:
Tímea Tőrincsi /Viktória Sándor
Hungarian Scout Association
Phone: 30/490-4444; 20/823-1785
Ready for Life with Scouting
The Ready for Life with Scouting camp takes place at Zánka (at Lake Balaton), and is open for all children from age of 10 to the age of 17. Thanks to the "Erzsébet programme" the camp fee is only 1000 HUF. As a result of this, such families have the opportunity to send their children to a summer camp at Lake Balaton, who could not afford it otherwise. However, this camp is not about lying on the beach. Not at all.
The programme includes: dragon boat, obstacle course, fable forest, folk dance, plenty of games, and of course campfires.
Smart and apt Scouts show the children how they can light a fire by means of matches, put up a tent and how much fun it is to sleep in in. In addition, the children are going to learn to carve wood, tie knots and they are going to hike and sing.
The patrols (with 6-10 members from the same age group and gender) participate in the versatile promgrammes together and sleep in the patrol tents. There are give meals provided a day.
The Ready for Life with Scouting camp is waiting for the children with tons of adventures and friends.
The programme includes: dragon boat, obstacle course, fable forest, folk dance, plenty of games, and of course campfires.
Smart and apt Scouts show the children how they can light a fire by means of matches, put up a tent and how much fun it is to sleep in in. In addition, the children are going to learn to carve wood, tie knots and they are going to hike and sing.
The patrols (with 6-10 members from the same age group and gender) participate in the versatile promgrammes together and sleep in the patrol tents. There are give meals provided a day.
The Ready for Life with Scouting camp is waiting for the children with tons of adventures and friends.
At the following link you can see a video about the camp: Click here
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Find us on Facebook via cserkeszenazeletre@cserkesz.hu .
Scarf Day
31 July 2014
PRESS STATEMENT
40 MILLION SCOUTS TIE THEIR NECKERCHIEFS
World Scout Scarf Day: the biggest youth organization in the world celebrates on 1 August
The Hungarian Scout Association joins the World Scout Scarf Day on 1 August, when several millions of Scouts will tie their neckerchiefs for a day all over the world, to manifest the close bond between Scouts. The bicycle division of the Hungarian Scouts organizes several flash mobs in relation to the celebration.
WE ARE SCOUTS! – An Imaginary Report on the World Scout Scarf Day
Paul McCartney plays the guitar, Cliff Richard sings a song that was written based on the poem of the Hungarian poet, Sándor Sík. Music was written by Jim Morisson before The Doors was founded. Miklós Jancsó and Steven Spielberg shots a film about the event and Michael Moore participates in the brainstorming. From now on, the story is merely a figment of imagination, but the fact that all members of the crew are Scouts, is not. Bear Grylls British Chief Scout trusts David Attenborough with the task to choose the location, but he discusses the issue with the famous Hungarian geologist, Árpád Juhász beforehand. In the clip Harrison Ford shares how he drew on his memories of Scouting, when he played the role of Indiana Jones. Bill Clinton and Dick Cheney star in the film, who sing from the same hymn sheet when it comes to Scouting. Bill Gates grins at his. There is peace in England as well: Tony Blaire waves at us with Elizabeth II on his side. J.K.Rowling arrives at the premier in the company of Daniel Radcliffe, and they calculate that there are at least 13 astronauts who were Scouts – Neil Armstrong among them, the first man who set his foot on the Moon –. Just like Albert Szent-Györgyi (Hungarian physiologist), Ernő Rubik the later (Hungarian inventor), Imre Sinkovits (actor) , Ferenc Zenthe (actor), Zoltán Latinovits (actor) and József Antall (former Prime Minister of Hungary). If they could join us on 1 August, they would slip into uniforms, tie their neckerchiefs and let everyone know that they are Scouts.
The World Scout Scarf Day is held on 1 August, for which the nearly 38 million Scouts are all invited. On this day active and retired Scouts alike wear their neckerchiefs all day long: they go school or work wearing it, to draw everyone’s attention to the biggest youth movement in the world, Scouting.
The Austrian Scout Association asked its active and former members to wear their neckerchiefs at public places on 1 August 2007. Since then, several million Scouts join each year the “Neckerchief Day”, from students to prominent businessmen to manifest the Scout notion, according to which who was a Scout once, will stay one forever. The neckerchief is a symbol of the Scout promise, which also expresses their mission, that is, to make a change in the world during their stay on Earth.
This year the Hungarian Scout Association – which has more than 10.000 members – joins the global event for the first time. The Hungarian Scouts wear the neckerchief, the symbol of their promise, together with the uniform, so you will able to see them wearing them all day long on 1 August. You will be able to spot several well-known Hungarian people among the Scouts.
The bicycle division of Hungarian Scouting organizes flash mobs on the World Scout Scarf Day. We gather behind the Scout sculpture at Móricz Zsigmond körtér, next to the BuBi bike station, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. The Scouts bike across the inner city, stopping at several squares; finally they bike to Heroes’ Square. They will dress in accordance with the spirit of the “neckerchief day” and play spectacular Scout games upon stopping at different venues in the city. The biking Scouts show Budapest that not only do they manage in the woods, but on two wheels as well.
Scout Island Adventure
Scouts await children with an exciting obstacle course every weekend until the end of June, at the Scout Adventure Island of the Children’s Island, at Hajógyári Island.
At the enormous obstacle course set up on the Scout Adventure Island children can test their courage, knowledge and skills. They can crawl, climb, skateboard on their stomach and creep through the ropes of the obstacle course, while they try to keep their balance.
The unique and interesting arcade game is located directly next to the main stage and was made from natural materials such as wood, reed and special ropes in accordance with the Scout attitude.
The obstacle course enriches the children with new experiences, enhances their skills and facilitates their love of sports. The 30-60 minutes spent on the course – depending from the number of the participants and the age – creates an opportunity to test yourself alone or in a group, or just play and compete a bit. Those with the best performance get a survivor bracelet!
The Scouts at the Scout Adventure Island await young and older children with a huge variety of additional programmes. Scouts introduce the children to folk traditions: they can felt, make images out of grain as well as try several folk games in the artisan tent. They can make and color their own badges, decorated with their favourite heroes, and the smallest children can play with our Scouts in the baby playroom.
While the children play, their parents can get know the biggest youth organization in the world and Hungary.
Visit the Scout Adventure Island
and get a taste of adventure!
At the enormous obstacle course set up on the Scout Adventure Island children can test their courage, knowledge and skills. They can crawl, climb, skateboard on their stomach and creep through the ropes of the obstacle course, while they try to keep their balance.
The unique and interesting arcade game is located directly next to the main stage and was made from natural materials such as wood, reed and special ropes in accordance with the Scout attitude.
The obstacle course enriches the children with new experiences, enhances their skills and facilitates their love of sports. The 30-60 minutes spent on the course – depending from the number of the participants and the age – creates an opportunity to test yourself alone or in a group, or just play and compete a bit. Those with the best performance get a survivor bracelet!
The Scouts at the Scout Adventure Island await young and older children with a huge variety of additional programmes. Scouts introduce the children to folk traditions: they can felt, make images out of grain as well as try several folk games in the artisan tent. They can make and color their own badges, decorated with their favourite heroes, and the smallest children can play with our Scouts in the baby playroom.
While the children play, their parents can get know the biggest youth organization in the world and Hungary.
Visit the Scout Adventure Island
and get a taste of adventure!
Strategic Agreement
A strategic agreement was signed by the Hungarian Scout Association and four higher education institutions.
The agreement was signed on 28th May (2015) with the following higher education institutions: Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest), University of West Hungary (Sopron), Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary (Budapest) and Gál Ferenc College (Szeged). In accordance with the agreement, the institutions shall include material on Scouting in their primary school teacher bachelor programme and teacher training. The parties started to plan the future as well.
The idea of the agreement originates from the fact that the Association has accumulated a great amount of experience and observation related to youth education and leisure activities for young people, and it seeked to find a way to make this information available for people who work in the field of education.
The signatories emphasized that they consider it important that small community education appears in Hungarian higher education. - As it was expressed in the course of the conference, it is indispensable to share the experience accumulated in the field of small community education. Experience-based education may contribute to the development of the culture of education and the spread of education based on leisure activities.
The agreement was signed by the Deans or the Vice Deans of the above-mentioned institutions.
The conference was organized within the framework of the Social Renewal Operational Programme.
The agreement was signed on 28th May (2015) with the following higher education institutions: Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest), University of West Hungary (Sopron), Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary (Budapest) and Gál Ferenc College (Szeged). In accordance with the agreement, the institutions shall include material on Scouting in their primary school teacher bachelor programme and teacher training. The parties started to plan the future as well.
The idea of the agreement originates from the fact that the Association has accumulated a great amount of experience and observation related to youth education and leisure activities for young people, and it seeked to find a way to make this information available for people who work in the field of education.
The signatories emphasized that they consider it important that small community education appears in Hungarian higher education. - As it was expressed in the course of the conference, it is indispensable to share the experience accumulated in the field of small community education. Experience-based education may contribute to the development of the culture of education and the spread of education based on leisure activities.
The agreement was signed by the Deans or the Vice Deans of the above-mentioned institutions.
The conference was organized within the framework of the Social Renewal Operational Programme.
International Committee
The fundamental aim of our international work is to represent Hungarian Scouting and keep in touch with global Scouting. Trainings and conferences organized by the WOSM and its regions provide opportunities for the professional enhancement of Scout leaders in their special fields, since we can analyze and find solutions for the occurring problems and obstacles together with other member associations.
It is important to keep foreign Scouts informed about the Hungarian Scout Association and its activity as well as to show the world movement our commitment and professionalism by participating in global and regional events alike. We can achieve this, if we send as many leaders with proper specialist knowledge and language command to the above-mentioned events as possible.
There is no doubt of the country image development role of the international Scout movement. Count Pál Teleki, then Prime Minister of Hungary declared the following after the 1933 World Jamboree in Gödöllő: ‘The amount of money Hungary has been spending on propaganda up until today did not do as much good as the Jamboree.’ Hungary is certainly not going to organize a World Jamboree in the next decade, so for this reason, the best way to represent our country is to participate and engage actively in international Scout events.
Settling the situation of our fellow Scout brothers and The International Forum of Hungarian Scouting belongs to the international activity of the Hungarian Scout Association as well. This way the International Committee is given a primary role in the all-Hungarian Scout strategy and in the realization of the cross-border unification of the nation within the Scout movement as well.
The tasks of the National International Committee include the administration, coordination and reception of foreign Scouts. A significant number of Scouts visited Hungary in the last couple of years, mainly from Western Europe (e.g. Belgium, the United Kingdom, Sweden, France) due the fact that they obtained knowledge of our Scout Centres, accommodation services, as well as different programmes and home hospitality opportunities at international forums.
Being up-to-date concerning international camps and informing the members about the different opportunities also belong to the tasks of the International Committee. We make it happen by promoting them at national and district programmes of the Hungarian Scout Association, and after having translated the available details, we forward the information to the Scoutmasters and our Scouts via our electronic communicational channels.
In addition, we assist and supervise Hungarian Scouts travelling abroad, including contingents travelling to international camps and Scouts travelling to events and conferences of any kind. We do the registration, travel organization and we also keep in touch with the organizers.
Facilitating partnership relations with foreign Scout associations and fostering the already existing partnerships of the Hungarian Scout Association also belong to our responsibilities.
The International Committee completes translation tasks related to the work of the Association and is responsible for communication with the WOSM headquarters, regional offices and other national Scout association.
Newsfeed
Contact
For information in English please contact the International Committee via email: intercom@mcssz.hu.
Mail address
Hungarian Scout Association
Budapest Pf. 192.
H-1255 HUNGARY
Mail address
Hungarian Scout Association
Budapest Pf. 192.
H-1255 HUNGARY
The Association
Who are we?
Scouting is a voluntary, religious, non-governmental youth movement, which welcomes everybody, regardless of origin, gender, social or financial situation as well as religious belief. Scouting is one of the biggest youth movements in the world. There are over 38 million Scouts working in more than 200 countries all around the globe, with one common aim in view: to support children and young people to become active and committed adults. The Hungarian Scout Association is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which was granted consultative status to the UN. In the 200 groups of the Hungarian Scout Association there are about 10 thousand Scouts working actively in every county of the country. Besides our Association there are a couple of scout associations with smaller membership.
What are we doing?
The Hungarian Scout movement believes that society should consist of down-to-earth, committed, responsible and healthy citizens, who are devoted to advance towards God through their own continuous self-improvement. For this reason we provide a life model, and we educate young people with the help of our volunteers. In collaboration with local communities we provide this opportunity to everyone from the age of 7, who is open for our values and would participate actively in the life of his/her community. We use our informal method, the Scout method as a mean of education, which includes the following:
Scouting is a voluntary, religious, non-governmental youth movement, which welcomes everybody, regardless of origin, gender, social or financial situation as well as religious belief. Scouting is one of the biggest youth movements in the world. There are over 38 million Scouts working in more than 200 countries all around the globe, with one common aim in view: to support children and young people to become active and committed adults. The Hungarian Scout Association is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, which was granted consultative status to the UN. In the 200 groups of the Hungarian Scout Association there are about 10 thousand Scouts working actively in every county of the country. Besides our Association there are a couple of scout associations with smaller membership.
|
Cub Scouts (Age 6-10): They are getting prepared for Scouting. They play a lot, like wild animals that get prepared for life in the woods. In the course of the games they form unity and under the protection of their leaders they can experience a real childhood alongside with their fellow brownies and they learn how to live in community. |
|
|
Scouts (Age 10-14): Following the instructions of their (patrol) leaders they acquire expertise and they get ready for life. As a first step, they commit themselves with a promise, which is an independent decision they make by themsselves. They have rather limited room to maneuver, it is their leader who makes the decisions. Walking this journey side by side, they learn how to be a member of a community. |
|
|
Ventures (Age 14-17): They are beyond the standard frames of scouting; they long for adulthood, but belong to the “endangered” group. They have grown up, but there is still a long way to go. They search on their own, and they do not respond well to limitations. For this reason their leader gives them more space, and sets the direction which they should follow and the zone in which they are free to roam about. |
|
|
Rovers (Age 17-22): They recognise the right direction, the “path of prosperity” in the course of their wanderings. They head in that direction, independently, in their own pace. They decide about the journey; the destination is already set. They suffer the consequences of their decisions: they have the opportunity to make everything a benefit to themselves. The group gives them advice and ideas. By means of the values and experience they embraced, they become responsible citizens with a strong scale of values and learn to learn for the community. |
|
|
Adults: Settlers or “Nest-builders” (Age 22- marriage): They seek to settle and start a life at the end of their journey. They integrate into the society where they live and the aspire to start a family, find a profession and make a home. Masters (marriage - pension): Having walked down the road of Scouting they lead a tranquil, reasoned life and show an example with their own lives. They form the basis for family scouting. “Wise” (65+): People with an experience of life, upon whose life Scouting had a determining effect. They are together because of their memories and experiences. The are willing to give advice, but shall not intervene into the new methods of the masters. We are very grateful for their work, since they paved the way for us. |
What are we doing?
The Hungarian Scout movement believes that society should consist of down-to-earth, committed, responsible and healthy citizens, who are devoted to advance towards God through their own continuous self-improvement. For this reason we provide a life model, and we educate young people with the help of our volunteers. In collaboration with local communities we provide this opportunity to everyone from the age of 7, who is open for our values and would participate actively in the life of his/her community. We use our informal method, the Scout method as a mean of education, which includes the following:
- small community (patrol) system,
- the promise and the rules,
- learning by doing,
- inspiring, pleasant and useful programmes, mainly in nature,
- conservation of the Hungarian culture, especially that of our folk tradition. The educational foundation of Scouting was laid by Robert Baden-Powell, a British lieutenant-general more than 100 years ago. However, the Scout method – which is based on the small group system and on the idea of ‘learning by doing’ – is more relevant than ever!
Organizational Structure
Bodies
General Assembly
As every association, the Hungarian Scout Association (MCSSZ) consists of members. The Assembly is the main decision-making body of the organization which determines the direction (i.e. the strategy) of the organization that operates as an association and as a non-governmental organization. The Assembly shall be convened at least once a year. The Assembly has jurisdiction in every matter relating to the Association. The Assembly has the right to exercise decision-making and controlling power in relevant questions.
National Council
Districts delegate members to the Council based upon their membership, one per 1000 people, and the National Board is represented by 1 person. The main activities of the Council include the establishment of regulations and the management of certifications. The work of the Council is assisted by committees established on a permanent or temporary (ad hoc) basis.
National Board
The National Board is the main management and executive organ of the Association between the National Council meetings. The National Board is responsible for each and every task, which is referred to them in accordance with the Statute and regulations of the Association, and it is obliged to implement all the decisions and directives made by the National Congress and the Assembly. Taking all these factors into account, the National Board is entitled to manage the Association and to make and implement all the necessary decisions.
Spiritual Dimensions
The Táborkereszt, the Community of Hungarian Catholic Scouts is under the authority of the Bench of Hungarian Catholic Bishops, operates alongside the National Board and the National Executive Community, but is an independent organizational unit. It was established in order to help the religious education and the upbringing of the Catholic Scouts of the Hungarian Scout Association. The Táborkereszt was founded by Sándor Sík, a Hungarian poet in 1934.
The Ichthüsz community was founded in 1920 within the framework of the Hungarian Scout Association. The aim of the foundation is to support Protestant Scouts. One of the outstanding Scout founders was Sándor Karácsony university professor.
General Assembly
As every association, the Hungarian Scout Association (MCSSZ) consists of members. The Assembly is the main decision-making body of the organization which determines the direction (i.e. the strategy) of the organization that operates as an association and as a non-governmental organization. The Assembly shall be convened at least once a year. The Assembly has jurisdiction in every matter relating to the Association. The Assembly has the right to exercise decision-making and controlling power in relevant questions.
National Council
Districts delegate members to the Council based upon their membership, one per 1000 people, and the National Board is represented by 1 person. The main activities of the Council include the establishment of regulations and the management of certifications. The work of the Council is assisted by committees established on a permanent or temporary (ad hoc) basis.
National Board
The National Board is the main management and executive organ of the Association between the National Council meetings. The National Board is responsible for each and every task, which is referred to them in accordance with the Statute and regulations of the Association, and it is obliged to implement all the decisions and directives made by the National Congress and the Assembly. Taking all these factors into account, the National Board is entitled to manage the Association and to make and implement all the necessary decisions.
Spiritual Dimensions
The Táborkereszt, the Community of Hungarian Catholic Scouts is under the authority of the Bench of Hungarian Catholic Bishops, operates alongside the National Board and the National Executive Community, but is an independent organizational unit. It was established in order to help the religious education and the upbringing of the Catholic Scouts of the Hungarian Scout Association. The Táborkereszt was founded by Sándor Sík, a Hungarian poet in 1934.
The Ichthüsz community was founded in 1920 within the framework of the Hungarian Scout Association. The aim of the foundation is to support Protestant Scouts. One of the outstanding Scout founders was Sándor Karácsony university professor.
Where to Stay?
Dear visitor!
Here you can find the accommodation options most suitable for foreign Scouts in Hungary. In the Google Sheets file the most important information is provided on the given houses, centres and venues.
In case you have any problems, contact the International Committee via the intercom@mcssz.hu e-mail address.
Here you can find the accommodation options most suitable for foreign Scouts in Hungary. In the Google Sheets file the most important information is provided on the given houses, centres and venues.
In case you have any problems, contact the International Committee via the intercom@mcssz.hu e-mail address.