Pilgrimage Camp in Italy: Ukrainian and Italian scouts united in faith and friendship

This summer, Plast members from Ukraine and scouts from Italy gathered for something truly extraordinary — a camp-pilgrimage at the Don Bosco Scout Base in Rutigliano, Italy.

From the very beginning, the road was full of challenges. Yet nothing could stop the power of prayer, friendship, and faith. The journey itself became a pilgrimage.

A Spiritual Road Across Italy

Along the way, participants prayed for peace in Ukraine and for personal intentions at sacred places across Italy:

• the relics of St. Anthony in Padua
• the tombs of the Apostles in the Vatican
• the relics of St. Nicholas in Bari
• the historic room where Patriarch Josyf Slipyj once lived in Rome

Every stop deepened the meaning of the camp, turning it into a shared spiritual experience.

A Camp of Adventure, Learning, and Cultural Exchange

The program brought together more than 200 Italian friends and supporters. Scouts took part in:

• orientation competitions and field games that strengthened teamwork
• excursions to Alberobello, Venice, and the Adriatic coast — for some children, their first time seeing the sea
• Festival of St. Rocco, with local processions, prayers, and a breathtaking light-and-music show
• evenings by the fire, where songs, stories, and laughter forged friendships that will last for years

Scouts also celebrated Ukraine’s Independence Day, shared traditional dishes, and met with bishops, priests, and community leaders.
One of the most emotional moments: praying the Lord’s Prayer together — Ukrainian and Italian voices united in faith and tears.

Solidarity in Action

This was also a camp of service and support. Italian scouts collected and sent over 200 kg of fishing nets to Ukraine — life-saving tools used to counter enemy drones.

They also shared food supplies, which Ukrainian Plast members chose to pass on to families in need.

Our Gratitude

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank:

• MASCI – Movimento Adulti Scout Cattolici Italiani
• Scouts of Rutigliano, Meolo, Bari, Monopoli, and San Giovanni Rotondo
• Our camp leadership, volunteers, families, and youth
• And above all — the Armed Forces of Ukraine, who give us the chance to live, pray, and dream of peace

This camp became brotherhood across borders — a reminder that faith overcomes fear, and that love builds bridges no darkness can destroy.

We carry a part of Italy in our hearts and look forward to the day we can welcome our Italian friends to a peaceful, free Ukraine. 💛💙

May love prevail. May Ukraine be free.