Bridging V4 Through Scouting

Bridging V4 Through Scouting

Connecting Young People Across Central Europe

Bridging V4 Through Scouting is a unique international youth initiative that brings together 1,000 young people from Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia to learn, grow, and build friendships across borders. Rooted in the shared values of Scouting and powered by young volunteer leaders, the project creates an inclusive space where young people can develop essential 21st-century skills while discovering the richness of Central European cultures.

Why This Project Matters

Despite the international spirit of Scouting, many young people in the V4 region still have little or no opportunity to take part in cross-border learning. Youth from rural or disadvantaged backgrounds are especially underrepresented in international programs. At the same time, formal education often leaves limited room for practicing soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, intercultural communication, and problem-solving in real-life settings.

Bridging V4 Through Scouting was created to change this. By offering accessible, high-quality international experiences and covering participation costs for 200 young people with fewer opportunities, the project opens doors that would otherwise remain closed.

What We Do

The project follows a multi-step, youth-led pathway:

1. Local Engagement in Each Country
 In the months leading up to the camp, scout groups in Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia will organize their own preparation activities. Designed and led by young people with the support of trained leaders, these local initiatives build ownership, motivation, and accessibility while strengthening national and cross-border connections.

2. The Central European Scout Camp (1–8 August 2026, Budapest)
The heart of the project is an eight-day international summer camp bringing together around 1,000 scouts aged 14–18, supported by 200–300 volunteer organizers. Through outdoor adventures, team challenges, cultural workshops, creative programs, environmental actions, and international evenings, participants will explore diversity, cooperation, and shared Central European identity.

Special attention is given to inclusion: participation fees are fully covered for 200 young people (50 from each V4 country) from rural or disadvantaged areas, ensuring equal access to this life-changing experience.

3. Reflection and Future Impact (Autumn 2026)
 After the camp, partners and participants will take part in evaluation and follow-up activities. Lessons learned will be captured in a practical “International Camp Toolkit” to support future cross-border youth initiatives and to inspire similar projects across Central Europe.

What Makes It Special

  • Truly cross-border: jointly planned and delivered by Scout organizations from all four V4 countries
  • Inclusive by design: financial support for disadvantaged youth and full accessibility for participants with disabilities
  • Youth-led: young volunteers shape the program, lead activities, and act as role models
  • Sustainable: eco-friendly travel, “leave no trace” principles, and environmental actions built into the program
  • Long-term impact: a growing network of trained young leaders and a replicable model for regional cooperation

Who Is Behind the Project

The project is coordinated by the Hungarian Scout Association (MCSSZ) in close partnership with Scouting Slovakia, ZHP Poland, and Czech Scouting. Together, the partners bring decades of experience in youth development, international cooperation, and large-scale camp organization, including the successful Central European Jamboree in 2018.

Join the Journey

Bridging V4 Through Scouting is more than a camp – it is a movement to connect young people, reduce inequalities, and strengthen solidarity across Central Europe.

Follow our journey, discover our stories, and be part of building bridges across borders.
 

A projekt adatai:

  • Kedvezményezett: Magyar Cserkészszövetség

  • Megvalósítás időszaka: 2026.01.20-2026.10.31.

  • Támogatás összege: 13 794 471 Ft

  • Támogató: International Visegrad Fund

This project is implemented with the support of the International Visegrad Fund, which promotes regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Visegrad region (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia). Thanks to the Fund’s contribution, Bridging V4 Through Scouting is able to offer an inclusive, high-quality international experience for young people across Central Europe, with special focus on supporting participants with fewer opportunities. The Visegrad Fund’s backing makes it possible to strengthen cross-border youth cooperation, develop leadership and intercultural skills, and build lasting connections among the next generation of Central European citizens.