Be The Spark Magazine

MARSONE / BIKE JAMBOREE / WE ARE PREPARING TO THE JAMBOREE! / GDAŃSK – CITY OF FREEDOM

FOREWORD The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) together with Gdańsk – the City of Freedom decided to take up the challenge and raise the bid to organise the World Scout Jamboree in 2023 in Poland.

Although the tradition of this event has almost hundred years, it had never been in Poland. We feel that it is time for us. We are ready to invite to Poland thousands of scouts and guides from all around the world.

We strongly believe that the way our country has overcame obstacles in the last years can be an inspiration for the whole world. We believe that the message of “Solidarity’s” peaceful fight for human rights can show the way to achieve goals that are so close to every scout’s heart, no matter where – in the developing world as well as in developed countries. City of Gdańsk, the possible localization of the World Scout Jamboree site, is the city where “Solidarity” movement was born. We believe that through sharing our story, we can be the spark of the whole scout world.

Be The Spark Magazines bring our candidacy, Poland, Gdańsk and Polish scouts closer to you. In this Magazine you will find interesting stories about Polish (and Japan!) culture, young Polish entrepreneurs and travellers, main projects held by Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, worth visiting places in Poland and our preparations to Jamboree in 2023.

Let Jamboree in 2023 be full of Scout values that will lighten our way. Let it give us new energy, fresh ideas and commitment. We are the sparks, so: BE THE SPARK AND PASS IT ON TO THE WHOLE WORLD. Karol Gzyl Director, Jamboree 2023 Project Team National Board Member

Krzysztof Budziński President of the Bid Steering Committee Deputy Chief Scout

CULTURE

POLAND AND JAPAN SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES 8 TRIPLE SENSE OF ADVENTURE 10 CULTURAL GDAŃSK 14 WROCLAW - POLISH VENICE OR JUST A CITY FULL OF CHARM 16 DISCOVER THE MYSTERIOUS POLAND 18

PEOPLE

WHO IS WHO? THE HONORARY COMMITTEE MARSONE

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IN ACTION

CENTRAL EUROPEAN JAMBOREE MAIN EVENTS IN ZHP BIKE JAMBOREE INTERCAMP

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PREPARATIONS

SCOUTING IN SOCIAL MEDIA ABOUT JAMBOREE ARCHITECTURE

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TRAVELS

GEORGIA - THE PLACE THEY FELL IN LOVE WITH INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING PARTNERSHIP POLAND THE PLACE TO DISCOVER HOW I JOINED THE JAMBOREE PROJECT TEAM 2023

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POLISCH SCOUTING

IN MAGAZINE!

SCOUTING THROUGH GENERATIONS THE HISTORY OF THE POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION SPECIALIZATIONS IN THE POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION

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Copyright © 2015 The Polish Scouting & Guiding Association Publisher: Główna Kwatera ZHP ul. M. Konopnickiej 6 00-491 Warszawa Poland

Editor-in-chief: Marta Bednarska Authors of the texts: Anna Omiecińska, Aleksandra Górska, Aleksandra Kacprowicz, Ewa Sidor, Patrycja Kiryluk, Izabela Saniewska, Martyna Radomska, Aleksandra Starnawska, Alicja Krawczun-

Rygmaczewska, Anna Rupniewska, Anita Walachowska, Konrad Kmieć, Kamil Jasiński, Marek Pęczak, Mariusz Grzebielucha, Jan Nowicki, Hanna Hawwash Translators: Anna Rupniewska, Anita Walachowska

Design: Michał Kacprowicz, Jan Simson Cartoon: Michał Kulasek Photos: Konrad Jagodziński, Konrad Kmieć, Kamil Jasiński, Arkadiusz Jan Wydro, Piotr Rodzoch, Patrick Tollgren Lazarov, Magnus Fröderberg,

Jakob Svensson, Marcin Konopka, Joăo Matos, Kevin Dooley, Audun Ingebrigtsen, Katarzyna Siekierzynska, Velishchuk Yevhen/ Shutterstock.com, MagMac83/Shutterstock. com, S-F/Shutterstock. com, cesc_assawin/ Shutterstock.com

Project is co-financed by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Poland the Ministry of Foreign Affairs grant “Cooperation in the field of public and diplomacy.”

National and by program cultural

CULTURE

CULTURE

DISCOVER THE MYSTERIOUS

P O L A N D

BETWEEN EAST AND WEST EUROPE IS A COUNTRY OF LEGENDS, FAIRY TALES, DRAGONS AND OTHER WONDERS. IS POLAND RESEMBLES JAPAN? Let’s find out more about our country, it’s beauty and legends.

Mariusz Grzebielucha

MYSTIC WARRIORS SLEEPING UNDER THE MOUNTAIN Among the southern mountain peaks there is one remarkable mountain, Giewont. According to the legends, there are knights remaining alert next to the mountain; if Poland is in danger they will immediately rush to help the motherland. Fortunately, until these days Poles have not needed magic help and they always survived the worst troubles alone.

DRAGONS IN POLAND? MAYBE...

WARSAW - THE CAPITAL CITY If someone would like to jump into a boat in Cracow and go with the stream, the first big city on their way will be Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. It is a city where the first constitution in Europe was signed. This historic event is celebrated on 3rd May. This is the time when concerts and historic reconstructions are organised, people visit museums and participate in parades in the whole Poland.

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Looking in the northerly direction one can see Cracow – the former capital city of Poland. Polish kings used to reside in the Royal Castle, Wawel, which is located in Cracow. The symbol of this city is Wawel Dragon, which plagued the inhabitants of Cracow in the 13th century.

The creature wanted to eat one sheep delivered from the city every day – if not, it would have eaten people living nearby. The king Krakus sent his two sons and wanted them to kill the dragon; it turned out soon that it was impossible to defeat the creature by hand. The sons came up with a trick and they fed the dragon with a calf skin stuffed with smoldering sulfur. The creature felt terribly thirsty and it drank almost all the water that was in the Vistula river. While the dragon was lying on its back and resting, the sons ran it through with a sword. Since then the dragon has been the symbol of the city.

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GDAŃSK - THE CITY OF MERCHANTS AND TRADE In the point where Vistula river flows to the Baltic Sea there is another big Polish city, Gdańsk. The patron of the city is Neptune, the king of freshwater and the sea, the god of sailors who often visited the city. It is an important center of marine trade, the same as Osaka for Japanese people. In Gdańsk there is also the seat of Guild of St George, dragons tamer. Although Neptune comes from the Greek mythology, the statue of this Greek god is an integral part of the scenery of Gdańsk.

The Poles also have their own canon of legends – the Slavic mythology, which was more popular before the country was christened.

MYSTERIOUS SLAVIC MYTHOLOGY In the Slavic mythology there were also good dragons, similar as in the Japanese mythology. There was the Viper (Żmij), which cared for people and defended them against bad dragons. Goblins (Domowniki), similar to dwarfs, were helping with the household. Elfs, nymphs, drowned people, giants – all those creatures were present in the culture of the past, before Poland was christened.

WHAT POLAND AND JAPAN HAVE IN COMMON? While looking at the similarities between Poland and Japan one could assume that it is impossible that two countries existing on two different continents could have something in common. Nothing could be further from the truth! There were some Poles who left marks in the Japanese history. One of those was Bronisław Piłsudski (the brother of the marshall of the Second Polish Republic); he conducted fieldwork on cultures of eastern Asia, e.g. on Ainu people living in one of Japanese northern islands, Hokkaido. The effect of his work was the dictionary of Ainu language and unique recordings of their speech. There was also Brother Zeno (Zenon Żebrowski), a Franciscan missionary famous for helping poor people and his devotion to his work.

Between Poland and Japan there are closer links that are more up to date. Older readers surely remember Yattaman, Tiger Mask, Zodiac Knights, Sailor Moon, Tsubasa Captain, Dragon-ball and Pokemon. All the children that watched the movies in the past have still had good memories connected with the movies. The Moomins and Maya the Bee, Euro-Japanese co-production, are the most favourite children’s movie in Poland. Floppy Bear is another story that has been known among Polish children since 1975.

TRADITIONAL DISHES When it comes to Japanese cuisine known in Poland, the most popular dishes are gyoza and ramen; both have their equivalents in Polish cuisine – dumplings and the broth. The dumplings are very often filled with meat, cabbage, mushrooms and cottage cheese. People living in every region in Poland have their own way of preparing the dish.

TThe dumplings came to Poland from eastern countries in 18th century; since then it has been an integral component of Polish cuisine.

The broth is a soup made of poultry, vegetables and it is served with pasta. Minced meat resembles Japanese hamburger. It is served with potatoes and cucumber salad. As one can see, there are a lot of similarities between Japanese and Polish cuisine so no one should be scared of trying new dishes – both the the Japanese and Polish people should find the foreign cuisine tasty.

LET’S SEE, WHAT HAVE CHANGED IN POLAND! It is impossible to describe all the cities, villages, landscapes, tourist and culture values, famous people and dishes that are worthy seeing and experiencing in Poland. It is impossible to name all the similarities and differences between the two countries. Although the distance between the two continents is very large, there are situations making it shorter. One of those is Jamboree – this year Poles are visiting Japan. In 2023 we are inviting Japanese people to Poland. Experience first-hand all the differences and similarities between the two countries!

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TRIPLE SENSE OF ADVENTURE

WELCOME TO GDAŃSK, GDYNIA AND SOPOT WHEN GOING TO A NEW PLACE, YOU ALWAYS ASK YOURSELF “WHAT CAN I DO THERE?”, “HOW CAN I SPEND MY LEISURE TIME?”. IN THE CASE OF TRI-CITY, THESE QUESTIONS INCUR A FLOOD OF ANSWERS. THERE ARE PLENTY OF COFFEE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS – LIKE IN EVERY CITY. THERE IS THE BEACH FOR SUNBATHING, SEA FOR SWIMMING, PARKS FOR WALKING – LIKE EVERY SEASIDE RESORT. SO WHAT MAKES TRI-CITY SPECIAL? Alicja Krawczun-Rygmaczewska

Most of all, three different, intertwined atmospheres: old Gdańsk contrasts with modern Gdynia, and artistic Sopot complements the picture. Tri-City is called that for a reason – it really is a single city composed of very different parts that function together as a whole.

largest shopping centre in Pomerania region – Centrum Riviera where you can easily spend both a whole day and all your money shopping.

GDAŃSK - ACTIVELY AND CULTURALLY However, you cannot assign labels to any of the cities or categorize them. In Gdańsk, apart from visiting the old town to feel its atmosphere, you may as well spend the whole day in Fun Arena at the PGE Arena stadium playing Zoltar, getting out of an Escape room, racing on go-karts, or jumping on trampolines. It is Gdańsk where the recently opened Shakespeare Theatre or the European Solidarity Centre are located. Each of these places is definitely worth the time spent there. Gdańsk is also an academic city, so there are many places where students can spend their leisure time.

GDYNIA – YOUNG AND MODERN CITY Gdynia draws young people with numerous restaurants (full of discounts for students), an interactive exhibition at the Experiment Centre, or the largest trampoline park in Europe – Jumpcity. There is also a fantastic Musical Theatre where every season more and more interesting plays and musicals are on stage. Gdynia is the home of the

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SOPOT – WITH THE BREEZE OF XIXTH CENTURY RESORT In Sopot, which is referred to as the city of artists, the biggest attraction is the Monte Cassino promenade where almost all young people from Tri-City spend their evenings. The street, colloquially referred to as “Monciak” is a vibrant place which never sleeps. It is P

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also worth to mention our pride, the longest wooden pier on the Baltic Sea, which is icing on the cake awaiting everyone at the end of the promenade. However, what I find the most remarkable about Monte Cassino is the fact that only a few steps down one of the side streets let you free yourself from overwhelming buzz and enter a completely different world, a silent and relaxing health resort that Sopot really is.

FESTIVAL ALL AROUND TRICITY Despite all the attractions awaiting us in the Tri-City, regardless of all the coffee shops, restaurants, parks, shopping centres, theatres, cinemas, and museums – the greatest number of visitors, both from Poland and abroad, are drawn by festivals. Oh, the marvellous Tri-City festivals.

When the summer starts, it is difficult to say when one festival starts and the other ends, they are constantly present, until the end of the season. We have the Gdynia Film Festival, Cudawianki, juwenalia student festival, Sopot Film Festival, etc., but they are all dominated by the world-famous Open’er Festival. Every year thousands of people come to TriCity to participate in concerts of their favourite bands, which last almost non-stop for a few days.

There are people who will say that our Tri-City is nothing exceptional, that Cracow, London, or New York are better. The truth is that Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, which together form a perfectly functioning organism, are the perfect place for young people. To play, to rest, and to live. It is a friendly place, with no room for boredom.

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CULTURAL SURVIVAL THE JAPANESE ARE UNDERSTANDING TOWARDS VISITORS. THEY KNOW THAT THEIR CULTURE IS SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT THAN EUROPEAN, AND THEY DO NOT DEMAND STERLING USE OF JAPANESE SAVOIR VIVRE. YOU CAN PLEASANTLY SURPRISE JAPANESE SCOUTS

BY SAYING “SONAE-YO TSUNENI” (IN JAPANESE: „BE PREPARED”).

In this short article you will find useful informations about: greeting, talking, saying goodbye, eating, cleaning your nose, smiles, bows, useful phrases.

HOW TO GREET? At every greeting you bow – the lower the greater respect we want to show. When bowing, men should keep their arms straight at their sides, women should keep their hands together in front. After the bow, you may reach out your hand to shake.

In Poland it is enough to say cześć or dzień dobry and reach out your hand to shake.

When accepting someone’s visit card, you take it in both hands and read it before you put it in your pocket. When presenting a visit card, use both hands and make sure the print faces the receiver. This is similar to Polish etiquette.

When addressing someone, you add a suffix to their name: »»san – i.e. your Master/Mistress [Tanaka-san] »»sama – Mister/Madam with a higher status [Tanaka-sama] »»kun/chan – peers [Tanaka-kun, Aoi-chan] »»no suffix – the least official version, for very close relations. Not advisable for short friendships.

In Poland, this is similar. We address older people, to whom we want to show respect, by Pan/Pani, and we address our peers by their names.

HOW TO BEHAVE AT THE TABLE? In Japan, before a meal you say “Ita-daki-mas” [jap. bon appétit], and after you ate, you say “Gochi-soo-sama” [jap. thank you for the meal].

You do not pass the food with chopsticks, jab the food with them, wave them around, or point to other people with them. When eating ramen (or other dish with pasta) you can slurp loudly – this means that you find it tasty. It is worth to practice eating with chopsticks, because silverware is not common in Japan.

In Poland you say “Smacznego” before you start eating, and “Dzięuję za posiłek” after you have finished. You eat using silverware, and, similarly to chopsticks, you do not wave it around, point to other people, or loudly hit the plates with it. After the meal is finished, silverware is put on the plate. You do not slurp or smack!

In both countries, when buying food at a street stall, you do not eat while walking around – you look for a quiet place or eat near the food stall.

WHAT ABOUT GIFTS? It is appreciated in Japan when gifts are wrapped nicely. Even if it is a highlander hatchet bought in the lowlands, if it is wrapped in a decorative material and tied with a ribbon with a nice bowknot, it will make an elegant gift for a Japanese.

When visiting a Polish house it is good to bring some snacks – even a pack of cookies. And you do not pay attention to the packaging, as you do in Japan.

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THAT’S INTERESTING! IN JAPAN, THERE IS NO TRADITION OF TIPPING. IN MANY RESTAURANTS YOU PAY AT THE REGISTER WHEN YOU LEAVE. IT IS IMPOLITE TO COUNT THE CHANGE WHEN IT IS GIVEN TO YOU. IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE A TIP, WRAP IT IN A HANDKERCHIEF. TIPS ARE NOT OBLIGATORY, BUT YOU MAY LEAVE THEM. VISITING JAPANESE FAMILY Before you enter a Japanese house, you take off your shoes and put them together, point towards exit – you are a guest, who intends to leave. You enter the bathroom in flip-flops (they are usually there) which are intended only for walking around the bathroom. If the floor is lined with tatami mats, you leave the slippers at the door and walk around in socks.

Polish homes usually have a parquet, and it is good to take off your shoes in order not to scratch it. You walk around the house in slippers or just in socks.

Punctuality is very important in Japan. In Poland, the approach to punctuality is more loose.

MOBILE SAVOIR VIVRE »»When in company, you keep your emotions at bay, you do not pat people on the back, »»Exuberance is dependent on the level of familiarity among the people in the company »»You do not talk on your mobile phone in public transport, restaurants, and it is the best to silence the phone in such places. »»In Poland you may talk on the phone, but in a way that is not disturbing to other passengers.

GOOD MORNING/HI (MORNING, INFORMAL) OHAYŌ GOOD MORNING (MORNING, FORMAL)

OHAYŌ GOZAIMASU

GOOD AFTERNOON (NOON TO EVENING) KONNICHIWA GOOD EVENING

KONBANWA

GOODNIGHT

OYASUMI NASAI

GOODBYE SAYŌNARA THANK YOU

ARIGATŌ

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

ARIGATŌ GOZAIMASU

YES HAI YES (IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION, SOMETHING LIKE “YES, IT IS”)

HAI, SŌ DESU

NO IIE NO (IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION, SOMETHING LIKE “NO, IT’S NOT”) PLEASE (WHEN ASKING FOR SOMETHING) HERE YOU GO

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IIE, CHIGAIMASU

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HOST CITY OF THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN JAMBOREE 2016 CEJ2016.PL

WROCLAW - THE CITY OF DWARFS, POLISH VENICE OR JUST A CITY FULL OF CHARM? Martyna Radomska

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CITY HUMOROUSLY REFERRED TO AS ‘POLISH VENICE’ OR ‘THE CITY OF DWARFS’ HAS IRRESISTIBLE CHARM. UNDOUBTEDLY IT’S A CITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE, STUDENTS, PEOPLE WITH VARIETY OF INTERESTS, A CITY OF MUSIC AND THEATRE. CONSIDERING ALL THOSE FACTORS, JUSTIFIABLY WROCLAW HAS BECOME THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2016.

WROCŁAW - THE CITY OF BRIDGES AND CHARMING STREETS Wroclaw can be sightseen in a few ways. First way could be called ‘as a typical tourist’, and it will focus on the search for the Dwarfs. Somebody who is in Wroclaw for the first time will find it extremely useful since it is a tour through the most significant tourist destinations of the city. You’ll walk through bridges, Market Square, Słodowa Island and less known, yet charming little streets (don’t forget to find the Scout dwarf there!). You can either find and download the app for your smartphone which will help you to find the Dwarfs, or just ask the inhabitants of Wroclaw who will be likely not only to tell you where to find them, but also to tell you their story... and a few more stories. Maybe you’ll be told the legend of the Dumpling Gate?

WROCŁAW - THE CITY OF CULTURE Second way of sightseeing of Wroclaw is strictly connected to the events taking place there. The city, as the European Capital of Culture, provides a wide range of cultural events, for instance the biggest Polish film festival - T-Mobile New Horizons International Film Festival. Screenings of around 350 films from 50 countries are scheduled for this year’s edition. Moreover it’s worth to mention the Panorama section which consists of independent cinematography - award-winning films successful at both bigger and smaller film festivals. Third Eye section which has a subtitle #selfie: film self-portraits will show you the difference between selfie and classical self-portrait and also how artists manifest their personalities on screen. When it comes to New Horizons in Film Language the main topic is focused on costumes. Film amateurs of cinematography might find the festival worth attending. When it comes to music on the festival, its music scene is focused on New Wave, electronic and instrumental music. Festival takes place from July 23rd to August 2nd. Complete list of the events can be found on Wroclaw’s website.

WROCŁAW - THE CITY OF THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN JAMBOREE There’s also the third (and the most recommended way for you) - Central European Jamboree. The motto of Jamboree in 2016 is ‘the art of scouting’. We believe that art is something that connects everyone, and the venue of the Jamboree aids creativity. You can find an unforgettable fusion of history and modernity here in Wroclaw. A wide range of cultural events such as concerts, festivals, workshops held by professionals will take place during CEJ. Participants will have a chance to attend workshops in central points of Jamboree, where they will work on their abilities or find a new hobby - amongst cooking, sport trainings, canoeing, circus classes and so on. CEJ is not only the way of sightseeing Wroclaw but also a very unique tour through the region of Lower Silesia. The Jamboree

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POLAND VARIOUS REGIONS, VARIOUS FACES EVERYONE WILL AGREE THAT EVERY COUNTRY IS DIVERSE. THERE ARE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE BEHAVIOR OF PEOPLE LIVING IN THE EAST AND WEST COAST OF THE US. IT IS GENERALLY KNOWN THAT THE NORTH PART OF FRANCE IS CHARACTERISED BY A DIFFERENT DIALECT AND SPECIFIC WAY OF LIVING. POLAND IS NOT AN EXCEPTION IN THIS CASE. IT IS A COUNTRY OF RICH CULTURE AND ART, BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE AND VARIOUS BUT EXCELLENT CUISINE – ALL OF THAT RESULTS FROM COMPLEX HISTORY OF POLISH NATION AND ITS OPENNESS TO EUROPEAN INFLUENCE. Konrad Kmieć

POLAND - FORM THE BLUE BALTIC SEA TO BLUE SKY IN TATRA MOUNTAINS Would you like to learn more about Poland? Keep reading! Poland is known for its richness and diversity of landscapes.

Every region is remarkable and original in a way. There are lots of wide and sandy beaches, beautiful lake lands and various mountain ranges – mountains that are lower, older, experienced and those younger, more impudent and with pride looking in the sky. People living in these districts are as diverse as the landscapes they live in. In Poland there are a lot of ethnic minorities. The most popular are Silesians, Kashubians, Gorals and Masurians – the last ones known more from the literature, unfortunately, than from modern life. How can those ethnic minorities be distinguished between and where can one find them? The easiest way is to look at Poland from north (the Baltic Sea) to south (mountains).

THE KASHUBIANS MINORITY WITH RICH CULTURE The Kashubians live in a small part of northern part of Poland, in Pomerania. A unique feature of this ethnic minority is that they do not use a local dialect but they have their own language characterised by its own alphabet and melody.

Kashubian language was based on old Slavic languages and it is the only one that stood the test of time and is used nowadays. The calling card of this region is a snuff, especially snuff boxes which shapes resemble horns.

Kashubian region is known for floral ornaments, especially tulips, that are present on pottery and all clothes wearing by both men and women. There have been embroidery schools still working in this region until today!

Kashubian cuisine is characterised by its simplicity. The most popular and traditional dishes are potatoes prepared in many different ways, swede soup and herrings. Interestingly enough, Kashubian feast begins always with sweet dishes that are mainly associated with a dessert in Polish cuisine! The majority of customs and events is largely based on folbeliefs and calendar of Catholic holidays.

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MASURIANS - MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY Masurians lived in the eastern part of Poland, in Masuria Land. Masuria is probably the most renowned Polish landscape in the world, since it was promoted by the media for its outstanding natural features; the region was also a candidate in the competition for new 7 wonders of nature. Masurian landscape is characterised for its specific town planning – wooden cottages with roofs made of straw, buildings made of brick with tiled roofs and avenues lined with beautiful trees. The region was located in a place where Prussian, German and Polish cultures met. That is why Masurian dialect is a mixture of Prussian, German and Polish language. People living in this region are confessors of different religions – Catholicism, Lutheranism and Orthodoxy.

SLIESIANS - PROUD OF THEIR WORK UNDER THE SURFACE Silesians live in the south of Poland; it is easy to identify them because of their characteristic black clothes and caps with feathers. Why do their clothes look like that? These are gala uniforms of miners and steelworkers (these job are the most popular in Silesia). Despite the fact that people living in this region wear dark clothes, one can easily say that they are cheerful and very musical. A great number of Silesian traditions have their roof in Catholicism, e.g. work full of pathos. Silesian cuisine is characterised by its diversity – it is a mixture of Polish, Czech and Polish cuisines.

People living in this region also speak in their own dialect that very often cannot be understood even by somebody living next to Sielsia.

HIGHLANDERS - LIVELY PEOPLE FROM MOUNTAIN REGION While looking for Highlanders (Gorals), one has to go to beautiful mountain trails in the south of Poland. In the past a Goral should have spent the whole time for working in pastures with sheep in a little cottage located within pastures, with no access to water or electricity. This region is renowned for oscypek – smoked goat’s cheese.

Gorals who do not occupy themselves with grazing sheep can be met on many Polish ski slopes. How do we know that we are in the region where Gorals live? Nothing could be simpler!

Even if one does not understand their speech, everyone can easily recognise them because Gorals very often wear huts made of felt (decorated with small shells and a feather of a falcon), bandits’ belts and special wooden walking sticks– ciupaga. When you meet Gorals, they will definitely invite you to their house with high, sloped roof covered with shingle. You will eat a lot of dumplings that are very popular in the whole world and different types of meat. For the dessert everyone will get a cake with cheese and poppy – kołacz.

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PEOPLE

PEOPLE

WHO IS WHO? WHY ARE THEY SPECIAL? Ewa Sidor

To be the head of the Working Group within the Jamboree Project Team is an extraordinary honour. Apart from being an exceptional instructor, the person must have the right field of specialization. Professional experience, interests, and education form an extraordinary mix which allows each of the groups, as well as the whole JPT crew, to form a unique organism. Each group is directed by a pair of instructors, a woman and a man who together make up an exceptional duo. Each of the pairs is characterised by professionalism, reliability, but primarily by passion and enthusiasm which they spread on their teams stimulating team effort. They inspire hearts and dreams of numerous people.

GROUPS:

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HRV

HR AND VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT

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MEMBERS

COM

COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTION

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MEMBERS

DES

SITE DEVELOPMENT

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MEMBERS

PGM

PROGRAMME (PROGRAMME THEME)

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MEMBERS

ADB

ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET

6

MEMBERS

LGT

LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT OPERATIONS

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MEMBERS

ICG

INTERNATIONAL CONTACT GROUP

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MEMBERS

ICT

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

6

MEMBERS

SEC

SECURITY AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT

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HERE THEY ARE:

ADB ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET ANETA RADZISZEWSKA Aneta is the Assistant District Commissioner for International Affairs in Celestynów Scout Distict (Capital Region), member of the Instructor’s School “Iluminacja”. Her Master’s Degree in Finance and Accounting makes her the perfect person to coordinate the financial aspects of the project. What makes Aneta exceptional is the deep empathy for her colleagues, as well as her disarming smile.

ADB ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET STANISŁAW MATYSIAK Stanisław is the Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts/Guides in Warszawa-Praga-Południe Scout District (Capital Region). He also is a Scout Leader of 211th Warsaw Scout Troop and bachelor of business management on the Military University of Technology in Warsaw. He wins over crowds by his honesty, loyalty to his superiors and colleagues, as well as excellent manners and reliability.

COM COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION MARTA BEDNARSKA District Commissioner of Sopot Scout District (Gdańska Region) and the spokesperson for Chorągiew Gdańska ZHP Scouting District. Graduated from Psychology of Organization and Management and Marketing at the University of Gdańsk. Her education and professional experience gained, among other places, in the Urban Culture Institute guarantees that the members of COM group profit from professional care and can always count on her attention and advise. Creating the candidacy brand is a piece of cake for Marta.

COM COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION FILIP STANISŁAWSKI Member of Leaders Rank Commission in Poznan-Siodemka Scout District (Wielkopolska Region), he comes from 37th Scout Troop Section “Bractwo Kruka I Kojota”. Apart from scouting, he works in a field of marketing as product manager at Volkswagen Group Polska. Graduate of Economic Journalism and Public Relations, as well as Product Quality Management at the Poznań University of Economics.

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DES SITE DEVELOPMENT ALEKSANDRA KACPROWICZ Head of Academic Scouting Support Team, Programme Support Department in National Office of the ZHP. Aleksandra comes from Olsztyn Scout District (Warminsko-Mazurska Region). She uses the experience she gained during her Spatial Management studies at the architecture studies at the Technical University of Warsaw in her duties at DES. She is passionate about travels, and she believes her mission as a scout leader is to educate other leaders on openness and tolerance. She is valued by her colleagues for her extraordinary sense of humour and sharp intellect.

DES SITE DEVELOPMENT OSKAR AMIRI Scout leader from Ponan-Stare Miasto Scout District (Wielkopolska Region).

He holds the Master of Science and Engineer degree in Architecture and Urban Planning. Currently he conducts doctoral studies at the Faculty of Construction and Environmental Engineering of the Poznań University of Technology. He is passionate about good music and has relations with the band “Bakłażan”. He is and amateur photographer and enthusiast of historical reenactment. Appreciated by his colleagues for reliability, knowledge, and flawless use of the Polish language.

HRV HR AND SUPPORT OF VOLUNTARY WORKERS JULIANNA ZAPART Deputy Regional Commissioner of Dolnośląska Region. She graduated Occupational Health and Safety Management at the University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław, Environmental Engineering at the Wrocław University of Technology, and Management at the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military Academy of Land Forces in Wrocław. She gained professional experience in the Social Development Agency ARS in Legnica, Manus Foundation, PuntoVita Sailing School, and Development School of the Education Association Centre CEL. Awardee of the ZHP National Scout Award in 2013 in the category “Overcome oneself/Common goal”. Honoured with this title for voluntary work to the benefit of children in Ghana.

HRV HR AND SUPPORT OF VOLUNTARY WORKERS MARCIN MIŁKO Scout leader from Warszawa-Praga-Północ Scout District (Capital Region).

He studies Polish Philology at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, his major is Teaching and Language Communication: media, advertising, PR. Passionate about all aspects of the Polish language. Social activist who chairs the Faculty Student Council of the Faculty of Humanities, and a friend to veterans of the Home Army “Wigry” Batallion.

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PGM PROGRAMME (PROGRAMME THEME) JACEK GRZEBIELUCHA Member of Regional Board of Gdanska Region, head of Regional Communications Department. He studies Law at the University of Gdańsk, he lives in Gdynia, he is an instructor at BTA Kompas. His colleagues see him as a positive and energetic person who introduces friendly atmos-phere, is open, helpful, understanding, and responsible.

PGM PROGRAMME (PROGRAMME THEME) MONIKA WOŹNICA Regional Leader Trainer, Member of Leader Ranks Comittee, District Treasurer.

Graduated in Psychology (Clinical and Organizational Psychology) from Adam Mickiewicz Univeristy and Economics (Economic Journalism and Public Relations) from Poznań University of Economics, certified in Train The Trainers skills and Transactional Analysis. Working as Brand Development Manager in FMCG sector. Responsible for programme planning on district, regional and national level. Her combination of both fields: psychology and economy, supported by extraordinary ideas, gives the opportunity to respond to many needs in creating the programme outline.

ICT INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY TOMEK DOBRZAŃSKI Tomek comes from Ziemia Lubska Region but now he lives in Wroclaw where he studies Computer Science at the Wrocław University of Technology.

A positive, always cheerful, enthusiast of climbing. He likes challenges, unconventional travels and heavy beats in music.

ICT INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IZA STANCZYSZYN She comes from Ziemia Tyska Scout District (Silesia Region) where she is the head of Leade Ranks Committee. She is a graphic designer and IT specialist by profession. Currently, she works for French corporation as an infrastructure engineer and graphic freelancer. She is fond of travelling, sailing and operating systems.

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SEC SECURITY AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT AGNIESZKA FIETKIEWICZ-ZAPALSKA Scout leader form Pruszków Scout District (Capital Region). In her professional life she is a Manager in the Museum of Sport and Tourism in Warsaw. She studied Information Science and Library Science at the University of Warsaw.

Agnieszka’s undeniable value is her commitment to popularisation of specialization among scouts and instructors, as well as her perfectionism and professionalism.

SEC SECURITY AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT MICHAŁ LUDKIEWICZ Scout leader from Orneta Scout District (Warmińsko-Mazurska Region).

Awardee of the first edition of the National Scout Award in 2011. He is a male nurse by education and profession. Michał’s exceptionality consists in the fact that it is impossible not to like him, he wins over subsequent generations of collaborators with his warmth.

ICG INTERNATIONAL CONTACT GROUP AGNIESZKA SIŁUSZEK Scout leader from Warszawa-Mokotów Scout District (Capital Region), member of International Department of ZHP’s National Office. Graduate of the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies and the Centre of European Regional and Local Studies at the University of Warsaw. Public servant, professionally connected with regional development. For many years she has been putting her experience to use in the field of international cooperation especially with Azerbaijan and Georgia. Agnieszka’s unique value lies in conscientiousness, reliability, and awareness of priorities.

LGT

LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT OPERATIONS

ŁUKASZ ANASZEWICZ Scout leader from Orneta Scout District (Warmińsko-Mazurska Region). Senior Inspector at the General Office of Building Control, student of doctoral studies at the Military University of Technology in Warsaw. His professional experience guar-antees professionalism as regards logistics and land development. Passionate sailor.

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THE HONORARY COMMITTEE

WORLDWIDE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS EVENT WAS UNDERLINED BY SPECIFIC GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES WHICH WERE GRANTED BY THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS. OUR BID IS SUPPORTED BY EMINENT PERSONS OF OUR POLITICAL AND SOCIAL LIFE. BOTH THE PRESIDENT OF POLAND AND ALL FORMER LIVING PRESIDENTS, THE PRIME MINISTER OF POLAND, THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL ARE COMPOSING THE HONORARY COMMITTEE. THE CURRENT HEAD OF STATE IS A HEAD OF IT. THE “CIVIL” HONORARY COMMITTEE IS HELD

BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE POLISH BUSINESS COUNCIL – ZBIGNIEW NIEMCZYCKI. Patrycja Kiryluk

WHO IS SUPPORTING POLISH CANDIDATURE TO HOST 25TH WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE?

BRONISŁAW KOMOROWSKI

The President of Poland in years 2010-2015, former Marshal of the Sejm, for many years connected with the scout movement , instructor.

EWA KOPACZ

The Prime Minister of Poland, former Marshal of the Sejm and Healthcare Minister.

ALEKSANDER KWAŚNIEWSKI

President of Poland in 1995-2005.

LECH WAŁĘSA

President of Poland in 1990-1995, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the first chairman of Solidarity.

DONALD TUSK

The President of the European Council, former Prime Minister.

We hope that the honorable committee will be considered as one of the indicators of the quality of Polish candidacy, its solidity and innovation and professionalism.

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MARSONE GIRL SCOUT TO GO TO MARS? Guide Joanna Karczewska is an instructor in ZHP Sopot Scout Group, the captain of 20th Sopot Wanderers’ Troop, a steward in the Sopot Scout Group elder scout stewardship, and she has qualified to the third of five stages of Mars One project. This is a project of a Dutch company, which aims to colonize Mars. Already in 2020, a rover will be sent there, a remote-controlled robot with the mission to find a suitable place for setting up a whole life-supporting complex. In 2024, a crew of four volunteers will go to Mars. Joanna has a chance to be among the chosen four.

You are a scout, here is where we met.

When has your scouting adventure began? What troops have you participated in?

Joanna Karczewska: I started years ago, in 3rd Sopot Scout Troop “Inne” – when Magda “Cieja” Cieszyńska was the troop captain. I was in the fourth form of the primary school back then. After I finished the fifth form, my patrol leaders finished school, and our contact broke – beforehand they would always tell us at school when and where the meetings would take place. In the middle school, 20th Sopot Scout Troop “Sprzysiężenie Górskiego Kamienia”, headed by Igor Antosik, took in new members. And so, in the first form, I found my way into the 20th!

In our scout group, we know you primarily as a creative person full of ideas. The effects show in your graphic designs, thanks to which it

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Kamil Jasiński

is easy to promote all events. What else do you do?

extraordinary achievements everyday scout work?

For example, I work in PMI (Project Management Institute). It is an American institution which aims to spread good practice in project management. The Polish chapter – which is the name for local, countrywide branches – is divided into sections. Our dynamic Gdańsk section organizes seminars on project management every month. It also organizes winter/ summer camps – for children from underprivileged families, who want to learn English. Other than that, every year it organizes New Trends in Project Management which is a two-day conference on project management. In the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, I work with the Promotion and Information Team of Chorągiew Gdańska Scout District.

There, we handle matters related to the image of the scout district and promote it throughout the world – among the scouts, and non-scouts.

We educate people in the field we work in. We just finished PR Lab in Gdynia, and we are about to start the Course for Scout Group Instructors for Communication and Promotion in Malbork. So if anyone is interested in producing various types of visual materials – graphics/photo/ video, or writes, is a copywriter, or maybe deals in creating websites or social media, and wants to have a go at communicating with the environment we function in – we invite everyone to work with us.

Exactly so.

In 2013, you were one of 25 people nominated to the title “Uncommon”.

Was this nomination a result of

in

Do you remember the awards gala?

The one where I was among the nominees was in Warsaw. I remember that there were technical problems with some of the video clips. This year’s gala was better prepared, but we have to remember that this was two years ago. So the trend is positive, the galas turn out better and better.

In the beginning of this scouting year you came back from London, where you had lived. Are you thinking about going back to England?

If I find a job there, moving back is a viable option.

Does the prospect of “Mars One” limit your travelling possibilities?

I don’t think so. Currently we are waiting for information concerning the next stage, but I don’t see why it would. If personal appearance is a part of this stage, I can always go there, and afterwards return to wherever I live, whether it’s Poland or the UK. So you plan on leading your everyday life as always until the moment the teams are selected and the training starts?

Yes. I wonder what made you submit your application?

In another interview, you said that you waited with sending it until the last moment. I’m trying to find out more about your inspiration.

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It was rather a question of what I am looking for. I’ve always wanted to have adventures, and I’ve always been drawn to places where nobody else was before. This mission seems to fit my search ideally. And why I waited?

If such decision was to be taken seriously, it had to be well thoughtover. That is why I reached the conclusion that I would give myself as much time as possible.

So there are two more stages before the final decision on whether you are going or not?

The final decision is up to the candidates – you can resign from the mission even one day before departure. In the end, it is a oneway trip, so the people who go have to be absolutely certain about their decision. But yes, there are two more stages between me and the title of Mars One astronaut.

How do you like the perspective of a one-way trip?

I think that this question shrewdly misses the point. You don’t go on this trip because it is one-way only, you go because it is another great leap for the human kind. For the first time in history, mankind will leave the orbit of its home planet.

For the first time in history, it will find a home on another world. From that moment on, we will no longer be tied to our planet. Certainly, much time will pass before settlement on other planets becomes a wide-scale activity. A similarly large progress has been made between the first space trip or the first moon landing and the present time when we have astronauts constantly living on the orbit. No road can be travelled without making the first step.

The conversation is a reprint from Big Paper magazine created by scouts of ZHP Sopot Scout Group: www. facebook .com / bpzhp.

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SCOUTING – THIS IS WHAT WE DO

IN ACTION

THE GREATEST ADVENTURE IN EUROPE - CENTRAL EUROPEAN JAMBOREE 2016

Anna Omiecińska

WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT POLAND? WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE PART IN AN INTERNATIONAL SCOUT EVENT?LET’S COME TO THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN JAMBOREE 2016 IN WROCLAW!

T

he tradition of the Central European Jamboree started in 1997 in Prague, but it connects to the Camp of Slavonic Scouts held in 1931 in the same city.

Since 2002 the Central European Jamboree takes place in every second year and the organization of the eventt rotates between Magyar Cserkészszövetség, Slovenský skauting, Junák – český skaut and Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego.

The goal of the Central European Jamboree is to strengthen the cooperation between Scout associations of the region and to offer financially more acceptable option to all-European events or world jamborees. The number of countries participating in CEJ has been increasing. The Hungarian CEJ – Concordia 2010 – was attended by scouts and guides from 17 countries.

In 2014 CEJ was organised by Junák – český skaut. In 2016 it comes back after eight years to Poland.

CEJ IS:

JOY

ADVENTURE

NEW KNOWLEDGE

FRIENDSHIP

A LOT OF ACTIVITIES

WHEN?

4 - 14 OF AUGUST 2016 30

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WHERE?

IN WROCLAW / POLAND SCOUTS AGED 14-17 - AS A PARTICIPANTS. IF YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN THIS EVENT YOU HAVE TO CREATE A GROUP OF 9 SCOUTS + LEADER.

WHO?

IF YOU ARE OLDER THAN 17 YOU CAN COME AS AN IST.

HOW TO REGISTER?

FOR V4 COUNTRIES (POLAND, HUNGARY, CZECH REPUBLIC, SLOVAKIA) - YOU HAVE TO CONTACT THE HEAD OF CONTINGENT FROM YOUR COUNTRY.

FOR OTHER COUNTRIES - YOU HAVE TO SEND EMAIL ON: CEJ@ZHP.PL

REGISTRATION WILL START ON 1ST OF SEPTEMBER 2015

For more information contact us on: www.cej2016.pl www.facebook.com/cej2016

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FUN, FOR KNOWLEDGE, FOR B R O T H E R H O O D FOR

MAIN EVENTS IN ZHP

Anna Omiecińska

EVERY YEAR SCOUT TROOPS AND THEIR LEADERS TAKE PART IN NUMEROUS EVENTS – EITHER INDIVIDUALLY IN THEIR CITIES OR TOGETHER WITH OTHER SCOUTS IN NATIONWIDE HIKES OR JAMBOREES. AMONG THE MOST POPULAR ONES YOU CAN FIND LEADERS’ JAMBOREE, WĘDROWNICZA WATRA, GRUNWALDZKI AND ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKI’ HIKE. IN THE NEAREST FUTURE WE ARE GOING TO CELEBRATE THE CENTENARY JAMBOREE OF THE POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION.

LEADERS’ JAMBOREE Every two years ZHP organises a jamboree for leaders working in our association such as troops’ leaders and leaders’ trainers. It is the greatest training event in our organisation. During this jamboree all the participants are allowed to take part in various workshops, trainings that are connected with their roles in ZHP. A lot of conferences with many crucial discussions and topics are organised too. Evenings are devoted to meetings, discussions and experiences’ exchange with unusual people in jamborees’ cafés.

Taking part in this event is a great opportunity for ZHP’s leaders to enrich their knowledge or skills and also experience an unforgettable adventure.

THE CENTENARY JAMBOREE OF POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION Although the beginnings of our association dates back to 1910, ZHP was established in 1918. That is why in three years time we are going to celebrate our anniversary.

Therefore the nationwide jamboree is being prepared, in which 15 thousand scouts will take part. Previous events of this kind took place in Cracow in 2010, the centenary jamboree organised to celebrate scouting establishment, and in Kielce in 2007 to celebrate centenary annual of first scout camp. Our centenary jamboree is going to be organised on Sobieszewska Island- the Polish proposal for city hosting World Scout Jamboree in 2023.

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GRUNWALDZKI HIKE Grunwaldzki Hike is one of the biggest summer event in Poland. Every year hundreds of participants trek on hiking trails in Mazowsze, Kujawsko-Pomorski, Warmińsko-Mazurski Regions to get to Grunwald. It is a very important place for our history and tradition. In this place in 1410, Polish army fought with the Teutonic Order and then defeated them in one of the greatest battle in our history.

However, Grunwaldzki Hike is not only an event that promotes historical values – every year the hikes are different.

You can impersonate Medieval people, you can follow the missing artworks or take part in Second World War’s reconstruction or you can even move into future. Other hikes are fun too. You can invent thing that cannot be beaten even by McGyver, be part of the amazing story of “Pan Samochodzik” or Indiana Jones. People into ethnography and psychology will also find something interesting in Grunwaldzki Hike’s programme. The sightseeing tours, canoeing and biking trips are a daily reality.

ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKI HIKE Świętorzyski Scout Hike is an event with long and rich tradition – the first edition took place in 1959. Since that time, hundreds of scouts traverse Świętokrzyskie Mountain in order to promote hiking, healthy lifestyle and also preserving the tourist attraction of the region.

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WĘDROWNICZA WATRA Rovers are mainly people aged 16-21. The words: “reach out to the world, think – help, so act” are their motto. This particular words are connected to Wędrownicza Watra. This event is divided into two parts. The first part is hike and the second one are workshops on the meeting-place. Wędrownicza Watra is organised in different place every year what allows scouts visiting different Polish regions. During hikes all scouts have the opportunity to overcome their own weaknesses. During the workshops, which are prepared by participants, you can share you hobbies or talents with other scouts. Wędrownicza Watra is attended by scouts from abroad annually. They are hiking together with some Polish troops.

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BIKE JAMBOREE 36

Anna Omiecińska

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WHY DON’T WE GO TO THE 23TH WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE BY BIKES?

but also on foot or on camels

Most of Polish scouts got to Japan by ship, by train or by bus but there are some people in our organisation who love challenges. They had decided that going there by bikes would be a brilliant idea. They had organised and prepared a bicycle relay which will last half a year. Its route started in Poland and it will end in the meeting place of the 23th World Scout Jamboree in Japan.

THE IDEA The Jamboree on Bikes is a project which was organised by „Afryka Nowaka” Association and World Scout Foundation in Poland. The main goal of this relay was to promote Poland and its candidature for hosting the 25th World Scout Jamboree in 2023 in Poland. In addition the organisers wanted to do something challenging and adventurous. During the relay, the participants wanted to promote and support this idea by meeting with scout from other countries.

This event is also a relation to Kazimierz Nowak’s relay through Africa. It was some kind of promotional campaign of Kazimierz Nowak among the locals. In the thirties, he started a solitude journey on Africa – he traversed 40 000 kilometres mainly by bike

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all section led along the Silk Road which links Europe with China.

The preparations for the trip began year ago in July 2014. In that time first draft of route was created and leaders of this event were recruited.

Each route section had two leaders.

The idea was to gather both: an experienced cyclist and scout ones as leaders during one section in each team. Before the relay started, the organisers had had to find sponsors, prepare necessary equipment and find an accommodation.

ON THE WAY

About 70 people took part in this amazing event. They were divided into smaller teams consisted of scouts and cyclist enthusiasts.

To take part in this event you had to be 18 years old, have basic cyclist experience and be in a good shape.

Some of the participants were really experienced and some of them were the beginners.

The Jamboree on Bikes is a common success of all 70 participants and all of them left a great part of themselves in this project.

ROUTE The whole relay started on January 2015. The route was long – about 12 000 kilometres but divided into nine smaller sections which lasted from 13 to 30 days. Every team had to traverse the distance of 900-2400 kilometres – what gave an average of 70 kilometres per day. The participants cycled through many countries such as: Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Korea and finally Japan.

During all the moths spent on traversing Europe and Asia Polish scouts met a lot of scouts from Scouting National Organisations. They helped them to find accommodation and they accompanied Polish scouts in sightseeing the cities. They also took part in meetings devoted to Polish candidature for hosting the 25th World Scout Jamboree and Polish Scouting and Guiding Association.

Many Cycling Associations occurred to be very helpful in organising such a demanding event. They gave a lot of crucial pieces of advice and greeted our travellers. Thanks to them - our new friends, Jamboree on Bikes was able to reach their destination.

MEMORIES It was definitely an amazing trip for all scouts taking part in it. It was not only the challenging adventure but also a chance to test the limits of their endurance and stamina. No wonder that it left a great mark on their life.

The route wasn’t chosen by accident. There were many reasons that determined it. Firstly, it was extremely important to find such a way which will be as safest as possible for participants. That is why terrains with mountains and deserts were omitted in the process of planning. Secondly, the whole project had to be attractive in terms of sightseeing and landscape. Nearly

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ZBIGNIEW POPOWSKI The project’s initiator and participant

My section that lead through Turkey could be described as a family one. The weather was a great surprise for us minus 10 Celsius degrees, snow were not the conditions that we had expected. We had a lot of interesting experiences during hitch hiking. After an hour of travelling our bikes’ brakes frozen and we couldn’t travel any longer. After few minutes, one car stopped. It was a refrigerator truck. First thought – it’s cold there in this car, but it

PIOTR WOJTASZEK First section’s participant

I took part in the first section of Jamboree on bikes ( Warszawa-Czerniowice). The weather was mild, from minus to plus ten Celsius degrees. The weather changed quickly. Sometimes it was sunny but after 10 minuter snow was falling again. The best thing, the best experience in this trip were people. They helped us, fed us and very often they gave us shelter. Each person is a very long and very touching story. Our section lasted only 14 days but it gave me thousands of memories and experiences.

12 000 KILOMETERS

238 DAYS

70 PARTICIPANTS

12 COUNTRIES

9 SECTIONS

1 DESTROYED BIKE

THOUSANDS OF MEMORIES AND STORIES www.rowerowejamboree.pl www.facebook.com/RoweroweJamboree

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THE ROUTE

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INTERCAMP

SUCH AN HONOUR 40

Aleksandra Górska Anna Omiecińska P

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In May 2015, scouts from many countries all around the world had the occasion to spend a few days in Nysa and take part in the annual Intercamp jamboree. Over 3000 scouts met in the ruins of a medieval fort for an amazing adventure.

Intercamp left many memories in the minds of its participants, which will last for the whole year – until the next scouting meeting.

MAGICAL PLACE The first thing that stood out was the place itself. The picturesque fort where the event took place, full of mysterious nooks and fragments of walls reminding of the site’s history, caught the attention of every participant. The jamboree command rose to the challenge and chose a place which ideally corresponded to the jamboree theme – “Such and Honour”, and which created a magical atmosphere.

UNCONVENTIONAL PROGRAMME This year’s InterCamp, however, was different than the earlier ones not only due to its location. Apart from the framework jamboree programme – concerts, food-festivals, on-site and off-site programme, the organizers had a few innovations in store. As it turned out, the programme was large enough that it was impossible to take part in all the attractions prepared by the jamboree personnel on and off-site. The first innovation concerned the off-site programme.

The organizers decided to turn a regular hike into a thematic game with its own storyline, which let the participants travel in time as if they used a time machine. The idea was fantastic! Not only could everyone learn about the history of the site, but they could also familiarize themselves with details of lives and culture of people from the centuries past. The hike itinerary was also interesting. We did not only walk through woods, but also through the city where we could admire historical buildings and gems of architecture in Nysa. That was a nice surprise and a major attraction.

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CIRCLE OF FIRE Another novelty on the jamboree were traditional Polish camp fires.

The organizers decide to share with the scouts our traditional watra – a farewell camp fire organized in the last night of each subcamp.

There were many traditional songs, dances, and games, which allowed us to know the scouts better. This idea turned out to be so “catchy” that many jamboree scouts sat by the fire on this one night for many hours, to make the most of the time among fellow scouts.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR Many attractions, unforgettable experience, amazing adventure, new friendships, and a backpack full of knowledge, this is what we managed to get out of this jamboree. It is not possible to describe how great of a jamboree it was in a few sentences.

You just need to be there yourself!

INTERCAMP MEMORIES Bartłomiej Cota - Poland This was my fourth Intercamp and the second as a member of IST. If anyone thinks about whether it is worth it to go for such jamboree as part of the IST, let me tell you – it sure is! IST is an occasion to establish international contacts which will last for many years, learn about the usages of scouts from different countries during evenings in the Scout Club, or, for the younger participants, to test language skills.

A variety of people go to jamborees as IST – aged from 25 to Intercamp “veterans” who are over 50.

Regardless of their age, they communicate incredibly easy and they are full of positive energy. As IST, you can belong to several sections: programme, communications, security. This year, I was again a part of the programme section where I was handling on-site construction works.

What differentiated this Intercamp in comparison to the previous ones is an exceptional storyline. The organizers referred to the chivalry traditions – the camp area was placed in a medieval fort, and, during a game (hike), you could meet knights in medieval outfits. All this created an exceptional atmosphere of the days past.

Kurt Aretz - Germany The site was most interesting and organisation and program well suited to the surrounding. The children had a good experience in everything - camp, organisation, games, friendship. Polish scouts most eager!

www.intercamp.info

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PREPARATIONS

PREPARATIONS

SCOUTING IN SOCIAL MEDIA Marek Pęczak

Social media have become an integral part of our lives in recent years. Scouts increasingly choose not to part with their phones or other devices with Internet access and applications. Nowadays, it is a lot easier to get in touch with scouts on the other side of the globe than it was 10 years ago.

The most popular social networking platform is Facebook which gives us a range of options to promote our projects. It only takes a few minutes to create a fanpage, however, if we want it to be recognised as valuable, we should spend some time and put a well-thought-out content which is related to the subject matter of the fanpage, otherwise the number of fans will quickly begin to drop together with the number of potential persons whom the information reaches even if they did not like our fanpage or are not directly involved in the topic. In this article I will share with you my opinions about the coolest activities we carried out via our scouting social network.

THE STORK FRIENDS ALBUM As I have already mentioned, Facebook offers a wide range of possibilities, and it is mainly on Facebook where we show our activities related to our candidacy. It is also a platform integrated into a variety of other media so everything is nicely presented. The Stork Friends Album was one of our first activities carried out on our fanpage Polska2023. Scouts had to become the ambassadors of our candidacy, make contact with any other scouts and together create a stork with any technique. After new friendships had been established, scouts asked their peers to complete the following sentence: “I would like to visit Poland because ...” Here below are some of the comments:

“I would like to visit Poland because it’s great country with mountains, sea and very nice people!”

“I would like to visit Poland because: I have some really cool Polish scout friends and I would love to experience the Polish culture and the country itself.”.

“One of my biggest dreams is to travel all over the world! I’ll meet new cultures, new faces, new food. I would like to see the buildings, and architecture... See you in 2023” “I would like to visit Poland (again and again) because it has the most friendly people I’ve ever met.”

“Polish scouts whom I met are very friendly, I want to know more about their culture and their nature.”

The activity met with a positive response despite the fact that we were Facebook newbies; many individual people as well as entire teams from around the world published more than 50 photos, adding them to the album.

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VIDEO PROMOTION – POLSKA 2023 Have you already watched the video promoting the Polska2023 event? If you haven’t, it’s high time to do that and join the group of 35,000 spectators who have watched the video. An interesting surprise is that it is a fairly rare phenomenon in the scout social media that the number of likes exceeds the number of shares. The video reached 100,000 views (organic reach, without sponsored views!), 478 likes, 552 shares and 23 comments, in which people responded to each other, further generating more comments below the video. It was a great success!

If you want to read texts imbued with plenty of positive emotions or revive good memories caught in the photos, make sure to use hashtags. Thanks to hashtags, we can assign a post/photo/video to any category, follow supporters of our projects and receive feedback from them. You can use #tags on many sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Scout.org, Instagram etc .

ISSUU Issuu is another equally useful community portal; if you do not have access to the hard copy of this publication, you can always look to the online version. Issuu publications can be divided into catalogues, shared with your friends; you can create your own library of the world’s scouting writings and... much more that one’s heart may desire.

On the way back from the jamboree, there are various scout events to which we have been invited or which have been co-organized by us. During the InterCamp 2015 event in Nysa, we organized a “Friendship Challenge”. Participants had to meet scouts from four different countries, bring them to us, wear our gadget and take photos. 11 groups, i.e. 103 scouts took photos together for which they received additional buttons, and the following day their task was to publish these photos on Instagram using the hashtag #bethespark – the best teams received our red “Be the Spark” shirts.

During the 40th World Scout Conference in Slovenia, delegates from 6 countries: Egypt, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Korea and the Philippines took part in the “Spark the Spark” programme posted on the “ZHP360” video channel where they shared their thoughts about the conference and debated about their role in scouting. The interviews were published not only on our Facebook fanpage but also on Scout.org where scouts from all over the world could see the “ZHP360” channel in action on the main wall and see this conference through our eyes.

FOTOBOOTH During the World Scout Conference in Ljubljana, we organized a fotobooth in which scouts could take photos with Polish souvenirs; the photos would not only be added to our gallery on our fanpage, but also printed and handed out to people in the photo. Participants also had the opportunity to tag themselves on the photos which certainly increased our reach.

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MONTE CASSINO 2014 Last year, on our Facebook fanpage, all participants of the expedition entitled “We span generations – Monte Cassino 2014” were able to take part in a social programme prepared specially for them. Not only those who were going by coach to Italy were involved in the programme, but also people sitting at their computers in Poland and connected to the Internet. Tasks assigned to different coaches focused on integration but also on the history associated with Monte Cassino. Meanwhile, people in Poland could take part in a history quiz in which you could earn points not only to the group’s credit, but also to one’s own credit. So if someone was fast and smart enough and gave the correct answers to most questions, they had a chance to win a gadget associated with the expedition.

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WAVE THE FLAG! On 2 May, Poland celebrates the National Flag Day of the Republic of Poland. We encourage all scouts via Facebook to take part in the “Wave the flag!” event as part of which scouts from the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) may send their photos with the elements referring to the national colours of Poland and creating thus a great and joyful photo album.

SNAPCHAT Have you heard about the app that allows you to take photos or shoot videos, post them on Snapchat and they disappear after a few seconds? That’s precisely Snapchat. The photos or videos do not have to always disappear after a few seconds – you can post them even for a whole day. I do not know many profiles on Snapchat, but if I had to recommend one, that would certainly be PLscouts2015 – run nicely by the Polish Contingent of the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015. The Polish Contingent profile will show you all the preparations for the Jamboree, but will also show you Japan that you will never see in movies or travel guides.

CHANGE COVER The first programme entitled “Change Cover for Peace Light of Bethlehem” was carried out on the Peace Light of Bethlehem channel in 2012. The task of the Facebook fanpage administrators was to put the same photo as the one on the Peace Light of Bethlehem fanpage as the background photo; people who would join up the event would have to write in their comments the address of their website.

The project was joined by more than 200 units and thanks to that it was also remarked by people outside the organization.

#TAGPROJECT On the 70th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, during the Metropolitan Regiment rally, a hashtag #TAG event was held, during which all persons, regardless of where they were, had to take a selfie and tag it, using the #zhp70pw hashtag.

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ONLINE ZHP DEBATE WISHES Who among us does not like to receive nice wishes or read that someone is keeping their fingers crossed for us...? And what if these wishes are spiced up with a beautiful drawing?

If you have trouble remembering when the Grandfather’s Day or Mother’s Day falls, or you need to be reminded of those days, like the ZHP fanpage on Facebook or follow us on Instagram (ZHP_pl).

On 18 and 22 June this year, the first Internet debate in the history of Polish Scouting and Guiding Association took place in the ZHP360 studio. The debate was broadcast live via the ZHP360 channel on YouTube, where a stormy and matter-offact discussion was held in a chat window. Persons wishing to express

their views on the topic could call the special number on Skype.

peace. To this end, the “Peace begins with me” project saw the light of day.

PEACE DAY

REPORTS

The International Day of Peace takes place every year on 21 September. It is supported by the Messengers of Peace – a global network of scouts from around the world who want to do good to other people. They are working in their communities around the world, trying to solve the problems in people’s immediate vicinity – eliminating violence in schools, initiating dialogue over division, reducing environmental degradation, and many others. By joining in the International Day of Peace, the Messengers of Peace want to convey to the scouts the message that no matter what place on Earth they live in, they can take the initiative and start promoting

There are times when our channels are teeming with activity, usually during some important events in the ZHP’s life. Those events are not only accompanied by video broadcast but also by live written reports.

The main events, where you do not have to follow YouTube – as there are live-written posts on Facebook and Twitter, are as follows: Polish Scouting and Guiding Association Convention, Fraternal Thoughts Gala [Gala Dnia Myśli Braterskiej], Peace Light of Bethlehem, online debates. If you are planning to broadcast some events for your circle of friends, you should think about people who are unable to watch videos and it is much more convenient for them to read live-written reports.

GREETINGS Do you know any quiz shows, street interviews and other TV appearances where you have your “five minutes” of fame to give your greeting to someone? Scouting also gives you such an opportunity, all you need to do is to come to an appropriate rally and find the right person. Let someone take a photo of you accompanied by scouts, add greetings for those who were not with you there, tag the photo, and wait for the likes.

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ABOUT JAMBOREE ARCHITECTURE

Aleksandra Kacprowicz

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JAMBOREE IS MAINLY PEOPLE, PROGRAMME, ADVENTURE. THERE IS, HOWEVER, ONE ASPECT WHICH USUALLY NOBODY PAYS ATTENTION TO, AND WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT IN A LARGE SCALE EVENT. SUCH GATHERING WILL NOT DO WITHOUT A PROPERLY DESIGNED JAMBOREE VILLAGE WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT ALL THE ATTRACTIONS ARE ENJOYED SAFELY. WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW HOW THE PLANNING PROCESS GOES ABOUT? JOIN ME FOR A QUICK TOUR. 50

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SITE SELECTION It all starts with a scrupulous procedure of selecting the right location. Detailed WOSM regulations are binding, which list the criteria that Jamboree site must fulfil. These include sufficiently large space (at least 150 ha), increased by a safety zone. Additionally, the location must have good access to transport infrastructure, after all it is a great logistic challenge to transport such a great number of people to one place in such short time. The site should therefore have appropriate connections with an international airport, a train station, a motorway, an expressway, etc. Additionally, it needs to have connections to utilities – you need to draw water or electricity from somewhere. WOSM also requires that the terrain is flat. This allows for conducting the programme, effective location of the subcamps with tents and makes moving around faster.

The site is selected after many visits, inspections of every nook in a given place, long conversations with the owners, authorities, and possibly experts. That is how, after around six months, we managed to find a location near Gdańsk – on Wyspa Sobiszewska.

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INSPIRATIONS 52

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n the very beginning of the works we needed to realize the extent of the venture we intended to design. We are speaking about building a TEMPORARY CITY for around 40 thousand residents.

Residents who come from all corners of the world – who are accustomed to different types of space surrounding them. They may normally live in the mountains, near the sea, or in the dessert. They could be raised in the middle of woods, in a small town, or the centre of a huge city. Suddenly, they meet in Poland which is very different from their native country in terms of climate and landscape.

We were also looking for many inspirations. We learned about temporary cities that come into being for various reasons. We were thinking through the operation of the villages constructed on occasion of music festivals and other similar events. We recalled theories of perfect cities, which inspired architects over the centuries. Finally we analysed Jamboree villages from past events. The data collected made it possible to draw enough conclusions to let us to begin the next stage of preparations.

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hen designing, there are some key assumptions we need to remember. The jamboree village must comply with all possible safety rules, fulfil construction norms, and be build and demolished with the lowest possible influence on the environment. We also want to relate to the identity of area around the site: the seaside, at the river Martwa Wisła, near Gdańsk, close to a forest and a beach, surrounded by fields, with lush vegetation. Finally, the greatest challenge is to design the village in a way allowing all the participants to find their way everywhere. That is why we focus on making the village layout simple, ensuring that the distances to travel are as short as possible, and enabling the participants to orient in space intuitively. The design is based on composition axis, separate functional zones and space crystallizing elements which will become characteristic points for the participants.

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esigning a village for the Jamboree which is to take place in eight years is quite a challenge. It requires extensive consultations with various specialists, constant review of the assumptions and evaluation of work progress. You have to think about general things and use macro-scale – e.g. where the logistic centre will be located – as well as remember about small details, e.g. the species of grass which needs to be sown earlier. The operation is a complicated, multi-dimensional process, but all this makes it very interesting, dynamic, and fascinating. What the effect will be – I hope that we can find out in 2023.

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TRAVELS

GEORGIA - THE PLACE THEY FELL IN LOVE WITH

Izabela Saniewska

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“Route for tomorrow” (“Trasa na jutro”) is the title of the travel blog of Kasia Rożek and Piotr Kopera – scout instructors from Poland. During their journey they want to reach far, far east.

Asked why they decided to set off, Kasia simply said - because we can. When they were studying, they travelled through the country - Kasia was mainly visiting cities while Piotr was interested in the mountains.

When they started their work they missed this fantastic time and knew, that nobody will give it to them. They have decided to take matters into their own hands and start a half-year journey.

LET’S DISCOVER WHAT IS OUT THERE! They set off in March 2015 with Polish scout scarfs, smiles on their faces and desire to explore the world. The plan of their journey is constantly changing – they are open for everything, which can be brought by the very next day. They cannot predict who they will meet on their way. “We do not know, how this journey will end. For now we want to see how the world looks like in the places, where we haven’t been yet” – they say. They discover and observe the eastern cultures, while representing Poland and our candidature for organization of Jamboree in 2023.

They managed to visit Georgia and Turkey. On their way they have met Azeri scouts and Polish delegation of Jamboree 2023 Project Team on European Scout Educational Methods Forum in Antalaya. You can observe their journey on their blog (trasanajutro.pl) and Facebook.

GEORGIA - THE PLACE THEIR FALL IN LOVE WITH Kasia says that the most amazing place on their way was the restaurant in the steppe in Georgia. They planned to be there for only one day, but they stayed for a week. “The atmosphere of places, where interesting people meet can always attract people for longer. Especially when we do not limit the time spent, and it is still a long period of time to the return to Poland, every dose of the “we are home” feeling is very valuable. We were there a part of a crazy group of people. We are constantly on our way so we collect many interesting stories and we wait for more – views, mountains, talks, people, and beautiful scheduled buildings.

AMAZING PEOPLE ARE EVERYWHERE! How did this journey changed their views? Kasia says that they have met many amazing people also in Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, who speak English better than many Poles, have open minds and have their natural curiosity, but they must restrict to meetings with foreigners on their own ground. For them the visa for Schengen is the winning of the best, after filling a pile of the documents. If any European would say that getting a visa is hard, do not believe him. “The additional experience was for sure packing up into one backpack for six months. After some trials I came to a conclusion that I am definitely not a type of a minimalist, and the jumper is a must-have, but I have also better awareness of what I really need, and what I could leave or restrict.” - says Kasia.

After the journey they plan many things, for example to meet their friends at a campfire, play board games and maybe start some new projects, but first of all they start to remember and experience as much as they can during this journey.

KASIA, PIOTR, WE WISH YOU GOOD LUCK AND ONLY GOOD PEOPLE MET ON YOUR WAY!

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INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING PARTNERSHIP

POLAND AND AZERBAIJAN 62

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THANKS TO WOSM PARTNERSHIP EVENT IN PRAGUE THE POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO START A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ASSOCIATION OF SCOUTS OF AZERBAIJAN. THIS MEETING WAS DIRECTED INTO CREATING A COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN REGIONS OF WOSM AND IT HAS BEGUN WITH THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE POLISH INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING COMMITTEE. Izabela Saniewska

The Polish-Azerbaijani partnership is aiming to introduce and exchange different methods of leader training system. This resulted in organisation of many training camps both in Poland and Azerbaijan. The biggest one was held in Poland, where 16 Georgian and 16 Azerbaijani scout leaders were trained.

Agnieszka Siłuszek, the Head of the International Contact Group of Jamboree Project Team 2023, says that she sees the further partnership between our two countries in the future. The Association of Scouts of Azerbaijan is constantly growing and developing. More and more scout units are forming and therefore more and more unit leaders need trainings. She wishes that this partnership will evolve from the level of the Headquarters of both countries to the level of the separate scout units.

From 11 to 19 July of 2015 a few Polish IST members came to the “Wonderland Azerbaijan 2015” camp, which has became the “traditional annual international scout camp organized by the Association of Scouts of Azerbaijan”.

The President of the Association of Scouts of Azerbaijan used to say that our partnership has turned into friendship. All of the Polish scouts and guides who were in Azerbaijan at scout projects still recall it as one of their best scouting adventures. We want to build it with passion and involvement of every Polish and Azerbaijani scout.

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POLAND TRAVELS

THE PLACE TO DISCOVER

POLAND IS A COUNTRY WHERE THE HISTORY SUCCESSFULLY MIXES WITH THE PRESENT. THIS ATTRACTS AND ASTONISHES TOURISTS FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD. WE, POLISH SCOUTS, HAVE FOUND OURSELVES MANY LOCATIONS TO STAY AND TO MAKE OUR SCOUT CENTRES. Izabela Saniewska During your visit in Poland, you can see beautiful old cities, as well as experience the nature in the woods, mountains, by the lakes or Baltic Sea. Almost every scout and guide regional office and district has its own scout camping base. The centres of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association are located in the whole Poland. ZHP manages three main centres, located in the most picturesque areas of Poland.

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łodówka is a Mountain Hostel on Głodówka glade in the middle of the Tatra mountains. It is a centre for further mountain hikes, near Zakopane, which is the capital of Polish skiing. You can observe there unforgettable views, and one of the most extraordinary one - 77 km long panorama over the Tatra mountains.

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erkoz is the place located by the lake on the border of Warmia and Mazury. This makes the perfect conditions to practise water sports and discover Prussian and Teutonic castles and cities. Many scout sailing camps were organised there.

Centre of Maritime Education lies in the centre of Gdynia marina.

It attracts people as a hostel and a centre of Polish sea scouting. It manages a few sea sailing yachts an the biggest scout sail ship in the world - s/y Zawisza Czarny. Centre of Maritime Education offers also training courses and teaches future mates and captains.

POLISH, BEAUTIFUL CITIES There are also many places to visit within the beautiful cities. The regional offices are placed in the very centre of Polish vibrant cities. You can stay in scout hostel in Gdańsk, which is the city of freedom and the Polish candidature host city for Jamboree 2023. There are also scout hostels in Sopot, Gdynia, Bydgoszcz, and almost a hundred camping areas in the whole Poland. You can organise your camp wherever you

want.

PLACES APPRECIATED

BY UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST In Poland there are 14 places on UNESCO World Heritage List. It includes Historic Centre of Cracow and Warsaw, Old City of Zamość, Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, Centennial Hall in Wrocław, Churches of Peace in Jawor and Świdnica, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park, Medieal Park of Toruń, Muskauer Park, Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines, Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine, Wooden Churches of Southern Małopolska and Białowieża Forest. In Poland you can also walk through beautiful Bieszczady mountains, beloved by the Polish scouts, astonishing castles, ruins of the castles, most known on the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests. Mazurian Lakes fascinate many sailors, who can discover places ruled only by the nature.

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WROCLOVE - THE CITY OF CENTRAL EUROPEAN JAMBOREE 2016 AND EUROPEAN CITY OF CULTURE 2016 Places in Poland only wait for you. Central European Jamboree will take place in charming Wrocław, the European Capital of Culture of 2016. Many says that “WrocLOVE” is one of the most stunning cities, but Polish scouts can not decide between all of these beautiful places, like Warsaw, Gdańsk, Kraków and others. Everyone will find an area where he will feel well.

From the coast at the north to the mountains at the south, Poland inspires people and with the fresh breeze encourages to take an action. We would like to invite you to spend summer in Poland - you will definitely not regret it! Choose your place and see you in Poland!

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“My scouting life in Poland” by Hanna Hawwash from Palestine Poland as a country with developing international universities is attracting more and more international students. Among them are also scouts who find their place in the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association. One of them is Pakistani scout Hanna Hawwash.

Hello, I’m Hanna Hawwash from Palestine. I’m exactly from Bethlehem, the place where Jesus was born. I’m 19 years old. My father is a leader in the Palestinian scout, so I used to participate with him in several activities related to the scouting and camping.

SCOUTING LIFESTYLE SOMETHING WHAT YOU MISS ALL OVER THE WORLD Day after day I reached a level that being a scout was a lifestyle for me. I couldn’t live without it, until I finished my high school and I travelled to Poland. There in Poland the first five months I was like getting lost, because it was new life for me, new people, new city, even new traditions. Unfortunately the first five months I felt something is going wrong with me! What was it ? Yes, it’s the scout life. I missed it a lot for all the first five months, and luckily someday my father called me and he said with a smiley face: Guess what ? Two Polish leaders are here beside me, they are in Palestine for a visit, would you like to talk with them? And here is how it started!

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NEW FRIENDS, NEW EXPERIENCE! When they came back to Poland, we met each other and it was a really great feeling. I felt that I’ve found something expensive, I’ve searched for it for five months! The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) leaders were really nice hosts, they have treated me like they know me for a long time. I felt that I’m a member in their family just in one meeting. After that I had participated in the InterCamp which was in Nysa, Poland this year as a International Service Team, I represented my country Palestine and I was very proud to be the only Palestinian in this wonderful camp.

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JOIN US

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

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POLISCH SCOUTING

SCOUTING THROUGH GENERATIONS FOR MANY OF US, SCOUTING IN A WAY OF LIFE. THE FAMILIES WHERE IT IS PRESENT IN EVERY GENERATION MAY BE A PROOF OF THAT. WE WILL SHOW YOU ONE OF SUCH FAMILIES IN ORDER TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE IDEA OF BROTHERHOOD IS STILL ALIVE AND THERE ARE NO AGE LIMITS FOR IT. Jan Nowicki

DARIUSZ NAWROCKI Laureate of the instructor contest “Uncommon” in the category “The goal is upbringing”. A man of enormous positive influence on children and youth. He organizes all activities of “Watra” Scout Section himself, he educated excellent personnel, he supervises courses and trainings, he helps in the cub scout pack, and participates in overnights.

He has numerous professional and scouting duties – as the commader of “Watra” Scout Section in Kętrzyn, member of the scout district audit commission, chief of the paramedic department and member of the instructor team of Chorągiew Warmińsko-Mazurska Scout District.

It is easy to see that he loves what he does, because he never whines.

He motivates young people to learn, develop their skills, and improve themselves. He takes interest in every person and knows educational achievements, passions, and interests of his scouts. He especially helps and supports the weakest and he cares about all of them.

Setting a good example, he teaches cooperation, loyalty, self-reliance, and friendship. He always seeks and finds positive solutions. Being an excellent educator, he introduced

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in his scout section a motivating score system taking into account all possible achievements. School grades, patriotic attitude, good ideas, photos, movies, reports, voluntary work, cooperation with “Caritas” and orphanages are rewarded with points and he takes points away for laziness – this is a “bullseye” in terms of educational solutions, because the scouts fight like lions for every point. This helps many parents in the efforts to raise adolescents, he is very effective and firm, and cooperation with him results in an immediate educational effect – the children get back on track and are given additional tasks. He is an authority for the scouts and their parents – this is an attitude which should be presented by every instructor of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association..

Commander Dariusz Nawrocki is a good man, fantastic companion and a true friend, he has been leading the dynamic “Watra” Scout Section for seventeen years. He lives his young life to the full and has the “Be Prepared!” option enabled 24h a day.

And at home, his wife is… a girl scout, and his daughter is… a girl scout.

Karolina’s mom and Darek’s wife – Katarzyna Nawrocka travelled all of the path from cub scout to wanderer.

She became a cub scout because everyone in her class was a cub scout, and she ended up in Viator – the troop of her present husband, which nowadays is more of their daughter’s troop. As of today, she is a member of the instructors circle.

Where did scout Kasia meet her fellow scout Darek? That is obvious – on a scout camp. They became scouts because they wanted to meet people and have adventures.

Karolina – a child of scouts – did not

have much choice, but as she said herself: “I never even wondered that things could be different.”

Karolina says that when her dad sees her commitment, he warns that “Scouting sometimes steals all your time, there are meetings, and more meetings, and camps, PaT events, and all other things…”, but later he says “because if you won’t do it, who will?”.

“But I disagree – explains Karolina – because I also am an active member of the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association, I go to camps and PaT events with him” .

As anyone can see, the “stolen” time came back multiplied into 50 scouts, 25 cub scouts, and the numbers improve every six months.

Karolina Nawrocka went to her first camp in her mother’s womb, and to the second one as a toddler under 2 years of age. It seems safe to say that scout meeting rooms were her natural environment. She got her own patrol in the fifth form, where she was … the youngest. She quickly learned to understand that she could not allow herself to play with the girls, because she would have discipline problems afterwards.

Being a young patrol leader was a great responsibility and enforced presenting the right attitude. She tried to give twice as good example as the rest of the patrol leaders. Thanks to her work and strong character she was recognized as a leader and so it remained. She also got her troop early, because near the end of the second form of the middle school.

“To be responsible for a troop means to control oneself” – as Karolina says.

Not everyone is obeyed as she is. Not everyone listens and gives advice, not

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everyone provides support and helps, but Karolina does. There is a reason why half of the Scout Section regard her as their “sister”, and the other half as their private psychologist.

Despite being only 19, she enjoys great acclaim in her circles.

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“My mother’s sister, father’s siblings, cousins from both parents’ sides and my grandmother were also scouts” – Karolina is proud of her family, and she should be. Several generations of traditions, passions, and sacrifice to others, the life of the whole family is aligned with the requirements of the duty from the very beginning of its

existence.

This only shows us how fantastic scouting is… the idea of brotherhood, cooperation, serving other people, and striving for perfection joins generations.

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THE HISTORY OF THE POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION 72

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HOW DID THE HISTORY OF POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION START? WHO BROUGHT SCOUTING TO POLAND? WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN LIFESPAN OF OUR ORGANIZATION? AFTER A WHILE YOU WILL FIND THE ANSWERS FOR THOSE QUESTIONS.

‘TODAY-TOMORROWTHE DAY AFTER TOMORROW’ DIFFICULT TIME OF WORLD WAR II

Andrzej Małkowski

“SCOUTING FOR BOYS” AND ANDRZEJ MAŁKOWSKI Our story began in 1910 when Andrzej Małkowski translated ‘Scouting for Boys’. It was a spark that spread through all Polish lands. Since then, hundreds of thousands of young people have been experiencing a scouting adventure. Their motto is “Czuwaj!” which means: “Stay awake!” or “Be prepared!”.

DAYS OF INDEPENDENCE Between 1918 to 1939, when Poland raigained its independence after 123 years of absence on world maps, Polish scouts and guides had been actively participating in the social life of a nation. Before 1939 The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP), a founding member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, was one of the largest social and educational associations in Poland with over 200,000 members.

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We had built a democratic, multinational and multi-religious country, then World War II interrupted our work. Polish scouts felt obliged to fulfill their promise to serve the country and the nation. ZHP operated under a code name ‘Szare Szeregi’ (‘Grey Ranks’). The wartime scouting performed the programme ‘Today-Tomorrow-The Day After Tomorrow’. ‘Today’ for education in the occupied country and acquiring skills necessary to live after the war. ‘Tomorrow’ for participation in a military uprising. And finally, ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ for working in free, independent Poland. In 1944 many scouts took part in the Warsaw Uprising. They were paramedics and liaisons. Many of them fought as soldiers.

DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH The Day After Tomorrow never came. Poland became a communist country. We had to withdraw from WOSM and WAGGGS. Nevertheless, ZHP continued work, involving successive generations of young people.

The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association (ZHP) became one of the very few official organizations that retained some independence from the communist party. It resulted in a rapid growth in numbers of members – in 1980 ZHP had more than three million of them. Polish scouts were involved in a variety of activities, from helping farmers of the poorest regions in the fields to organizing the visits of Pope John Paul II.

NEW CHAPTER IN ZHP’S HISTORY After the martial law was imposed on in 1981, ZHP was the only large social non-prohibited organization.

In the reformative climate of the late 1980’s ZHP adopted some of Polish scouting’s pre-war traditions. In 1989 communism in Poland collapsed.

In 1993 President Lech Wałęsa (Nobel Prize winner and a leader of Solidarity movement) became the honorary protector of ZHP just like all former Polish presidents. In 1996 ZHP rejoined WOSM and WAGGGS, which started a new chapter in ZHP’s history.

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SPECIALIZATIONS IN THE POLISH SCOUTING AND GUIDING ASSOCIATION Aleksandra Starnawska

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To have a full overview of the Polish Scouting, we must tell you about specialized scout units, which are active in our whole country. Firstly, we have to ask ourselves a question – what exactly the specialized units are and in what way do they differ from the others?

“Speciality” means the area of human activities and interests; it arouses passion, broadens interests and is basically fun. Speciality is also the way to find the people who like the same things as we do. It is also worth mentioning that the name of the specialized unit is not taken from nowhere, but the unit must earn it.

ARTISTIC TROOPS One of the most often chosen speciality is the artistic one. It may take different forms of activities as singing groups, theatre groups, music bands, dance groups or even brass orchestras. The most important is keeping the essence of the activity – self-realization through mutual cultural activity, experiencing aesthetic emotions and sharing them with others, spectators, listeners, participants of actions, workshops and artistic courses. The artistic troop is not the one which sings scout or touristic songs only during the campfire or ordinary meeting. The artistic speciality must become the main content of the unit work and reaching the highest level of professionalism in the area of common interests would be the ambition of every member. This is why we can meet artistic units during festivals.

ECOLOGICAL SPECIALITY In Poland it is more and more popular to participate in movements which value ecological activity. The Polish Scouting and Guiding Association is one of those, with its members who can be found most often in

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the woods, on meadows and near the lakes and rivers. While on the daily basis we are surrounded by the bustle of civilization, we dream of meditation about the eternal nature laws. We are only a little part of the whole nature and living in harmony with it is one of the most important rules to be respected by scouts. We experience nature and we are sensitive to its beauty. We act in such a way that does not stop its grow. The first stage of the activity of ecological specialty is to get to know the nature and the second one is the identification of needs in the nearest environment. The third one is the answer to the question – how can we help the nature. The last step is the direct action to nature.

The scouts are protecting the environment in many ways.

Primarily they start from themselves, they clean camp area and clean house, which is environmentfriendly. Scouts from ecological units are also taking care of sharing their knowledge with others. Therefore they organise many actions for the recycling and the conservation of nature.

HORSE RIDING UNITS There are also troops which are specialized in horse riding. The educational aspect of horse riding and the rich traditions of Polish horsemanship is included in the programme of such a unit.

Discipline is an essential element there because it plays a specific role – it helps to keep order during the activities, which are quite risky.

by the opportunity of helping the border guard in serving with the use of special equipment. Those units are cooperating with the border stations and their leaders are often border guards.

SCOUT TRAFFIC SERVICE UNITS The aim of this speciality is getting the state permissions to be on traffic duty and developing interest in the fields of motorisation and cycling.

Scouts joining such units organise many cycling courses, tournaments and competitions connected with traffic safety; they also cooperate with traffic police.

AVIATION UNITS Aviation in scouting is feat, adventure and constant selfdevelopment.

How does it look like? It depends on the age and interests of the scouts and the localization and the possibilities of the unit. It may be popularization of the aviation, flying on gliders or aeromodelling of planes, balloons, gliders, motors and building rockets. It often results in high level of competition. There are scout modellers who win Europe and even world championships.

It is not easy to become a horseriding unit, but it is definitely worth doing.

BORDER GUARD TROOPS Polish scouting is historically connected with any uniformed services.

Scouts are attracted

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C O M M U N I C AT I O N TROOPS There are troops who specialize in radio communication.

They not only get certificates in short range communication and VHF but also use older forms of communication. With their technical permissions they can communicate with the whole world – people on each continent, including Antarctica.

DE F E NC E TROOPS In the defence troops there are many scouts who are willing to become soldiers.

This speciality is giving the units many possibilities in their activities. They practise shooting sports, survival techniques, climbing, paintball and even diving or skydiving. It is all connected with sport and development of character.

SCOUT MAIL TROOPS The most important task of scout mail troops is

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cooperation with the Polish Mail and promotion of national holidays. They also document their work, prepare and distribute scout newspapers and postcards on special occasions.

EMERGENCY RESCUE UNITS Those are the people who once promised to help others. Each rescue troop is under the command of the Polish Scout School of Emergency Rescue. They teach other scouts the emergency rescue and take part in rescue competitions. Scouts from emergency rescue troops learn through action and simulated accidents. This background enables them to help in the real situations, when their help could save the life.

The school’s instructors are very often the medics, paramedics and nurses.

FIREFIGHTING UNITS Those units cooperate with fire brigades, and learn about fire safety. They use their knowledge during patrolling the areas threatened by fire, helping at extinguishing actions or evacuation. They take part in

firefighting competitions.

SPORT TROOPS Every scout within a sport troop practise a particular sport.

They are doing it through the whole year, systematically improving their knowledge and skills of every member.

TOURISTIC TROOPS There is a group of scout troops which are specialized in many forms of the tourism.

They discover the new trails, scheduled buildings, get badges of qualified tourists, participate in canoeing, camping trips, cycling camp and other activities. It is the best way to experience adventures, reach the tops of the mountains and selfimprove.

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SAILING UNITS Sailing is the sport which undeniably improves the character of every person. This speciality acts with all water sports (not only with sailing) and offers self-development in many fields, such as canoeing, sea sailing, inland sailing or powerboating, on many levels. Sailing units organise training camps or sea cruises. Polish sea scouts have very good equipment facilities, such as the biggest scout sail ship, s/y Zawisza Czarny.

To conclude, specialized scout units are part of scout programme based on the methodology of particular age groups enriched with the parts characteristic to speciality. Their aim is to support the development of scouts, make the programme attractive and allow the members to get particular skills, which will be valued in their future.

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ELABORATION: MICHAL KULASEK 2015

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