Malta Scout Association National Scout Camp 2002 at the New International Scout Centre

During the weekend, 1st, 2nd and 3rd November 2002, no less that 380 Scouts braved the weather and camped for the first time at the Ghajn Tuffieha International Scout Centre. A total of nineteen Scout Groups namely Attard, Birkirkara, Birzebbugia, Dingli, Hamrun, Lyceum, Marsa, Mosta, Naxxar, Pembroke, Qrendi, San Gwann, Siggiewi, St Julians, St Michael School, Santa Venera, Tarxien, Xghajra and Zabbar were represented.

Various activities were planned during the weekend and that included a treasure hunt and a hike. The camp leaders had to take some quick decisions on Saturday morning due to the mornings inclement weather.

Saturday evening was marked with a tree planting ceremony during which each Scout Group planted a tree to commemorate this very first National Scout Camp at Ghajn Tuffieha. Present for the ceremony were the Chief Scout Mr. Vincent Cassar and the Chief Executive Mr. Godwin D'Anastasi.

Following a short address by the Chief Scout and the Chief Executive, commemorative souvenirs were presented to all the Scout Groups present.

Following the opening ceremony, all the Scouts gathered in the amphitheatre to hold the traditional Scout Campfire, where a special presentation was made by a Peruvian Pipe Band. The Campfire was closed with the traditional Kumbaya prayer song and a short display of fireworks.

On Sunday morning the Scouts went on a hike around the Ghajn Tuffieha area and returned to camp in time for lunch. After lunch it was time to start packing and by 1500hrs all gathered for the flag down ceremony and the distribution of badges to all participants.

The inauguration of the official opening of the Ghajn Tuffieha camp was a huge success as was evident by the nineteen Scout Groups present. The large turnout was very encouraging and augured well for future similar events. It is now hoped that the number of Groups and Scouts attending similar annual Camporees will increase yearly, as the Ghajn Tuffieha International Scout Centre facilities get better. Besides looking forward to the proposed two Camporees to be held in 2003 and 2004, the Association is looking further still to the Mediterranean Scout Jamboree earmarked for 2005.

	The Qrendi Scout Group Sub Camp at Ghajn Tuffieha
Qrendi and Zabbar Scout Group dry out their belongings Wet, tired but extremely Happy
	“G”. this food is good. We think we’ll eat it
Hey, was this road as long as this when we arrived?