The 12 Stars Road: A Journey to the Heart of Our Scouting Identity

From 3 to 8 August, twenty participants from thirteen associations across Europe and the Americas gathered in Switzerland for the seventh edition of the 12 Stars Road, the UIGSE-FSE’s international training camp dedicated to rediscovering our shared identity, founding charism and scouting heritage.

A road through the heart of Switzerland

Set against the magnificent landscapes of the Gruyère region, this year’s 12 Stars Road brought together young leaders from Albania, Bulgaria, Belgium, Brazil, Belarus, Canada, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Poland and Romania, alongside the leadership team and the dedicated Swiss logistics team.

Over the course of the week, participants travelled through mountains, lakes and valleys, discovering some of the region’s most remarkable places. Their journey included a visit to the Cailler chocolate factory, the chapel of Notre-Dame des Marches and, as a fitting conclusion, the historic Gruyère Castle.

Yet the road was about much more than discovering Switzerland. It was an opportunity to experience international brotherhood, deepen friendships across national boundaries and reflect together on what unites the associations, studying the fundamental texts of the UIGSE-FSE.

Formation, faith and fraternity

Each day combined formation sessions with the simple, essential elements of scouting life: walking together, sharing (delicious!) meals, gathering around the campfire and singing as a choir. Daily Mass also offered participants the opportunity to place their journey at the heart of their Christian faith.

Celebrating 70 years of European Scouting

One of the highlights of the week was a festive campfire marking the beginning of the UIGSE-FSE’s 70th anniversary year. Founded in 1956, the Union is celebrating seven decades of European scouting, united by a shared educational vision and a common Christian heritage.

The anniversary celebrations will culminate in Eurojam in the summer of 2027, bringing together scouts from across the Union for a major international gathering.

A heartfelt thank you

The success of this edition would not have been possible without the extraordinary welcome and commitment of the Swiss association, whose hospitality and logistical support made the journey possible.

As participants return home to their respective associations, they take with them not only memories of beautiful landscapes and shared adventures, but also a renewed sense of belonging to the UIGSE-FSE and a deeper understanding of the charism they are called to pass on.

And perhaps, as many would agree, one question remains at the end of such a road: Who wouldn’t have wanted to stay a little longer?

Article based on the post of Nathalie Flama, Federal Commissioner