Pamunugama YMCA Delegation Attend International Friendship Camp in Norway

A group of seven scouts from the Pamunugama YMCA participated in the "Friends Across Borders" Friendship Camp, organized by the YMCA YWCA Scouts of Bronnoysund, Norway. The 15 member Sri Lankan delegation, included scouts from Moratuwa and Jaffna.

The adventure began on June 27th when the Pamunugama group arrived in Oslo via Gothenburg, Sweden. They were warmly welcomed by Rolf, the Asker Scout Leader, and two scouts from Asker. After reuniting with the rest of the Sri Lankan delegation who arrived one day later from Sri Lanka, the group headed to Bronnoysund by train.

The camp, held from June 29th to July 6th, featured a variety of outdoor and team-building activities. Scouts lived in tents and engaged in adventurous activities, including a two-day hike that combined walking and canoeing. Each morning began with a flag hoisting ceremony, fostering a sense of unity and discipline among the participants. The event saw participation from around 70 scouts representing Norway, Italy, and Denmark.

The Pamunugama group, consisting of 7 members, included two young girls, Chamalsha and Saheli, and one female leader, Raini. Also part of the group were two students Mariyo and Hirushan from Makalause Dream School, accompanied by Ajith Hadley, the school's manager, and Ridma, the General Secretary of the YMCA of Pamunugama.

After the camp, the Sri Lankan group was hosted for an additional week by thr Bronnoysund Scouts. During this time, they engaged in several enriching activities such as visiting a salmon farm, hiking to Torghatten, attending a music festival, and enjoying a boat trip in the fjord.

The YMCA YWCA Scouts of Bronnoysund were instrumental in making this event a success. The Sri Lankan delegation expressed their gratitude to their Norwegian hosts for this incredible opportunity. The Sri Lankan scouts returned home with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for cross-cultural interactions.