The First Hungarian Scout Camp in Texas! (2022/03/18)

We knew that there are many Hungarian children in the state and many parents would welcome a weekend camp at the very least. The only thing was that someone had to start it and get going! We also knew that these three cities: Houston, Dallas, and Austin had to work together could do it, but it was understood that we would need the support and guidance of boy scout organizations who had experience in camping activities.

With the assistance of Gábor Markocsány, vice-consul of Houston, the Hungarian Abroad Scout Association was contacted. They welcomed our initiative and guided us step-by-step in organizing the first Hungarian scout camp. The leaders of the HACA (Hungarian American Cultural Association) in Houston, the Austin Hungarian Association, and the Metroplex Hungarian Cultural Circle (MMCC) in Dallas began the planning meetings on Zoom, started searching for suitable camping sites, recruit children, and began planning the program which also included volunteer parents and grandparents.

The first successful weekend scout camp took place on March 18-20 at Twin Lakes YMCA camp near Austin. https://ymcactx.org/locations/ymca-camp-twin-lakes/ with over 50 children. There would have been more, but the camp’s requirement was that the children could speak Hungarian at least at a beginners’ level. In the mornings they had school-like activities, and in the afternoons, camping activities. The children returned home with happy memories. On their way home, everyone was already talking about the next scout camp!

A lot of people have worked very hard to organize and manage this 3-day camp. Thank you all for all the hard work and for the wonderful experiences!

This was only be accomplished with the project manager of the Hungarian Scout Abroad Association, Gábor Szórád, and his staff’s help, and with the financial support from the Hungarian Government, the Bethlen Gábor Fund, and the State Secretariat for National Policy of the Prime Minister's Office. The pictures prove the joy of children and adults and the success of the camp. 2022 Texasi Cserkész Tábor