They arrived yesterday and will stay until Sunday, August 25th. 18,000 scout leaders from all over Italy have peacefully taken over the city of Verona. For four days, they will discuss happiness through conferences, meetings, and moments of conviviality, thanks to the Route Nazionale della Comunità Capi event. This is a historic event for the city and Agesci (the Italian Catholic Guide and Scout Association), as it marks the third non-consecutive edition of the event, following previous gatherings in Bedonia (Emilia Romagna) in 1979 and Avellino (Campania) in 1997. The event will bring together 18,000 scout leaders from all over Italy, 400 volunteers, and 100 local organizations.
Key Personalities and Activities
Don Luigi Ciotti, psychologist and writer Alberto Pellai, and Paolo Benanti, chairman of the Italian government’s Artificial Intelligence Commission, are among the important people set to speak at the meetings and conferences. Teresa Forcades OSB, a Benedictine nun and feminist theologian, and Zakia Seddiki Attanasio from the Mama Sofia Foundation will also take part. Along with these talks, a “Bosco della spiritualità” (Spiritual Forest) will provide an area for scout leaders to pray and meditate on the Bible.
The 2024 Route Nazionale also marks the 50th anniversary of Agesci’s foundation. This milestone will be recognized with conversations aimed at shaping the organization’s future, addressing current difficulties confronting today’s youth, and reflecting on their progress in modern society. The activities, which include discussions and interactive sessions, will take place around Verona, with major events taking place at Villa Bernini Buri in the San Michele Extra neighborhood.
Themes of the Route Nazionale 2024
Participants will delve into critical issues affecting today’s youth, such as religious and intergenerational diversity, the relationship between law and justice, and global challenges like climate change and migration. The event will also provide a platform for peacebuilding, educational dialogues, and reflections on spirituality and the role of faith in the lives of young people.
Understanding Agesci
Agesci is a youth educational organization founded in 1974, focusing on personal development through scouting principles. The association is committed to nurturing young Italians into responsible citizens and Christians, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle in harmony with oneself, others, and the environment. Agesci’s unique leadership model, known as diarchy, ensures the co-leadership of a man and a woman at every level of responsibility within the organization, promoting gender equality and collaborative leadership.
