The 9th Jette Scout Unit kickstarted their summer camp on Monday at the Red Cross asylum seeker reception centre located in Oignies, in the province of Hainaut.
The unit leader, Baptiste Gruson, shared that the unique camp idea was initially proposed by a unit member. "Three centres were ready to welcome us for a week-long camp," he added.
The Brussels group - including 11 young people and three scout leaders - decided to set up their tents at the Oignies reception centre on Monday morning. This Red Cross-managed building is home to 180 asylum seekers.
The scouts began their camp with a morning session aimed at raising awareness about the issues faced by those seeking asylum in Belgium. Subsequent activities include engaging with the centre’s youths and conducting minor painting works within the centre.
This is the first time the Oignies centre is hosting a scout camp, confirmed the Red Cross.
