Arianna, a 25-year-old from Rimini, Italy, has embraced Scouting early. Starting her journey at 12, she was active in her local groups in Rimini and later Milan, where she took on a leadership role guiding Scouts aged 12-16. When she moved to Barcelona in 2021 to pursue a Master’s degree, she was eager to connect with a local Scout group, hoping to bring her skills and passion for Scouting to her new home in Catalonia.
After a few emails and phone calls, a group in Catalonia, Agrupament Escolta Aldaia, welcomed her and invited her to meet for a casual chat. Arianna quickly realised the universal nature of the Scout Method, but she also noticed some cultural differences that enriched her understanding. In Italy, the majority often made decisions, but in her Catalonian group, the process was consensus-based, with leaders carefully weighing everyone’s opinion. She was also struck by the dedication of her Catalan peers, who poured significant time and energy into their associations—a level of commitment that Arianna found inspiring.
When asked to become the leader for Scouts aged 12-15, Arianna was initially hesitant due to her intermediate Spanish and unfamiliarity with Catalan. Yet, with the encouragement and support of the leaders around her, she took on the role. What followed was an unforgettable experience filled with meetings, excursions, local festivities, and a summer camp in Portugal.
Her involvement took an unexpected turn when the International Commissioner (IC) of Acció Escolta invited her to step in as an interim IC while they searched for someone more permanent. In Italy, such a role typically required extensive experience and training, but here, she was welcomed with trust and an open invitation to grow. This role connected her with other ICs, allowing her to organise leader training for international camps and represent her group at The Scout and Guide Academy in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2022. There, she engaged in enriching discussions with Scouts from across Europe and made lasting friendships.
Reflecting on her experience, Arianna encourages Scouts to join a local group when they move abroad. “It allowed me to feel part of a community, meet incredible people, learn two languages, and experience Scouting in a new light,” she says. For others considering a similar journey, she emphasises the importance of asking for guidance—whether for Scouting activities or personal challenges that come with adapting to a new culture.
Are you embarking on a new chapter in a different corner of Europe? Are you looking to connect with fellow adventurers and Scouts and Guides in your new country? Or perhaps you’re brimming with exciting ideas for epic adventures and want to invite others to join in the fun? Azimuth is your passport to Scouting and Guiding connections and unforgettable experiences!