Scouts Unitaires de France

 I have signed up the four oldest kids to do scouting while in France. There are a few different scouting organizations in France, but the one attached to our parish is Scouts Unitaires de France. 

The scouts had their kick-off camping weekend last week. All the boys camped out on Saturday night. (They only do one night campouts here.) The girls' group which Clara would join is at maxium capacity, so they are requesting permission from the parent organization for them to welcome Clara for the three months we are here to participate in the scouting year. 

The first campout took place on a farm in the country side about 30 min from Limoges. It was a beautiful setting!

At the new parents' orientation before the campout officially began, the adult leaders made sure to inform us that SUF is a Catholic scouting group; the faith is integrated into everything they do; and that Mass is not optional! (Music to my ears!) They further made it clear that cellphones were not allowed on scout outings so that the scouts can be fully present during their time with the scouts.

The primary leaders/guides of SUF are college-aged students. From what I understand, most of these young adults went through the scouting program themselves, and they subsequently volunteer to become guides to the youth. They have to go through at least a couple weeks worth of training to become a fully certified guide. There are a handful of adults (about 6) who seem to mostly oversee things from afar and take care of the administrative side of things like registrations, insurance, gear, etc. The total number of scouts on this campout was at least 100, maybe 120. Boys and girls, ages 8-17 or 18. 8-12 is one age group ("wolf cubs") and then 12-17 is the second age bracket.

Heading toward the gathering place which was just behind that farm house. Everything was outside.

The opening gathering. French flag on the left, SUF flag on the right. All the scouts in a large square on the field.

Panorama of the farm.

Sam's age group attempting to set up their tents.

A few words from the priest before Mass. 

Closing ceremony. Note the picturesque hillside in the distance.

If you're able to zoom in, there are sheep grazing on the hillside.

Sam in the red t-shirt; standing with his age group. I love the berets!!

Simon and Joseph. Joseph brought his BSA uniform shirt. Simon's is en route!

Picturesque scene. A little boy from one of the families is playing in the field.

All the scouts in their quadrangle for closing ceremony. Lovely backdrop!

Lucy off entertaining herself under/near a big tree.

Panorama view.

Sam's group ended up sleeping in this barn, he explained to me. Apparently they weren't able to get their tents up before the storm came in. It rained and there was lightning overnight.