Tents are already pitched at Penha, in Guimarães, to shape the “city” that will host, until Saturday, August 8, more than 5,000 scouts from across the country, in what is the largest regional activity of the summer in scouting. Promoted by the Braga Region of the National Scout Corps (CNE), the 90th edition of ACAREG – Braga Regional Camp 2026 – is configured as the largest ever to date, according to a press release.
According to the same source, after a day of intensive field set-up, the more than 5,000 scouts took part in the opening session of ACAREG Braga 2026, which was marked by musical moments and audiovisual performances and by inspiring speeches from José Manuel Fernandes, Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Cordeiro, Archbishop of Braga, Ricardo Araújo, President of the Guimarães City Council, Catarina Miranda, Braga regional chief of the CNE, João Bacelo, head of ACAREG Braga 2026, and Bento Sousa Lopes, national chief of the CNE.
José Manuel Fernandes praised the role of the CNE, as the largest youth organization in Portugal, in building a better world through solidarity and friendship. The minister highlighted the essential work in support of the community and urged young people never to forget their roots and the values that define them.
Through a video message, Ricardo Araújo greeted the participants, stating that Penha has, in these days, assumed the status of national scouting capital. The mayor highlighted the alignment between the scouting values of sustainability and care for nature with the city’s objectives as European Green Capital, united in the common purpose of “leaving the world a little better than we found it.”
Meanwhile, José Cordeiro highlighted the four essential values of this edition – joy, audacity, dedication, and sharing –, underscoring the impact of these “essences” on the lives of young people. The Archbishop of Braga also stressed the fact that this is the largest ACAREG ever in the Braga Region and expressed the intention not only to participate in the opening, but also to be one of the scouts. In this sense, José Cordeiro is, this Tuesday, accompanying the activities at the camp and will participate in the festivities and solemn moments that take place at night.
Six days of activities, solidarity, and teamwork
Under the motto “Give with Life”, the initiative invites children, teenagers and adults to a joint journey of growth and sharing. Over the six days, the program combines the experience of field life, water activities, games and moments of entertainment, promoting teamwork, civic education and contact with nature.
The program includes institutional moments on Wednesday, August 5, with two ceremonial events dedicated to thanking the support of local partners. In the morning, the Queimadela Dam, in Fafe, hosts a session with the Municipality of Fafe and regional partners. Later, at 18:00, Penha Mountain will be the stage for the official ceremony with the Municipality of Guimarães, reinforcing the cooperation ties around the initiative. These moments complement the adventure activities, city games and nautical experiences in Fafe. Furthermore, Friday, August 7, will be a day of workshops for the entire camp.
ACAREG Braga Reflects the Diversity and Strength of the Scouting Movement
This edition of ACAREG reflects the diversity and strength of the contemporary scouting movement. In this regard, note the strong representation of women in scouting, with a representation of more than half of the participants. The activity is also an intergenerational space, bringing together scouts from ages 6 to 76.
The more than 5,000 scouts who make up the camp come from 158 groups across five regions of the country (Braga, Porto, Lisbon, Santarém and Algarve) and even from abroad. Local roots are also particularly strong, with a notable number of participants from Vila Nova de Famalicão (more than 1,300), Guimarães and Barcelos (more than 900).
Commitment to the European Green Capital and to the Community
The camp also presents itself as an example of citizenship by celebrating Guimarães 26 – European Green Capital. Through sustainable practices and service to the community, ACAREG seeks to honor the scouting commitment to “leave the world a little better than we found it.”
