Scouts in Exeter had have links of friendship with Scouts in Tirana, Albania, for a number of years.
We have tried on several occasions to bring a group of Scouts from Tirana to camp with us in Exeter. We have, so far, been frustrated by difficulty in getting visas for the Albanians but will try again when the political situation makes it possible. In the meantime we have been helping our Albanian friends with equipment for their own activities in Tirana.
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Scouts from Grupit Kanguri at camp in Tirana. |
Scouting existed in Albania from 1922 up until the outbreak of the Second World War. It was, however, harshly suppressed during the Communist years. It was a capital offence to be a Scout Leader! In 1991, in the turmoil leading to the fall of the Communist government, Scouting was re-established in the southern city of Saranda and soon spread to other towns.
One of the towns where a Scout Group was started was the capital, Tirana. Initially a single Group was formed, called "Grupit Kanguri" and consisting of boys and girls of Cub Scout, Scout and "Explorator" age. In 1997, because of the civil disturbances in the country, Grupit Kanguri were unable to hold their normal Summer Camp in Albania. They contacted a Scout Leader in Exeter who had worked in Albania and the idea of a joint camp in Exeter was born. Although that camp has not yet been possible, contacts between Exeter and Tirana Scouts are still continuing.
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Grupit Kanguri hiking. Most of the bridge has been used by local people for
firewood! |
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