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Switzerland’s largest camp of all time takes place in Valais. But the federal scout camp also causes concerns.
For two weeks in summer, Goms in Valais is transformed into the largest camp Switzerland has ever had. The federal camp of the scouts only takes place about every 14 years – because of Corona it had to be postponed from last year to this year. And now it should be so far. 35,000 people will soon travel to Goms from all over Switzerland.
But what is in store for the small region in Upper Valais? We don’t know that for sure on site. People are torn between joy and sorrow.
This is where the largest tent camp is being built
The large tent city will be erected on the land of the municipalities of Goms and Obergoms. Hundreds of tents will be erected between the towns of Münster and Obergesteln over a distance of around three kilometers.
We were skeptical ourselves.
This requires a great deal of logistics. Not only for erecting and running the tent city, but also to bring the 35,000 people from all over Switzerland to Goms, or to feed them for two weeks. Five tons of bread are to be delivered every day for breakfast alone. Water pipes are laid, platforms are extended. Almost CHF 25 million has been budgeted.
“At the beginning we couldn’t imagine what was in store for us,” says the mayor of Obergoms, Patric Zimmermann. The canton suggested that the region should apply. But at first they were skeptical themselves, adds Gerhard Kiechler, mayor of Goms. “But it is one of the fewest high valleys in Switzerland, which offers many opportunities.”
This is the most beautiful soil in the valley floor.
The population could not comment on whether they would like to have the federal scout camp on their doorstep. But you had to make a quick decision and didn’t think you’d really be selected.
Land damage feared
Farmers in the valley floor now have to give up land for the federal scout camp, which led to some bad words being used against the large-scale project. “This is the most beautiful soil in the valley floor that we cultivate,” says farmer Patrick Jost. He has to give up four hectares of his land for the camp. “One wonders what it will all look like then.” Jost is not comfortable with the matter. But you were almost not allowed to say no.
Legend:
The camp will be set up in the municipalities of Goms and Obergoms.
zvg/Jan Thoma
The worst thing for the farmers would be if it rained heavily during the camp. The country would suffer greatly, everything would have to be plowed up and seeded again. After all, the organizers of the federal camp compensate the farmers for crop failures and any damage.
For the organizers, the final sprint before the start of the camp is slowly beginning. “We are building a scout town with a playground, sanitary facilities, recycling stations, kiosk, shopping areas. Everything is now being specified and implemented,” says Anja Walker from the federal camp in Bula.
The last federal scout camp in 2008
Ordering food is a big issue at the moment. “The different scout groups could choose from different menus per day.” The orders have now been forwarded to the major distributor, where the products are put together. In addition, each scout group is currently being assigned to the various train and bus connections so that all 30,000 children and young people and 5,000 helpers can travel to Goms at the end of July. If possible not all at once and still promptly.