The Order of Malta’s 37th International Summer Camp for young people with disabilities was held in Bassano Romano from 30 July to 6 August, an event held every summer for almost forty years. Eleven years after the last one, with the break imposed by the pandemic, this important appointment returns to Italy.
The first edition of the camp was in 1983 and since then it has been held in different European countries, each year involving more guests and volunteers. This international version, which takes place in Europe, is flanked by the numerous national summer camps and, since 2017, an edition that brings together the various Order of Malta organizations active in Southeast Asia.
This year there were some 450 participants, including staff, volunteers and young disabled guests, from over 22 countries, meeting under the banner of fellowship, enjoyment and personal and spiritual growth. The organization was coordinated by young volunteers from the three Grand Priories of Italy, in cooperation with the Italian Association of the Knights of the Order of Malta and the logistical support of the Order of Malta’s Italian Relief Corps.
Among the highlights of the camp is the High Mass in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, celebrated by Cardinal Silvano Maria Tomasi, the Pope’s Special Delegate to the Order of Malta, with the participation of the Lieutenant of the Grand Master, Fra’ John Dunlap.
On the day of the inauguration of the Camp, Poste Magistrali created a special postmark, as well as a postcard with the official logo of the event.
