Scout detachment “Neretva” Konjic is one of the most successful organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The detachment was formed back in 1956, and about 15,000 members passed through it. There is almost no family in Konjic from which at least someone was not a member of this detachment.
From some families, four generations were members, which confirms the quality of the association, but also the love for nature and the will to socialize with many generations.
Cavalry scouts, with their successes and awards, have been one of the best ambassadors of Cavalry for decades, who, along with all scouting values, nurture togetherness and love for nature.
On July 15, 2024, the Scout Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SIFBiH), which lasted until July 22, 2024, began at Boračka Lake in Konjic.
Boračko jezero has been a gathering place for scouts for more than 60 years.
This year’s Fair coincided with two important anniversaries: 25 years since the admission of the Scouts of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the World Scout Organization (WOSM) and 65 years since the First Fair of the Union of Scouts of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Boračko Lake.
This year, about 800 participants from 29 cities, 7 countries, 39 detachments, young people from 8 to 18 years of age gathered at Smotra, making it the largest organized stay in nature for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The goal of the event was to teach young people how to acquire new skills, experiences, and friendships, and to provide an opportunity to get to know the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Konjic.
The participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge about safety, environmental protection, ecology, peace education and intercultural cooperation through various workshops.
Special attention is paid to educational activities that emphasize the importance of ecology and the preservation of nature and cultural heritage.
In addition to its educational importance, the Show significantly promotes the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Konjic and its hospitality, which contributes to the development of tourism, said the head of the “Neretva” Konjic scout detachment, Selma Hadžihusejnović, who this year, together with Haris Hadžizukik, the head of the detachment, and other collaborators, an important and responsible role was assigned – to be the host and organizer of the largest gathering of young people in the Balkans. Of course, all this with the support of the City of Konjic and a large number of associates who enthusiastically approached all the tasks and challenges that came before them.
It is important to note that, with the support of the City of Konjic, newly built and renovated facilities were recently opened in the scout camp of the Konjic “Neretva” Scout Detachment on Lake Borački, which created better conditions for the stay of scouts and guests.
Through mastering the various program activities of the Fair, the participants had the opportunity to explore the beauty of this part of Herzegovina and get to know some of the historical monuments and features of the town of Konjic, Borački jezera and the Prenj mountain, through socializing with the glow of the campfire, hiking, concerts, the scout song festival, activities on leads, make new friends and many other surprises they experienced.
Among the numerous activities, a trip to Neretva, archery, zip-line, sports climbing, adrenaline park, visit to the Museum of Wood Carving in Konjic, visit to the old stone bridge – the symbol of Konjic, visit to the Native Museum of Konjic, visit to the Birthplace of Zuka Džumhur are highlighted.
It is also important to mention the project writing workshops, pioneering, topography, scout multicolors…
Workshops on the prevention of addiction diseases, healthy lifestyle workshops, “Safe from violence – prevention from peer violence” and “Safe from violence – prevention from violence on the Internet” are of particular importance.
The mayor of Konjic, Osman Ćatić, solemnly opened the 3rd Fair of the Scout Association of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which took place as part of the Konjic cultural summer.
– Lake Boracko has always been a scouting oasis. Youth, enthusiasm, companionship, preservation of nature and introduction to basic life and social values, let these be the features that will adorn these multi-day activities.
I congratulate the Union of Scouts of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina on this beautiful event on Lake Boračka and I want to say that the City of Konjic will always be a part of positive stories, as we are today. With the desire that you take away beautiful and fond memories from this place and gladly return to it, I am opening the review of the Association of Scouts of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina – said the mayor at the opening.
It is important to note that the meeting took place under the slogan “Under the same roof”, which reflects the effort to meet peers across entity and state borders, thereby contributing to coexistence and a better future for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
This joint stay in nature represents a unique opportunity to get to know differences and overcome prejudices imposed by the political situation.
Is there a better place for an event “tailored” to the wishes of young people than at the foot of the magical Prenj mountain and the beautiful beaches of the Borački lake?
Nature is the best environment for learning, development and fun for young people, and the SIFBiH Show itself is an opportunity that offers young people the opportunity to build friendships and make unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful places in BiH, which is certainly the town of Konjic.
Written by: Ajla Kovačević
This story was written thanks to the generous support of the American people through the “Local Works” program of the United States Agency for International Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (USAID). The content of the story is solely the responsibility of the author and the “Network for Building Peace”. The views expressed in the story do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
