From 27th July to 1st August, the Campo Estivo in Italia – CEI (Summer Camp in Italy) returns to Magione (PG), Umbria. Launched by the Order of Malta in 2012, in the footsteps of the thirty-year International Summer Camp, and now in its twelfth year, the CEI brings together over 150 young people with disabilities and volunteers, aged from 18 to 35, for a week of fun, spirituality and solidarity.

Like every year, the aim is to offer young people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy a week of entertainment, overcoming any barriers related to physical or mental disability, and to encourage new bonds and strengthen existing friendships.

The theme of this edition is “How much good there is in the world” inspired by the words of Pope Leo XIV. An invitation to recognize the good that dwells in people, relationships and acts of service that every day build authentic communities. A message that fully reflects the spirit of the CEI, created to offer young people a tangible experience of friendship, faith and attention to others.

The 12th CEI, created by the cooperation between the Order of Malta’s bodies operating in Italy – Grand Priories, Delegations, the Italian Association and the Italian Relief Corps – is a project conceived by young people and for young people. The organizing committee, made up of volunteers who dedicate time and energy throughout the year to preparing the event, takes care of every detail with passion and a spirit of service.

Throughout the week, recreational, cultural and sporting activities designed to involve all the different disabilities will alternate, as well as religious celebrations and moments of prayer at Magione Castle and nearby towns. The hub of activity will be the Castle, a historic Sovereign Order of Malta estate, and today also the Umbrian face of the Terre dei Cavalieri, a farm managed by the Order. Among the most anticipated events is the traditional “Silent Night”, dedicated to adoration and Confessions; a moment of great sharing for the entire Camp community. The final day, dedicated to preparing for the parade, for which teams will be making medieval costumes, will be an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, team spirit and solidarity that have enlivened the entire week.

The high offices of the Sovereign Order of Malta also took part in the opening ceremony – Grand Commander Fra’ Emmanuel Rousseau, Grand Chancellor Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, The Receiver of the Common Treasure Fra’ Francis Vassallo – testifying to the importance that the Order attaches to this initiative, one of the main moments of meeting, sharing and inclusion for young people and people with disabilities from the Order of Malta’s international community. Local authorities were also present, including Stefania Proietti, President of Umbria, Vittoria Ferdinandi, Mayor of Perugia and ANCI delegate for Inclusion and Disability Policies and Silvia Burzigotti, Councilor for Social Policies of the Municipality of Magione.

The Italian Summer Camp is part of a broader programme of activities aimed at people with disabilities organized by the Order of Malta’s associations worldwide, whose most important event is the International Summer Camp, scheduled from 3rd – 10th August at Javier Castle in Navarre (Spain). The initiative, which brings together young people from over 25 countries, is the main international event dedicated to the Order of Malta’s youth. In addition, during the month of August, the Order’s Spanish Association organizes a pilgrimage for the disabled called WOW (Way On Wheels). A real Camino de Santiago experience along a 110-kilometre route divided into 7 stages that follows the Camino Francés, the most important and famous of the roads leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

For over 25 years, the Lebanese Association has organized the Chabrouh camp, which throughout the summer hosts activities for people with severe mental and physical disabilities and disadvantaged children plus workshops to foster intergenerational encounters between children and the elderly.

For eight years Budapest has been hosting a summer spiritual renewal camp for homeless people, workers and volunteers in a community experience that combines spirituality, listening and personal rebirth paths.