Opportunities
Pentecost in Westernohe
National Scout Camp
26.-29. May 2023
Each year 4000 Scouts from all over Germany meet at the DPSG National Scout Centre Westernohe near Frankfurt, to camp there together during the extended weekend of Pentecost. Pentecost in Westernohe (PiW) is a highlight in the calendar of the German Catholic Scout Association (DPSG).
The International Village within this camp is a place to experience Scouting as a world-spanning movement, to meet scouts from other countries, and to participate in workshops and games. As a participant in the International Village you will get to know the German style of scouting, with our famous black tents and typical camp activities, while also meeting scouts from other countries.
You want to meet German scouts, share your camp recipes and culture, discover another country and much more? Then Pentecost in Westernohe is the right place!
Join as...
... a helper in the International Village
You will be helping with the program in the International Village, a basic knowledge of German is helpful. There will be one free program slot where you can participate in the rest of the program.
Costs: approx. 30€ (including accommodation, food and camp badge)
... a representative of your country in the International Village
You participate as a Guest and will be accommodated in the International Village. No German is required. You are, however, required to offer one activity for the German scouts at the camp and to participate in our open pots event.
Costs: approx. 80€ (including accommodation, food and camp badge, financial aid might be available)
... a group
If you want to participate as a group do not hesitate to contact us and we will help you find a partner group.
Registration
Here you can pre-register to receive the binding registration link in March 2024.
Frequently asked questions - Pentecost Camp
How is the weather in May/June in Westernohe?
- Everything is possible! Bring waterproof and warm clothes especially for the night with you, we even had some years with degrees minus 0 ◦C during the nights.
- But it can also be very warm and sunny, so also bring short clothes and sun protection.
Do I have to bring sleeping bags and mats?
- Yes, we do not have enough to lend them to you. In case you don’t own a warm sleeping bag, let us know in advance so we can plan an extra blanket for you.
Is there a kit list?
- There is no kit list at the moment. We recommend that you bring everything you need for your personal use (clothes, warm layers, waterproofs, sleeping bag and mat, towel, hygiene products, tea towel, plate/cup/cutlery, scout uniform, hat, sun glasses) and items to represent Scouting / Guiding in your country (e.g. badges, games, snacks, souvenirs, stories..)
I cannot afford the camp, is there the possibility of financial support?
- If you join as a helper, we can cover the camp fee for you, so you only have to pay for your transport. Note that we only have a limited number of scholarships available so please contact us as early as possible.
How do I get to the campsite by public transport?
- The nearest train station connected to long distance trains is Limburg South (“Limburg Süd”) from there a few shuttles will be available. Further, there are public buses to the village of Rennerod. From there it is 5km walk (slightly uphill). You should make sure to arrive at a reasonable time or contact us in advance.
Where is the camp?
- The exact address is Bundeszentrum Westernohe, Zum Weitstein 50, 56479 Westernohe
- The international village is on campsite 16, a map of the campsite can be found here
I’m travelling from somewhere in Germany – is there a carpooling list?
- Let us know and we will try to connect you with a local scout group.
Do I have to bring my own tent to sleep?
- If you stay in the international village, we provide sleeping tents for helpers and guests, they are usually shared by 8 people of the same gender. If you have special needs, we can ask for a bed in a house for you.
I have school/work on Friday/Monday, can I also arrive later or leave earlier?
- When participating in the international village you need to arrive on Friday evening (no matter how late), but it is okay to leave on Sunday evening even though you will miss the big campfire. In this case, you need to organize the transport from the campsite yourself.
What is the structure of the camp?
- The times might be updated just before the camp.
- On Friday afternoon, we will set up the tents. In the evening there is the official welcome in the international village, and we’ll start to get to know each other.
- On Saturday breakfast is from 8 to 9. We start the day together at 9:30 am, with a “morning circle”, which is like a briefing and energizer for the day. Attendance is mandatory.
- Program Times are on Saturday and Sunday from 10-12 am and 2:30-5 pm.
- Lunch is at around 12:30 in the international village.
- Dinner is around 6 pm
What is the Program?
- The program for all the camp will be published here, note that it is in German, we will try to provide it also in English
- Saturday evening, we will have a campfire evening in the international village.
- Sunday evening there is a catholic service (time to be announced) followed by the big campfire for all the participants. You are very welcome to present something a dance, a sketch or a song from your country or scout group.
- During the day different workshops are offered in the international village such as friendship armlets, Kandersteg world scout game, Kim games and many more.
- On Sunday afternoon there is an Open Pots event to try international food.
How can I or my group participate in the program?
- Most programs are walk-in, so you can just walk around and see what you like.
- As a helper you will get a work schedule indicating where you help with the program.
- For the open pots and game rounds we ask our international guests to present something from their country.
Is there a theme?
- Yes, the theme is matching our annual campaign, this year it is scouting electrifies” with a focus on energy resources and sustainable use.
What are my jobs as a helper?
- You will be a facilitator in the program of the international village.
- There will be a plan where you see which workshop you are helping with.
- Also, everyone will take turns in doing the dishes to help our catering team.
What do I have to do when I stay as a representative in the international village?
- Everyone is expected to offer one program for the participants, either open pots or game rounds.
- Also, everyone will take turns in doing the dishes to help our catering team.
Safe from harm
Note that it is mandatory for every participant who is 18 years or older to provide proof of a "Safe from harm"-training. Either you have something similar in your scout association or you can do the WOSM e-learning, which can be found here: https://members.scout.org/elearning_sfh1
Please send the certificate to our office (international@dpsg.de) until the 14th of May.
YOU CANNOT PARTICIPATE WITHOUT THIS CERTIFICATE.
International Scout Week
With the International Scout Week (ISW), which takes place every summer, we want to make it possible for you to experience international Scout encounters at our national centre in Westernohe. You can decide for yourself whether you want to come with a partner group or spontaneously take part in the activities on offer, or whether you want to organize things creatively yourself and, for example, invite your camp neighbour group from another country to an afternoon of games. The International Working Group and the Westernohe Federal Centre have come up with a small handful of exciting programme items: Feel "arrived in the heart of the DPSG" at our get-to-know-you and welcome evening, enjoy the taste of the "international cooking pots" and get to know each other and your campfire cultures at the "International Campfire Evening".
2025
Date: tba
Location: National Campsite Westernohe, Germany (Zum Weitstein 50, 56479 Westernohe)
Price: tba
We are looking forward to connecting many DPSG groups and scout groups from abroad and to welcome you all in Westernohe again in 2025. You can already look forward to a great week together that year, for which you can plan your own camp as well as take part in the intercultural framework program of the International Working Group (IAK) of the DPSG with an opening evening, intercultural open-pot evening and camp party evening during which you will have the chance to make many international friends. The DPSG groups can apply for financal support for the international encounter for both their DPSG group and the partner group from abroad. If you are interested or you have any questions regarding the funding just contact the International Office: international@dpsg.de.