SCOUTS FROM BROD PROMOTE THE BEAUTY OF THE SAVA RIVER

Brod's "Petar Kočić" Scout Unit, with the support of the Municipality of Brod, organized a two-day gathering on the banks of the Sava River, aiming to promote scouting values and the natural beauty of the area.

Scouts enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities, including time on the water, campfire gatherings, and cultural-entertainment programs. They spent the night in tents set up along the riverbank, preparing to continue with planned activities the following day.

The main goal of the event was to highlight the core values of scouting — friendship, solidarity, teamwork, and outdoor living — as well as to encourage active use of free time, the development of social skills, and a deeper connection to nature.

Vera Mrđa, the leader of the Scout Unit, emphasized that this was an ideal opportunity for young scouts to bond and become more familiar with the Sava River. She stressed the importance of taking care of the riverbank so that all residents of Brod can enjoy it during warm summer days.

The event was supported by the Municipality of Brod, and scouts were visited by the municipal mayor Milan Zečević and his advisor Slaviša Tomičević.

"I believe that every local government should feel fortunate to have ambassadors like these — young people who have channeled their energy into something so meaningful, bringing them together in nature and, most importantly, helping to pull them away from screens and devices," said Mayor Zečević.

He continued, "What makes today's event truly special is that it might be the first organized effort to create a positive story around our Ada and the potential of the Sava River in terms of tourism."

The mayor thanked the Scout Unit for initiating this idea and confirmed the municipality's commitment to supporting similar initiatives in the future.

"Speaking as both a mayor and a citizen of Brod, I want to express my gratitude to the scouts for bringing this great idea to life — for putting our Sava and Ada back in the spotlight. As we can see, they've created a wonderful atmosphere where young people connect, share experiences, and, most importantly, build memories."

He added that the local government will continue to support youth activism and initiatives that promote innovation and positive change.

Mayor Zečević also expressed his hope that this event will grow and improve in the coming years. “We hope to work together — with the scouts and the local tourism board — to prepare a development plan and begin exploring the tourist potential of our Ada, with the aim of elevating this project to an entirely new level next year.”

Scout leader Vera Mrđa underlined the importance of local government support, something many scout units in other towns do not enjoy.

"Our cooperation with the local government means a great deal to us. Many scout units in other cities lack such support, and we hope to strengthen the scouting organization not only in Brod but also in surrounding municipalities and across Republika Srpska. Together with the local authorities, we aim to be a key driver of future activities," said Mrđa.

The “Petar Kočić” Scout Unit has ended its half-season with impressive results — winning 25 trophies. Additionally, three of its members recently took part in a demanding seminar for scout leaders and instructors, for which they will receive internationally recognized certificates.