Religious children under surveillance were often able to practise their faith only through illegal Scout activities and disguised summer camps. These usually took place in the countryside, where they could enjoy community life, carefree moments, and games in the midst of nature.
This exhibition room commemorates these covert camps and excursions through period objects, photographs, and illustrated documents.
Scout Camp
The third exhibition room opens into a large camping tent, where cheerful children’s faces smile back from the photographs and innocent drawings illustrate the boundless imagination and happiness of young people, all set within what appears to be a peaceful, idyllic environment. The entire scene resembles “the calm before the storm”.
A rosary attached to a bicycle, a discarded Scout backpack, and other personal belongings reveal where visitors have arrived. Despite prohibitions, censorship, and constant surveillance, religious life continued in secret, often finding refuge in nature. Although Scouting itself was illegal, young people found ways to gather, taking part in role-playing games disguised as “Indian” adventures and in camping trips that fostered friendship, community, and shared values.
They were not allowed to wear Scout neckerchiefs or official uniforms, yet the tent, the campfire, birdsong, shared prayers, and heartfelt conversations transformed their time together into unforgettable experiences. At the same time, these moments strengthened the foundation of their lives – their Christian faith.
They knew that what they were doing was forbidden, yet they were not afraid to live according to their Christian beliefs. Rather than worrying about being watched, they lifted their eyes to heaven and placed their hope in the future, as expressed in a poem they wrote themselves:
“By the time we reach manhood,
We shall look only to the heavens, never to the dust.
We will never abandon our steadfast principles;
Christ will guide us throughout our lives as men.”
(Excerpt from the poem At the Boundary Stone, written by Keve, Mityu, Miki, and Palkó)
Tip
A unique keepsake: the bicycle-mounted rosary.
