“Take Me Higher” was the motto of the Order of Malta’s international summer camp for disabled youth held this year at Stift Stams in Austria from 26 July to 2 August.

Over 450 young people, disabled and not, from 18 countries, took part in the event that celebrated its 25th edition this year. A week of sports challenges, cultural discoveries and spiritual renewal, made possible by the efforts of 150 volunteers from the Order of Malta’s Austrian Ambulance Corps, responsible for the camp organization.

Faithful to the motto “Take Me Higher”, the programme included drill with the fire brigade’s vehicles, a visit to the Kristallwelten glacier and many other excursions, as well as hang-gliding, rafting and football matches in wheelchairs. The camp enabled participants to discover the Tyrol, with its traditions, its architecture, its landscapes and its history. It also helped to create new friendships by overcoming personal barriers: a unique experience in an extraordinary atmosphere.

The international camp, which is part of the European “Youth in Action” Programme, received the visit of the Prince and Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing, members of the Sovereign Council, Cardinal Pio Laghi and the Order’s Prelate Archbishop Angelo Acerbi.