The International Summer camp of the Order of Malta for young disabled people took place in Salzburg, Austria.

From 22th to 29th July, the city, located 300 kilometers west of Vienna,  known for its baroque architecture and for being Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown, hosted about 500 young guests coming from more than 25 countries.

It was the 34th International Camp organised by the Order of Malta, that every year takes place in a different country.

Thanks to the engagement of the volunteer corps of the Grand Priory of Austria of the Order of Malta and to the intensive schedule of activities, the participants and their helpers spent an unforgettable week

They had the chance to experience things they cannot usually do during the year and to benefit from the international atmosphere of the Camp.

Fra’ Giacomo Dalla Torre del Tempio di Sanguinetto, Lieutenant of the Grand Master visited the camp, accompanied by the Grand Hospitaller Dominique de La Rochefoucauld-Montbel.

Addressing the participants, the Lieutenant expressed ‘his personal joy to be here in this wonderful place’. After having thanked the Austrian Institutions and the Archbishop of Salzburg, he praised the members and the volunteers of the Order of Malta in Austria who ‘worked hard to make this wonderful opportunity of joy and friendship come true’.

The goal of the summer camps, since their very beginning, more than 30 years ago, has always been to give young disabled people the chance to meet others of their age and spend a week of fun and comfort. The objectives are the same, now and then: to offer a pause to their families, forging a sense of community, promoting a cultural exchange and helping young people with disabilities to overcome personal barriers.

Apart from the International Summer Camp, that takes place once a year, many Grand Priories, Associations and volunteer corps of the Order of Malta organise summer camps for young disabled at national level.