Water fun in Zeewolde at national scouting camp, where Isa just licked a live mussel. 'Yes, it was incredibly tasty'

More than four thousand water scouts, aged 11 to 18, are gathered in Zeewolde for Nawaka, Europe's largest water scouting camp. The ten-day event, held every four years, transforms a 70-hectare scouting estate into a bustling village for young enthusiasts.

Participants engage in a variety of water-based competitions, including sailing and rowing races. Winners of these events earn a spot in national scouting sailing competitions. The camp also provides essential training in sea survival and other critical water safety skills, preparing the scouts for various maritime challenges.

One notable moment involved 11-year-old Isa, who reportedly licked a live mussel from the water, much to the amusement of his fellow scouts. While his friends joked about his immunity to poisoning, the incident highlighted the adventurous spirit of the young participants. The scouting group from Amsterdam emphasized their strong commitment to each other's health and safety, with one member stating, "No matter how silly or stupid we find each other sometimes, we would jump into the water for each other."

Nawaka is organized by Scouting Nederland, with hundreds of volunteers dedicating two years to prepare the site. The camp's safety plan is reportedly so robust that it is often adopted by other festivals. Eefje Smeulders, a board member for Nawaka and Scouting Nederland, noted the organization's tradition of meticulous planning, stating, "We are used to arranging things properly."