Saturday morning in Erica. Yelling and laughing, a group of beavers (children aged 5 to 7 years old) run towards the campfire pit behind the church. The hot chocolate is being passed around. Everyone sticks a marshmallow on a stick and hangs it above the crackling fire. This place, with clubhouse and one and a half hectares of forest, has been used by Scouting Erica for almost 80 years. But the question is whether it can remain that way.
Because the church plans to dispose of the location, which in addition to a few buildings, consists of 1.5 hectares of forest, explains chairman Harry Platzer of Scouting Erica. “The church has adjusted its real estate policy and plans to get rid of everything without a church function. So we want to see if we can take over the site ourselves.” Because a place like this is quite unique, adds board member Mark Vinke. “You don’t often find something like this. There is not much forest in the area, like here. It really is a beautiful playing environment.”
If Scouting Erica wants to take over the site, they will have to open their wallets. According to Vinke, tons are needed for the purchase. “What we have in our piggy bank is limited,” says Vinke. The association is therefore launching a crowdfunding campaign. Vinke: “We really need people who want to support us. We are also in discussions with the local government, sponsors, funds and our members.”
In addition to purchasing the site, the board also hopes to raise sufficient money to expand the club building. “We currently have 170 members with varying ages. From five years old to well past retirement age, like me,” Platzer laughs. “In addition, there is also a waiting list.
It is already impossible to literally and figuratively get all members under one roof. “For example, not everyone can go inside in bad weather,” Vinke adds. That is why the fundraising campaign serves a dual purpose, meaning that the last, long-cherished wish can also be fulfilled.
Scouting Erica hopes to have more clarity about the possible purchase by the end of January. “That is really our first deadline,” says Vinke. But what if it isn’t achieved? “I’d rather not think about that,” Vinke responds. “We can continue to exist, but not without good housing.” Vinke and Platzer hope that many people will support the club. Vinke: “This is something that must be passed on to the next generation.”