Scandal in the circus camp (Swiss Press Text 2012, by Brigitte Jeckelmann) - Swiss Press Award

Bieler Tagblatt

Brigitte Jeckelmann

At the circus camp of the Scout-like organization Pfadfinderbund Seeland in Studen last summer, physical altercations broke out between the leaders and parents. The police had to intervene. The following day, the Bieler Tagblatt newspaper was informed of the incidents. Chaotic conditions allegedly prevailed at the camp, and a child was baptized as a Scout under degrading conditions. During the investigation, the criminal past of the leaders came to light; both had previously been convicted of relevant offenses, including arson and defamation. In this context, they had also been noticed for questionable methods in dealing with children. In a series of articles between July and September, the BT uncovered fraud surrounding the organization of the circus camp. The series further reveals that the leaders are in dispute with several municipalities and authorities, how the official Scouts have dealt with the incidents to distance themselves, how the authorities have commented on the matter, and how parents can find out whether they are entrusting their child to a trustworthy organization. Ultimately, the series also aimed to prompt authorities to take action and warn parents who hadn't yet heard of the organization. The two leaders were constantly advertising for additional Scout camps.