Bert has been involved with SCI for more than 45 years – as a volunteer, camp coordinator, member of working groups and active member of the SCI branch in the Netherlands. In his professional life, he has also organised and coordinated many activities and training sessions. He has always supported SCI’s ideas and spread its values and message across the globe. Let’s hear more from Bert and his work with SCI Switzerland in this interview.
Interview with Bert, Camp Coordinator of SCI Switzerland. The fourth person from the left in the photo.
Dear Bert, we’re happy to have you here! Let’s start with your story: How did you get involved with SCI?
I have been involved in Service Civil International (SCI) since 1981. I started in 1977. Back then I participated in five camps with the International Bauorden (IBO), a volunteer organisation focused on construction projects. I went to a camp in Turkey in 1979 and wanted to go back there in 1981. But there were no camps after the military coup of 1980. I looked around and discovered SCI. After two camps in 1981, I became active in the VIA Netherlands SCI branch and SCI’s East-West work.
Do you still remember your first SCI camp? What stands out most in your memory?
My first camp was in Chomutov, in the northwest of Czechoslovakia, near the border with East Germany. The region was heavily polluted because of the production and use of brown coal. We worked in a tree nursery where they grew more resistant trees. I learned about acid rain.
It was also interesting to be in a country with a different political system – SCI had to work with official partners! We discussed politics quite a lot. I think there are fewer discussions about political issues at the camps I have participated in over the last three years. Nowadays, participants are keener to learn about each other’s personal lives and exchange views on general issues concerning their countries.
Is there a moment from a camp that you still often think back on today?
I have participated in 40 camps. Only one went wrong because we worked for a private person. All the others were good or excellent. Almost all camps were useful for the local partner. Some camps were surreal. I realise that one learns the most from unexpected or difficult situations.
You have been a camp coordinator for many years. What makes a really good camp for you?
A diverse group of motivated volunteers. If they want to work seriously on a useful project, exchange ideas and learn about the project, about SCI and from each other, the camp will be a success.
And what would you say to someone who’s thinking of becoming a camp coordinator with SCI Switzerland?
Go for it! You need to have participated in one or a few camps as a volunteer before and have some skills in organising, coordinating and motivating a diverse group.
Thank you so much for the interview!
