In June 2000, after I finished my two weeks solo trekking in Polish Mountains Tatras, from Chocholowska Valley to the Morskie Oko Lake, I took the opportunity of a surprise invitation to join as a journalist the Marlboro Adventure Team. It was a three days adventure camp at the foot of Tatras for group of fifty young Polish people, several media representatives and a group of organisers.

Adventure, action, team work, endurance, effort, will power, fun, friendship, sense of accomplishment …… that is what it was all about in this multi event! For me it was not only joyful to participate in this adventure but also it was an instant way to learn how Polish youth is changing. I met organisers who I constantly admired for the creation of such challenges and a great opportunity for all courageous young people to test their minds and bodies.

Marlboro Adventure Team is an international event sponsored by the tabacco company and promoting the name only, not the smoking habit. Every year in several countries eager adventurers young people are competing first within own country young people, after the winners competing with other countries and finally winners are taking a part of the expedition in USA.

On my arrival the camp was already in action. First I was observing and multi-sport events like horse-riding, 4WD jeep driving and bicycle riding. Next day there were more challenging tests: climbing, rope crossing, flying fox and then rafting. The day concluded with a night orientation walk and then was a great party, next to the fireplace, with a lot of fun and jokes. All activities required a good outdoors and problem solving skills. Adventure challenges tested the ability to think strategically and to react to unexpected situations. It was an experience to develop self-sufficiency. It not only tested mental fortitude but also team unity and maximising team success by team building, leadership and developing consensus skills.

By the third day I clearly recognised the enormous commitment and organisational complexity of the Marlboro Adventure Team organiser's. I admired the organisers for their achievements with Polish youth and for giving them the opportunity to participate at an international level in order to elevate the moral standard in a new post-communist country. I strongly believed that the future of my homeland depends upon the right action of the power of the mind and body.

My participation in this Polish adventure and observation of the young people as well as everyone involved was a great experience and left me with a joyful memory and a great hope for the future of this country.