Bendik Sebastian Hansen (17) from Nordland tread between wet tent cords and muddy tufts of grass, while rain clouds hanging heavily over the sky. Behind him follows Leonora Hjelle (16) from Hordaland and Stefanni Belda (14) from Hedmark.
– That’s the big blue innermost in the woods, shouting Belda through tent chaos. The three have decided to grab something to sit on while they listen to the current political debate in Bakken.
Soon they have found the correct tent, and with the inflatable sleeping mat under his arm, they can stroll back AUF leader Mani Hussaini his opening speech.
None of the three have been on Utøya earlier, and admits that it was special to see the island for the first time with their own eyes. Now wait four days of political discussions, meetings with great role models, waffle eating and new friendships.
– It was a unique feeling to come over with the boat yesterday, we’ve seen it on TV and now we are here at last. This is an experience we have been looking forward to for a long time, explaining Hjelle.
Most youngsters came on Wednesday afternoon and found himself comfortable on the various camp grounds.
– I have not slept much the night, and my new shoes look not just very new out longer, says Belda, pointing to the once nearly all-white sneakers.
Five years after the terror, there is little doubt that the AUF has kept its promise to take Utøya back, but still there are clear traces of terror. The new Hegne house was finished in July and encircles the old cafe building where 13 people were killed. The house is currently used as a training center for school groups to learn about the terrorist attack. For those young people who have not been on the island before, it did not take long before they got to experience the urgency that still characterizes many of those who are here today.
– We in the local team went along love trail yesterday, and then there were some that had strong reactions to being back, explaining Belda.
Mani Hussaini believes the organization has been committed to maintaining the youngest AUF forwards.
– We have been conscious of not creating one A-team and a B-team, that there should be a distinction between those who were here in 2011 and those who were not. It’s the youngest who are the future, there are those who will take care of the island and therefore it is important that everyone who is here to be part of Utøya, he explains.
Although he looked forward most to hold the opening speech, and look forward to dance to Erik Hassle later at night.
“EU! EU EU! “Shouts a group of young people in the coming above ground edge, with large banners between them.
– Oh no, it’s county my team! says Hjelle and hiding his hands in the face while she smiles broadly.
– They have gone in for EU membership, but it is quite different opinions about it then, she explains.
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