Foreign Language and Creative Camp in Csíksomlyó – 2025
This summer once again brought the opportunity to camp together in Csíksomlyó. On July 21, the Foreign Language and Creative Camp began, attended once more by young people from Transylvania. This year’s camp participants came from the care of the Hargita and Covasna County Directorates of Social Assistance and Child Protection. From the Csányi Foundation, several mentors, junior mentors, and volunteers arrived to support and enrich the experience of the campers.
The day began with the official opening of the camp: once everyone had arrived, Uncle Andris welcomed the participants and presented the program for the days ahead. Under the guidance of junior mentor Milán Vajda, the campers took part in a drama workshop to get to know each other and the helpers better. After lunch, placement language tests followed, and based on the results, the children were divided into three proficiency levels – A2, B1, and B2. The language classes are led by junior mentors, with the support of American volunteer Amber Woolam.
After the group assignments, our intensive language lessons began, forming the core of the camp’s program. Evenings will be filled with a variety of activities, including creative workshops, sports, and traditional dance houses. An exciting excursion is also ahead: a trip to the Bicaz Gorge. The week will end with a “Talent Show,” for which the children are already eagerly preparing.
“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who made it possible for me to spend a week in Csíksomlyó and improve my English skills. We were accommodated in the Multi House, where the environment is always homely and all our needs are met. We had our meals at the Jakab Antal House throughout the week, where we were served more and more delicious dishes every day. During the camp, we were divided into groups based on our English skills, so everyone could be in a group suited to their level. Personally, I feel that after each English class, I dared to speak more confidently in English. During the week, we also worked on a group project, which varied from group to group and had to be presented on the last day (Friday), helping us develop our presentation skills. Over the course of the camp, we became a good team – we understood and supported each other, thanks in part to the daily self-awareness drama classes, where everyone had to cooperate. The shared programs – such as the dance house, the trip to the Bicaz Gorge and the Red Lake, the Truba Moll concert, and the toboggan ride – all enriched our values. And of course, we cannot forget the ‘Talent Show,’ as we spent the whole week preparing for it, aiming to participate in the Sarlóspuszta Interdisciplinary Camp. We closed the camp with a heartfelt campfire, singing, laughing, and even crying a little, knowing that something very good had come to an end. I would also like to acknowledge the adults, facilitators, volunteers, and junior mentors, because without them this wonderful camp would not have happened. I am grateful to be part of such a great community.” – Hunor Tana, Covasna County
“This year I took part for the first time in the English camp organized by the Csányi Foundation, held in Csíksomlyó. It was a very special experience for me, as I not only improved my language skills but also made many new friends and met many valuable people. The camp programs were varied and entertaining: playful English lessons, team-building activities, excursions, and shared evening programs all made the week fantastic. The atmosphere in the camp was friendly and supportive throughout, with everyone approaching each other openly and with a smile. The mentors were kind and helpful, and I learned a lot from them! I’m glad I could be part of this camp, and I hope I can return next year!” – Eszter Vitán, Hargita County
“If something moves within you and within me, we will be good companions on the journey. I dove headfirst into the unknown, among people whose life paths could not be more different. Yet among our Székely friends, there is something in common: love, honesty, and perseverance in the constant struggle of life. It was exciting to witness, and it filled my heart with joy to see the campers grow from caterpillars into butterflies during the activities and enriching programs, allowing their true selves to emerge – whether in the English language lessons, the drama sessions, the energy-filled dance house, or the heroic hike in the Bicaz Gorge. During our sensitizing workshop with Nóri Nógrádi, we focused on building personal connections and breaking down barriers in relationships. The negative emotions collected during the session were placed in an invisible cage, and on the last day, we symbolically burned them in the campfire. I believe we managed to lift some of the weight from the shoulders of our talented participants, and I hope we can continue to support them in the future. I am grateful to everyone who helped with the work and walked alongside us on this journey! See you soon, dear friends!” – Milán Vajda, Nagybajom Group 2, mentor assistant
