Heritage and foreign language camp in Tokaj
The Tokaj heritage and language camp started on Sunday, July 7. Groups 1 from Kaposvár and Mohács arrived in the town after a long journey across the country, to the place where the Tisza and Bodrog rivers meet. An eventful week awaits the young participants, as they will attend German and English language classes over the next few days and explore this beautiful region, which is renowned not only for its wines but also for its historical landmarks and cultural treasures. We will go boating on the Tisza, visit the Sárospatak Castle, the Museum of the Hungarian Language, and tour the vast Nyíregyháza Zoo.
Monday: The camp began with language classes led by the junior mentors. This was an unusual experience for both the children, who had previously only learned from language teachers at the Foundation, and the junior mentors, who were new to this role. Miklós bácsi also attended the language classes and gave both sides some advice on how to be more effective. In the afternoon, we went on a boat trip from Tokaj to Szabolcs, where we explored local sights, including a church and an earth fort, before returning to our accommodations. In the evening, Erika néni led a tour around the town and introduced us to local points of interest.
Tuesday: In the morning, the BluePixel team arrived at the camp and enriched our youths with various skills in three groups. The main focus of this session was media literacy. The children gained a lot of knowledge, including learning about the different roles required to make a film. We are very grateful to them for this morning. After lunch, we went to the beach in Tokaj. Some turned into mud monsters, covering themselves in mud, while others played board games on the shore. In the evenings, the focus was on communal games, with everyone having the opportunity to play together in the common area. That evening, those who wanted to could watch the first semifinal of the 2024 European Championship.
Wednesday: The day started early with a trip to Sárospatak, where we visited the Rákóczi Museum (a castle). Erika néni told us a lot about the city and the castle’s location, and then everyone explored the exhibition independently. We also walked along the castle walls, enjoying the beautiful views. Perhaps the most anticipated experience was next: a large bobsled track in Sátoraljaújhely. Everyone had two chances to slide down, and there were great competitions to see who would go with whom. Although the heat and travel took a bit of energy from everyone, this provided a huge adrenaline rush, with many saying they would love to return.
Thursday: The first item on the agenda was a narrow-gauge train ride. We toured Tokaj and visited a statue on a hill, which involved a short hike. There was still time for a language lesson in the morning, where the junior mentors prepared playful tasks for the children, with various rewards to be won. After lunch, half the group went boating on the Bodrog for 3 km, while the other half took a horse-drawn carriage ride, switching activities on the return. In the evening, Zsuzsa néni organized a quiz, which was won by the “Beni’s Angels” team.
Friday: A full day program awaited us as we visited the Nyíregyháza Zoo. Despite concerns about the heat, there was plenty of shade, and a place called “Ice World” where we could cool down at any time. There was also a 10-meter-high waterfall that worked like a water slide, but we had to sit in a log. It was a huge experience, new to everyone. Although we got a bit wet, we dried quickly in the heat. Everyone had several hours of free time, but the zoo was so large that not everyone saw everything, though everyone did visit their favorite animal. The farewell evening concluded with an impromptu talent show (“Ki Mit Tud?”), which was very enjoyable and showcased the group’s diversity. Some played instruments, sang, told jokes, or recited poems.
The assistant mentors of the camp