Sports Camp in Jászberény
By lunchtime, everyone had arrived at the accommodation, and after resting from the journey, we dove straight into the first day’s program. In the afternoon, we walked to the local sports field, where the young participants could choose from a variety of sports according to their interests. Some opted for football, others for volleyball, but basketball, handball, and even chess were also available. After the sports session, we enjoyed a hearty dinner, followed by a pleasant stroll in the city center – naturally, accompanied by ice cream. This week, alongside sports activities, we also look forward to swimming, an excursion to Sástó, bowling, and a visit to the Jász Museum.
Balázsi Róbert, Junior Mentor, Mohács Group 1
“Today, the Sports Camp in Jászberény continued. Unfortunately, the morning did not start very favorably, as it began to rain, so we had to temporarily postpone the outdoor activities. After breakfast, we went to the community center, where, despite the bad weather, we had a great time. Participants could choose from FIFA, table football, chess, board games, UNO, and table tennis. In the meantime, the sun came out, so badminton rackets were brought out alongside volleyball and football. Everyone could find a place for their favorite sport here as well. We served trays of sliced watermelon, which quickly disappeared in the heat. The afternoon was once again spent at Szántai Garden, where everyone could pick their favorite sport. Some played handball, others football, volleyball, badminton, or basketball. Those who wanted could also go canoeing on the Zagyva River.”
Horváth Anna, Junior Mentor, Jászság Group 1
“On Wednesday morning, we were already scanning the sky – would our day go according to plan? To our delight, the sun was shining, so after a hearty breakfast, we started our program at the sports fields. We held a fun warm-up for the children, followed by skill development in their chosen sports. Exciting and cheerful volleyball, handball, basketball, and football games took place. After lunch, we made up for the swimming session that had been postponed due to bad weather. Many relaxed in the adventure pool, while others chose the cooler water for games and swimming. There was also time for sunbathing and a little reading. The good weather lasted into the evening, so after dinner, we continued sports in the courtyard of our accommodation – football, volleyball, handball. Some even danced to well-chosen tunes. On the grass next to the fields, card and board games were played, and we even tried a bit of darts.”
Beke Panna, Junior Mentor
“On July 31, we traveled to Sástó, to the Oxygen Adrenalin Park. In the morning, we were still quite sleepy, but by the time we reached the Mátra Mountains, we were excited for the hike. At the adventure park, with the tokens we received, everyone tried the activities they liked best. In small groups, together with the junior mentors, we set out to explore the park. Some went bobsledding first, others took the chairlift, but there were also zipline rides and a suspension bridge high above the ground. Time passed quickly, and we used our remaining tokens for one last bobsled ride. We descended from the park to the lake by chairlift, enjoying a beautiful view. Those who were up for the challenge climbed the many steps to the lookout tower by the lake. On the way back, we stopped for ice cream and visited a nearby playground. Once we returned to our accommodation, we had a little free time before dinner – most of us rested a bit, but some immediately started board games or chess. The evening continued in the yard with football, volleyball, handball, and, of course, more board games.”
Hajdu Hanna Krisztina, Oláh Eszter Valéria, Kecskés Dóra, Jászság Group 2
“At the camp, I met István Sinka, FIDE chess master, and in the evening, we had the chance to play a simultaneous match with him. Andor and Márk also joined the game. Whenever we made a mistake, we paused, and ‘Pista bácsi’ showed us the correct move. Then we could rethink our moves and continue the game. It was a wonderful experience to play together, and I learned a lot from the master even in that short time.”
Horváth Vanda, Szentes Group 1
“Friday marked a fitting conclusion to the camp. After the usual morning sports activities, we visited the Jász Museum, where we could see the symbol of the Jászság region – the horn of Lehel. Following a group afternoon of bowling, it was time for the camp’s closing and evaluation. We enjoyed a performance by our most enthusiastic young camper, Lackó Sárközi, and reminisced about the week’s best moments. After one last energetic game on the field – whether volleyball, football, or basketball – the children went to bed tired but happy. On Saturday, we said our goodbyes and set off for home. Some will already be heading to another camp on Sunday.”
Flibert Virág, Junior Mentor
Photos from the camp can be viewed in the Gallery