Summer Camp 2024 activities

✨🌞 Recap of an Unforgettable Summer Camp Journey – July 2024 🌞✨

As we reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days, we are filled with gratitude and joy. From energizing mornings to creative workshops, meaningful discussions, and exciting cultural exchanges, each day at the summer camp brought new opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. Our volunteers, participants, and special guests came together to create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, where every activity was a chance to make lasting memories and build strong friendships. Let’s take a look back at the highlights of our journey so far!

Summary for Day 1 (21.07.2024):

The 25th Sommercamp officially opened with speeches from important figures, national anthems, and flag-raising ceremonies.
Participants shared their best memories and engaged in creative activities like painting pots and planting seeds.
Volunteers, including Paula G. and Julie, participated in the opening presentation, followed by workshops that sparked deep conversations among participants.
After the day’s activities, the volunteers held a meeting with their supervisor to plan for the next day, while Sasha and Kacper continued with the night shift.
The day concluded with fun activities like bowling, marking a productive and exciting start to the camp.

Summary for Day 2 (22.07.2024):

The day started with volunteers wearing their ‘team’ t-shirts as they prepared for the official opening of the summer camp.
Paula G. and Julie from the volunteer team successfully participated in the opening presentation, speaking alongside important figures of the project.
Workshops later in the day focused on reflection, creativity, and imagination, fostering deeper conversations among participants about their past experiences and future aspirations.
The day concluded with a meeting between volunteers and their supervisor, where they planned activities for the next day.
While most volunteers ended their day after the meeting, Sasha and Kacper continued with the night shift, ensuring the camp’s smooth operation.

Summary for Day 3 (23.07.2024):

The day started with Ukrainian games, energizing all participants with fun activities like chocolate dance games and a game of cat and mouse.
Workshops focused on various topics, such as youth participation, mental health after the pandemic, EU programs, and human rights, with each group preparing presentations for city leaders.
Theater performances were conducted by the groups on topics like mental health, the EU, and human rights, with creative and interactive presentations.
The evening featured a cultural night where participants and volunteers showcased their traditional dances, music, and games from different countries.
The day ended with a successful exchange of cultures, enhancing the bonds among participants through shared experiences and traditions.

Summary for Day 4 (24.07.2024):

The day began early with a bus trip to Frankfurt (Oder), where participants presented their workshop topics to the mayor and city officials.
Workshops covered themes like youth participation, quality learning, identity, human rights, European programs, NGOs, and mental health.
After the presentations, participants engaged in a city game with stations around Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice, managed by volunteers.
Free time in the city allowed volunteers to relax, explore, and bond in a park before heading back to camp.
The day was filled with diverse activities, concluding with gratitude for everyone involved in the workshops and city game.

Summary for Day 5 (25.07.2024):

The day was split into two main activities: morning workshops on art, documentation, embroidery, pearls, and strings, and theater.
Afternoon workshops explored identity through themes like countries, languages, religions, subcultures, and hobbies, with creative presentations from each group.
Some volunteers had a half-day off, while others discussed concentration camps and human rights in preparation for a visit to Sachsenhausen.
The day ended with a barbecue, movie night, and dancing, offering a lighter close to a day that also touched on heavy historical topics.
The focus on identity and creativity throughout the day helped deepen participants’ understanding of themselves and others.

Summary for Day 6 (26.07.2024):

Volunteers visited Sachsenhausen concentration camp, experiencing a sensitive and educational tour, learning about the harsh realities faced by prisoners.
After the visit, the group returned to HeleneCamp for dinner, reflecting on the emotional day.
The evening ended with a lively “Just Dance” session, celebrating life and camaraderie among the volunteers.
The day’s workshops included creative activities like documentation, zumba, theater, and crafts, focusing on identity and personal expression.
Despite the emotional weight of the camp visit, the day balanced reflection with fun, culminating in a movie night and further discussions on human rights.

Summary for Day 7 (27.07.2024):

The day started with energizers led by the Bulgarian team, followed by a visit from special guests who assisted participants with projects on “What is waiting for me in the future.”
Participants engaged in a two-part workshop focused on future prospects, which included interactive activities in the sports hall.
The afternoon was dedicated to preparing for and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sommercamp and the 15th anniversary of the partnership with Vratza.
Despite the weather preventing an outdoor bonfire, the celebration continued indoors with a party attended by special guests and participants.
The day was marked by reflection on the camp’s history, with festivities honoring the long-standing partnership and the community’s shared achievements.

Summary for Day 8 (28.07.2024):

The day began with a usual breakfast and opening led by the Belarus team, followed by various workshops including zumba, crafts, documentation, and theater.
Volunteers split up to manage different activities, with some organizing the office and handling laundry while others led creative workshops.
After lunch, an interactive technology workshop was conducted, leading into preparations for the evening’s fashion show.
The fashion show showcased participants’ creative designs, judged by a panel of volunteers, and provided a fun, light-hearted conclusion to the day.
The day ended on a high note, with everyone looking forward to the next day’s activities, marking another successful day at the camp.

Summary for Day 10 (30.07.2024):

Volunteers and participants spent the day in Berlin, starting with a visit to the Bundestag, where they met German Parliament member Mathias Papendieck.
Papendieck discussed his work in the Parliament and engaged in a Q&A session about youth involvement in politics, followed by a tour of the Parliament building.
The group continued their Berlin visit by exploring famous landmarks like Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, and parts of the Berlin Wall.
After sightseeing, everyone had free time to explore the city, enjoy the culture, and relax with coffee before returning to camp.
The day concluded with a peaceful evening back at camp, where participants gathered around a campfire, enjoying music and games, creating lasting memories.

Summary for Day 11 (31.07.2024):

The day began with energizers led by the Volunteering team, setting an energetic tone for the day, which was filled with fun and exciting activities.
The morning featured a thrilling water sports game where participants competed in teams, capturing flags and engaging in water balloon fights.
After lunch, the final creative workshops were held, as participants prepared for their final presentations, while others rehearsed for the evening’s HeleneVision show.
HeleneVision featured Eurovision-style performances where each group represented a different country, with the volunteering team winning the competition for their representation of Bulgaria.
The day ended with a celebration around the campfire, where the group also celebrated Marcela’s birthday, enjoying the camaraderie and shared experiences as the camp neared its conclusion.