The Fauna and Flora Foundation and the Csányi Foundation jointly organized a nature conservation camp in Bárdudvarnok, Somogy County. The team is made up of supported students of the Csányi Foundation from Kaposvár, Mohács, and Nagybajom, external students from schools around Kaposvár, mentors, junior mentors, and a volunteer. On Monday morning, we arrived at the Mag Farm and took possession of the place. Afterwards, we got to know each other through drama games, and we set up the two tents on site. We handed out the gift water bottles and t-shirts. For the rest of the afternoon, Máté Varga, a mentor from Kaposvár and founder of the Hiking Club, invited the camp residents to a quiz about the hydrography of Somogy County. In the early evening hours, everyone found a leisure activity they enjoyed: we played badminton, jumped on the trampoline, did archery, played table tennis, and played football; in addition, the Abalone logic board game was surprisingly popular. They played Concept, which engages associative skills, with equal enthusiasm. In the evening, the camp went to rest along with nature.
On the morning of the second day, Dr. Marcell Molnár, associate professor at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, surprised us with a menagerie. He spoke about responsible pet ownership, as well as the therapeutic power and application of living creatures, which covered the morning so well that we didn’t even notice time flying by. We stroked multi-nippled mice, hooded rats, red-eared sliders, a hedgehog, a boa, and a therapy bunny borrowed from a first-grade elementary school class. One wouldn’t believe how effective such a smart rabbit can be at developing empathy and maintaining focus and discipline. On this morning, we learned what a huge impact animals have and can have on those around them. Any animal can be suitable for helping people’s mental well-being. Our guest speaker also told us about research: for example, how animals are made suitable for this important role and task. The afternoon hike was led by Máté Bá’ in the Zselic forest to the grave of outlaw Pali in Visnyeszéplak. Before departure, the groups were given the task of photographing anything in nature during the hike that was blue, green, white, or brown. Along the way, we gained a lot of useful information about the history of the place and the outlaws. To close the eventful day, the evening was dedicated to conversations, photo editing, and free play.
Throughout the week, a series of interesting and exciting programs still awaits us. Tomorrow we are targeting the Otter Park in Petesmalom, and then we will go dragon boating on the Deseda; we trust that the weather will be kind to us, and the night hike cannot be missed either. In Nagybajom, we will visit a trophy exhibition; in Patca, at the Katica Farm, we hope for carefree fun; and in the evening, around the campfire, we will summarize our experiences, talk about what we learned, and share what each person is taking away with them.
The first stop on Wednesday was the Otter Park in Petesmalom, where besides observing the playful otters, it was a great experience to see the feeding of these animals live. Following this, we were able to gain insight into the wonders of domestic wildlife rescue. We could admire injured birds up close, including a white-tailed eagle. After the natural experiences, our journey led to the popular Katica Farm in Patca, where movement and unbridled joy played the main roles. Alongside intense go-karting, challenging wall climbing, and sliding, the game where we were divided into two opposing sides and fought against each other with guns shooting foam balls was a real team-building experience. Returning to the Mag Farm, the camp calmed down, but the good atmosphere remained. Community-building board games like Azul and Lélekpillangó came out, through which we got to know each other even better.
On the fourth day of the camp, we visited the South Transdanubian Fauna Hunting Association operating in Nagybajom, where we gained a wealth of useful knowledge about nature conservation, the habits of wildlife, and sustainable management. The absolute highlight of the day was the unforgettable off-road adventure when we got to view a set-up game feeding station while riding on the flatbed of a truck. Luckily, we managed to catch a glimpse of a roe deer, and later a small wild boar; we all experienced this rare moment as a huge thrill. During the afternoon, due to unfavorable weather, as part of a flexible program change, we traveled on to Hajmás to the Zselicvölgy Leisure Farm, where various forms of relaxation awaited us. In addition to bowling, we had the opportunity to play basketball, billiards, foosball, and air hockey. To wrap up the day, we explored the Zselic Starry Sky Park and the area around Lake Ropoly as part of a magical night hike, closing this busy day under the starry sky.
On Friday morning, we concluded the week. We organized an exhibition from the photos we took earlier, and then evaluated them together. We made the winning entries an everlasting memory with each other’s signatures, and received our well-deserved rewards: official certificates of remembrance and camp badges.
These few days were not just a series of programs for us, but a truly uplifting journey. We returned home enriched with lots of new experiences, knowledge, and a strengthened sense of community that we will fondly remember for a long time to come.
Nikolett Juhász-Aba and Fruzsina Székelyi