The groups from Jászberény, Pécs, and Mohács arrived in Kőszeg. The next day, hiking took center stage; the team boarded a bus early in the morning and headed for the mountains. After leaving the bus, we explored the Kőszeg Mountains on foot. With the help of our tour guides, we learned about a multitude of new plant and animal species, and at the end of our walk, we took a break at the famous Seven Springs (Hétforrás). The unique feature of the spring is that it was named after the seven chieftains, and according to folk belief, whoever drinks from all seven of its branches will have a fortunate life.
After the hike, we headed towards our accommodation, where Benjámin Tomity, a wildlife management engineering student and a supported talent of the Foundation from Pécs, gave a presentation to the children about the secrets of hunting. Following this unique presentation, we went on a city walk, during which we explored the downtown area and could also view it from a bird’s-eye perspective. We learned about the history of Kőszeg and its related landmarks, and then, returning to the accommodation, we closed the day with football and volleyball.
The next day, we visited Tömörd, where we got to know the birdlife of the area up close and could see the process of bird ringing. We took the little birds out of the mist nets, could hold them in our hands, and then released them. Following this, walking through the meadow, we discovered the local plants and shared our gathered knowledge with the other half of the team. During the afternoon, the junior mentors held small-group language classes related to our environment, and in the evening hours, relaxation and playful sports activities came to the forefront.
On Wednesday, we performed unique experiments: we extracted DNA from bananas and examined stone crayfish. This was followed by language sessions again, and then came the evening sports and relaxation.
On Thursday, the biggest challenge of the week arrived: the Írott-kő hike. We stopped several times on the steep inclines, as most of us were not used to this kind of walking, but the view made up for it for everyone. Located at 884 meters, Írottkő was built in 1913 and is the highest point of the Kőszeg Mountains, as well as Transdanubia and Burgenland. The lookout tower built on the mountain peak lies in the territory of two countries at once, on the border of Austria and Hungary. We were pleasantly tired by the end of the day, so there was only time left for a short language class in the afternoon, during which we reviewed what we had learned during the week.
On Friday, after a whole week of studying, hiking, and exploring, we could unwind at the Sárvár spa and adventure bath. In the intense heat, it felt great to be in the water all day, going on slides and playing beach volleyball. We closed the evening by presenting our weekly language projects and holding a “KiMitTud” talent show, which, as usual, was spent in a great atmosphere.
On Saturday, we closed a meaningful and excitement-filled camp; only the long journey home remained.
“This camp was very enjoyable and eventful. It was a joy to get to know the town of Kőszeg and its past. The town is full of unique historical values and sights. I can’t leave out the hikes either, as walking up into the mountains on our way to Írottkő was a pleasure too. Although we got a bit tired on the way, it was worth it because the view of the Alps and the surroundings of Kőszeg was beautiful. When we got back to the dormitory, the rest and a bit of evening volleyball felt good. On Friday, as a closing to the camp, it was nice to unwind a bit at the Sárvár bath. After swimming, a little ‘Ki Mit Tud?’ followed, which featured plenty of poems, dance performances, and music.” – Luca Anna Tóth, Jászság 2
“Personally, I liked the Kőszeg camp very much. I enjoyed the bird ringing, the biology class, and of course, being close to nature the most. It was great to see the people again whom we hadn’t met in a long time, and it filled me with so much happiness that we could see Blanka too, after almost 3 years. It was great to have good conversations with the junior mentors this week as well, and the English classes were always playful—Activity, ‘sarkos’ (four corners), and music lyrics recognition. The ‘KiMitTud?’ talent show was spent in a great atmosphere this year too. The ‘Viharsarok’, the ‘Döndi Duó’, the music performance by Emi, Máté, Eszter, and Adél, the well-accustomed J2 group performance, and the prose monastery with me and Kira. Although I hadn’t originally planned to participate in the talent show, I enjoyed it very much. Originally, I would have performed with a poem, but then came the idea to perform a ‘prose’ piece with Kira that I had written. Both writing and performing it was an unforgettable experience, and of course, hearing that we came in absolute first was even better. I also really enjoyed the hikes because to me, it felt as if I had dropped right into a nature documentary, and the teachers also shared a lot of interesting details regarding plants, insects, mammals, and birds. The sightseeing and the evening sports were enjoyable as well. What surprised me in Kőszeg was the honor system box, because to be honest, I had never seen anything like it in my life, but of course, I took the opportunity and bought a crocheted rose. Thank you to the Csányi Foundation for this camp, I hope Balatonszemes will be just as good!” – Dóra Kecskés, Jászság 2
More pictures in the Gallery!
