Monday:

Arrival day. On the first day of our camp at Bucin, we met the 14 participating children at the base of the Bogdan ski slope. After saying goodbye to the parents, the luggage went up by off-road vehicle, while we hiked the trail ourselves. Upon arrival, we got to know each other and explored the area. The lodge is in a picturesque setting – we already felt from day one that this would be a week to remember.

Tuesday:

We learned about the world of plants and discovered how to test soil acidity using simple tools. Then we made decorations from salt-dough, giving everyone a chance to be creative. In the afternoon we explored the nearby stream – we splashed, turned over stones, and observed aquatic creatures. It was a fun-filled day, topped off with a delicious ice cream.

The day started with a scenic hike, during which we spotted plants and animal tracks. In the afternoon, we made our own spiced salt and learned the theory behind bird banding – why, how, and for what purpose researchers band birds.

We started the day with bird ringing – we had the chance to see a common redstart and a tree pipit up close, which was a highlight for everyone. In the afternoon, we listened to a fascinating talk about bears: we learned about myths, their behavior, and how Milvus experts monitor them – including through the use of hidden cameras. The children asked lots of questions and even got to closely examine a bear skull. Unfortunately, it rained all day, so the campfire had to be canceled, but that didn’t dampen our spirits – board games and shared laughter more than made up for it.

Friday:

The final day was also full of discoveries: we roamed the surrounding meadows at 1200 meters altitude, observing everything that moved – on land or in water. We saw and held crested newts, yellow-bellied toads, lizards, and grasshoppers. The teams presented their own anthems, flags, and coats of arms, and even created a shared story – a fitting end to a week full of adventure!