In our nature camp, our campers got to see the many faces of the country's natural values. The first days were spent learning about bird species and wetland features, but there was plenty of adventure left for the second half of the week.

On Thursday we greeted the day by stretching together, and then we were on our way to the Pintér Garden Arboretum in Pécs. Guided by a staff member of the Danube-Drava National Park, we could admire the botanical specialities of the garden, such as protected plant species as the miraculous berries and the highly protected Banáti peony. We then heard about the important markers of the bumblebees, their way of life and their importance, followed by an audiovisual presentation on the natural values of the Mecsek. The programme ended with the making of herbal tea bags.

After a nice quiet break after lunch, we took up again with the different plant species, this time the children could practise plant identification themselves. We ended the day with a game drive under the stars, where we were able to get a glimpse of wildlife at night using thermal cameras.

The next day, after the usual gymnastics and breakfast, we set off again, but this time we headed for Beremend, where the professional hunters of the Bóly Zrt. were waiting for us. During the programme, we were shown various game management equipment, heard about the importance of nature conservation in game management and were given a short demonstration of the busy world of hunting bees, starring Tüske.

In the afternoon, the children were invited to a treasure hunt, where they had to search for the local natural treasures hidden in the yard in teams and with the help of maps. After finding all the hidden treasures, the teams had to identify the species of plants, animals and fungi shown in the pictures using the clue books provided, so that they could later present them to the others. After the treasure hunt, we got ready to roast horn cakes and when the evening came to an end, we sang together around the campfire to say goodbye to a week full of smiles, experiences and new knowledge.

On the last day, after packing up in the morning, the children got in the mood for the closing event, which was attended by two members of our Board of Trustees. At the closing event, the children worked in teams, through games or posters, to present the topics covered during the week; birds and trees, rivers and aquatic life, pollinators and wildflowers, and wildlife and conservation. We then closed the camp with a lunch together and said goodbye to the Forestry Camp, home to so many wonderful memories.

We are grateful to the staff of Bóly Zrt., the Danube-Drava National Park and the Gébics Nature Conservation Association for their help in bringing our campers closer to the natural treasures of Hungary through such a diverse programme. Thank you to the hosts of the Erdőfi Major Guesthouse for welcoming us with kindness and openness!