¡Viva México! camp as the last hurrah of summer break
The last week in August is traditionally reserved for Children’s Week in Ptuj. The Mexican-themed adventurers and pathfinders camp welcomed more than 40 children this year, the majority of them from non-Adventist families.
Ptuj, the oldest recorded city in Slovenia, situated in the northeastern part of the country, 130 kilometres from the capital city Ljubljana, hosted the camp organized by Pathfinders club Slovenia and ADRA Slovenia.
The main theme of the camp, held in the courtyard of the SDA church in Ptuj, was Mexico. The church premises transformed, having ponchos, sombreros, cactuses, flags, maracas and other items, donated by Adventists all around Slovenia and even Mexico.
Through sports, arts, educational and creative activities and devotionals, children aged 4 to 17 have learned about Mexican culture, music, instruments, traditions, Spanish language, food, animals and plants achieving also adventurer awards and pathfinder honours. Through interactive devotionals, they learned about God.
During the camp, they had Spanish language lessons, learned the language and songs, and created traditional food like corn soup, tortillas, palletas. They made piñatas, papel picados, and sombreros, and potted cactuses.
The campers wore up to the sounds of Mexican music and got to bed after singing sessions by the campfire. During the night, they were guarding the flags and successfully survived a few “attacks”. Night orientation, bike trip and visit to the thermal pool were also on the busy camp agenda.
The camp concluded with a final fiesta, where parents, friends and neighbours were invited. The camp was the last summer activity before school started in September.
Children and youth are able to attend the camp free of charge. Pathfinders, ADRA Slovenia and SDA Church Ptuj finance the camp so that every child, regardless of their socio-economical background can spend a few days in a healthy and enriching environment, learning about themselves, others and God.
