Volunteer camp of Calasanz Movement with gypsy children at Sátoraljaújhely, Hungary

Between 15-21st of July, 2024, Calasanz Movement’s volunteer camp took place in the Piarist Highschool residency of Sátoraljaújhely and in the primary school of Mikóháza. The camp was an opportunity for children living in extreme poverty and mostly metropolitian young people from 11th-12th grades, university students to meet each other.

Volunteers started the week with preparing both spiritually and mentally with joint prayers and having discussions on what is waiting for them throughout the week. The prepared activities for the children included games, sports activities, Bibliodrama and storytelling. These exercises also helped to develop confidental relationships between the little ones and the volunteers.

Workshops and board games also gave the children the opportunity to show and develop their creativity and resourcefulness. Sports activities, such as the football cup in the slum, were also very popular. The time spent together not only entertained the children, but also fostered a sense of community spirit.

On the last full day of the camp, the participants went on a small train trip to Pálháza and Rostalló, where the children learned about the local wildlife and different handicraft techniques. They ended the week together with ice cream and prayer, a fitting end to a week full of experiences.

The programme concluded on Saturday with evaluation and reflection, followed by a personal sharing. We look back with deep gratitude on this week that helped our worlds to come together: to experience that we are all on God’s train on the tracks of life and together we want to continue to build His Kingdom.

Photo by Bence Berky