The fifth HSM summer camp for gifted children held

Another HSM Summer Camp for Gifted Children has come to an end – the fifth one so far. This year, we organized the camp in partnership with the Vjetar u leđa Association, in the beautiful surroundings of Dedina Sjenica in Borčec.

The week flew by through a wide variety of activities, during which the children became artists, musicians, firefighters and journalists. They learned improvisation techniques, explored space, developed critical thinking skills and gained practical skills for navigating and surviving in nature.

THE BIGGEST CHANGE

The biggest new change of this year’s camp was our partnership with the Vjetar u leđa Association, which has been successfully running programs for gifted children since 2012 and currently has 250 members.

WHAT DID WE GET UP TO?

Monday – In Someone Else’s Shoes – Become an Artist
Workshop leader: Lana Jugović

The children took part in a series of creative activities designed to spark their imagination, visual thinking and expression through various art techniques. Special emphasis was placed on developing creative thinking, independent expression and cooperation among the children.

Tuesday – The Mystery of the Empty Earth
Workshop leader: Bojan Branisavljević (Vjetar u leđa Association)

The children were introduced to the concepts of space-time relativity, space colonization and cloning. Through a simulated base-building activity, they explored questions of survival, the impact of humans on the environment and the importance of preserving life on our planet.

Wednesday – Let’s Improvise!
Workshop leader: Lucija Stanojević (violinist and drama educator)

The day was dedicated to art and improvisation. The children learned how to navigate creative situations, discovered different musical instruments, played their own “Bodyphones” – using their bodies as musical instruments and enjoyed a group jam session.

Thursday – Firefighting Drill and Communication Exercise
Workshop leaders: Vrapče Volunteer Fire Department and Ivan Klarić

Firefighters from the Vrapče Volunteer Fire Department visited the children at the camp and introduced them to their fire engine and equipment. Each child had the opportunity to try out breathing apparatus, wear firefighting equipment and take part in practical exercises, including setting up a hose line with two water jets for firefighting. The most entertaining part was aiming at a target with water from a fire hose, which brought plenty of laughter and excitement among the young participants.

The second part of the day was dedicated to a communication exercise, during which the children stepped into the role of young journalists and participated in a simulated press conference. Through play and hands-on experience, they developed teamwork, communication skills and self-confidence.

Friday – Outdoor Workshop: Orientation and Adventure
Workshop leaders: Sandra and Aleksandar Brborović (Na putu prema gore Association)

The children first received real maps and reviewed the planned route together with the workshop leaders. They then set off on an orienteering hike along the trails of Borčec towards the Glavica Mountain Hut. Through games and practical activities, they learned about essential hiking equipment and the basics of surviving in nature. We finished the day with a tug-of-war, the perfect ending to a day full of learning and fun.

We would like to thank everyone, especially our little geniuses, as well as the educators, volunteers and everyone who supported us. Their energy, openness and enthusiasm continuously inspired us throughout the entire week. Every idea, every smile and every moment we shared left its mark and reminded us how important it is to invest in the creativity and curiosity of new generations.

We are already looking forward to next summer with great excitement and planning new challenges and experiences that we will share together.

See you in 2027!