This summer, the YMCA Starý Plzenec has hosted two remarkable camps, “Adventure Under Sail” and “Harry Potter Camp,” bringing together children from both the Czech Republic and Ukraine. These camps were designed not only to foster joy and connection through play and creativity but also to support English learning in a natural and immersive way, with most activities being bilingual (Czech and English).
“Adventure Under Sail” – July 1st to 4th at Orlík Dam
The “Adventure Under Sail” camp kicked off with a delicious pizzeria lunch and a visit to the Orlík aquarium, followed by a relaxing stroll through the castle park. The group then boarded a steamboat to the Podskalí campsite. After settling into their cabins, the children embarked on their first sailing adventure on three boats: Captain Ron, Korkorán, and Sea Devil. The day concluded with swimming and a cozy lakeside barbecue.
The second day involved a longer journey across the lake to the Trhovky campsite, filled with calm and joyful sailing. Upon arrival, the kids cooled off with a swim and enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon saw everyone enthusiastically trying paddleboarding, many for the first time. The day was rounded off with ice cream, laughter, and more bonding time around the evening grill.
On the third day, the children began to learn real sailing skills, practicing raising sails, steering boats, and utilizing the wind. Their quick learning and mutual encouragement were inspiring. Later, the group focused on fishing, showing great excitement. A calm return to camp was followed by more swimming and quiet moments to enjoy the surroundings.
The final day brought great success in fishing, with two large asp fish, each around 60 cm, caught to the thrill of the entire group. Everyone admired the catch before a final swim. It was then time to pack up, bid farewell to the boats, and head home, full of cherished memories, new friendships, and a little more sun in their hearts.
“Harry Potter Camp” – July 7th to 11th in Starý Plzenec
The “Harry Potter Camp” began each day with movement and music, featuring warm-up and dance sessions to songs inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter. Throughout the week, children will engage in team games, creative workshops, and sports activities, all linked to the story’s universe.
On the very first day, children received their letters from Hogwarts and officially began their journey as young witches and wizards. The Sorting Hat placed them into the four Hogwarts houses, where they will earn points for their teams by demonstrating helpfulness, creativity, bravery, and fairness throughout the week.
Together, they established a set of camp rules, learning that breaking them could lead to house points being deducted, a fun and engaging way to build shared responsibility. Later, they ventured into the forest on a quest to find their own magic wands. After lunch, the children personalized and decorated their wands, transforming natural branches into unique magical tools.
To conclude the day, a short excerpt from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was watched to set the mood, and the children began writing a script for their very own theatre play based on the story. Their imagination and enthusiasm are already shining, promising more magic to come.
It is worth mentioning that YMCA in the Czech Republic is preparing two more sessions of Camps within Camp Europe 2025.
Written by Kristina Volkova, YMCA Starý Plzenec
