2023 Texas Diaspora School Camp Report (2023/04/10)

The volunteers devoted their time, strength and knowledge to planning and running the 4-day camp. Keeping safety in mind, the children enjoyed:

• Games which enabled their self-reliance and independence
• Using and enhancing their Hungarian language skills
• A renewed sense of awareness regarding their Hungarian-American national identity

This year, the camp was extended to 4 days to allow more time for study and play. The 21 boys and girls ranged from 6 to 14 years of age. It was a joy to see how the older youths looked after the little ones.

This year’s theme, provided by the Hungarian Scouts Association (HSA), was the age of medieval Hungarian knights. While the HSA wasn’t physically present, the volunteers had plenty of knowledge and experience to make everything meaningful.

The campers were divided into two groups. Each  chose a 'kingdom' for themselves in which they voted to elect a king, queen, servants and knights while participating in a number of projects:

• Designing and painting a coat of arms and a flag for their country,
• Making weapons and costumes for themselves.
• Composing a story to present on Sunday to their parents.
• Learning and practicing organizational skills, diplomacy, and a developing a sense of responsibility.

They also had a chance to exercise and burn calories outdoors with group games.

On the first evening, campers enjoyed singing Hungarian songs by campfire in the shadow of the trees and a Hungarian flag. Thankfully, extinguishing the fire wasn’t difficult as it was taken care of by a torrential rain later in the evening.

The second day’s activities included archery lessons. The kids learned quickly and showed amazing attention and skill. (Even the 6-year-old hit a target, but I didn't!)

The craft activity for the year was embroidery. Who would have believed that boys could compete with girls in this field?  Some boys surprised us with their level of dexterity! The only difficulty encountered was the threading of the needles. Also on the second day, with the coming of Easter ,was egg painting.

The third day was the highlight of the camp. While we continued to work on the embroidery, Mónika Jones (Ringbloom), a folk-dance teacher came and the kids began learning dances for the final performance to occur on Sunday. I found it incredible that she could teach them so many different dances in one day!

Afterwards, the Knights of Houston arrived – Richard Graber and Géza Kelemen. They led the team of kids and adults on a hike where all admired the beauty of nature, animals, and flowers amidst the calm lakes and even a waterfall. 

Other activities for the day included board games which focused on tactical skills. Some learned new ones while others played chess. The day ended again with singing by campfire and roasting s’mores.

The beauty and benefit of this type of camp is the youngsters don’t even realize they are learning vital skills which they will be able to employ now and through adulthood! This is how we create and nurture future leaders and useful members of society.

Sunday morning was filled with excitement as everyone prepared for the day’s activities. Part of it was the anticipation of the parents’ arrival, all of which who beamed with pride as they explored their children's creations, talents, and craftmanship. As far as the final performance, the kings and knights were humorous and the folk-dances received grand ovations!

Réka Táncos, the leader of the camp, had a very long 4 days. She directed the entire program, took care of the kids, guided the support team – all with amazing strength, calmness, and patience.

Pethő Krisztina Robertson, Andi Tell, Anita Tóth, Lana Kerstein, Paul Gelencsér, and I, Éva Beluska, gladly assumed the roles of moms and dads, teachers, and playmates for these few days.

I hope all the kids at the camp have had a beautiful experience that will last a lifetime! We trust they will return to the Texas School Camp again next year!

Please see the attached pictures, bear witness to the events of the four days. 2023 Texasi Diaszpóra Iskola Tábor