Diaspora School Camp 2019

We first heard about the Diaspora School Camps in February 2019, at the Conference of Hungarian Schools Abroad in Budapest. Our school liked the idea so much that a few enthusiastic teachers and volunteers immediately got in touch with the Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris. The association was very open and helpful, so even though we had only five months, the Szent László School of Vancouver managed to organize the camp. We found a suitable venue, a dance teacher, and a cook. We put together the material for five hours of daily sessions at four levels. By May 31, 36 children had signed up. The camp ultimately became international — we were even joined from Seattle. And on July 22, at Camp Kanaka in Maple Ridge, the first Diaspora School Camp ever held in Canada opened its gates, organized by the Szent László Hungarian School.

We spent five very rich days together in great spirits. In Ricsi and Anita we had two capable, proactive, dynamic, well-prepared helpers — we could not have imagined better ones.

The 36 children polished their Hungarian language and literature skills in four groups. To our great joy, we managed to order an atlas for every child. The children browsed them eagerly, getting to know Hungary's geography, counties, and cities. The framing story this year was Ferenc Rákóczi II and his era, so the children — each at their own level, and in a playful way — also got a picture of this period of history.

Most of the five hours of daily learning also took place through play, helped along by drama pedagogy and board games. After the lessons, dance, song, and craft activities coloured the camp's days.

Many thanks to the Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris and to Gábor Szórád for their help in organizing our camp on such short notice. Thanks to the many volunteers — the teachers, the sports and craft session leaders, and everyone working in the background — that we could put all our resources into giving the children the richest, highest-quality week possible at the school camp. As the photo and video montage shows, we succeeded.