SUMMER CAMPS IN ROMANIA SINCE 2013

In today's pressure-oriented society, camp provides a non-threatening environment for youth to be active, to develop competence in life skills, to learn about and enhance their own abilities and to benefit from meaningful participation in a community designed just for them.  This is why Children's International has been organizing youth from abroad to go to camps in Romania since 2013!

Develops Lifelong Skills: Youth learn how to work on a team, communicate with other children and solve problems on their own.   A child will develop leadership, stronger communication skills when dividing up chores in an overnight camp. (S)He will build important decision-making skills as they face challenges and overcome obstacles while trying new activities.   

Promotes Independence : At camp, a child experiences time away from a parent.  Kids learn to become more self-reliant as they explore their interests and discover their strengths and weaknesses.  Independence is vital to becoming a self-sufficient adult and helps boost a child's self-esteem.  

Teaches Teamwork: Teamwork matters because it helps develop communication skills, emotional intelligence and leadership skills.   An understanding of teamwork helps a child realize working with others is sometimes the most efficient way to get things done. They will value teamwork as a solution, rather than think they need to handle tasks on their own. As a result, children will grow up with an eagerness to be active members of their community.  

Teaches Resiliency: Resiliency is an essential life skill because to be resilient means to get up and push forward after an inevitable setback.   Camp provides the opportunity for children to face many challenges and to practice overcoming challenges.  Camp teaches the value of effort and helps kids believe in themselves as they overcome challenges with determination, patience and a drive to succeed. Learning new hobbies also teaches positive outlets to cope with life struggles, and kids will build a strong support system of camping buddies to help them leap over obstacles.   

Provides Fun Screen-Free Activities: Kids and adults are spending too much time in front of a screen.  Too much media time reduces time spent sleeping and reading, and may have a negative impact on performance in school.  Camp helps children connect to the joy of life beyond the screen. In all our camp programs, children will have endless opportunities to engage their minds in ways they'll enjoy.   Regardless of what your child's interests are, they will learn and socially interact in a healthy real-world setting at summer camp. Time away from the screen is vital to a child's brain, body, spirit and future, and could benefit us all.  

Encourages a Connection with Nature: Speaking of time away from technology, kids also need nature in their lives.   Nature stimulates all the senses. When a child is outdoors, (s)he gets to see, touch, hear, smell and sometimes even taste nature. Sensory development makes life richer, fuller and all-around more pleasurable. Too much time indoors can dull the senses and deprive children of the simple pleasures in life.   Most importantly, outdoor time encourages movement, which is vital for physical, mental and emotional health. Outside, children are free to run, skip, jump, climb, laugh and breathe the fresh air. 

Fosters Growth: One of the biggest benefits of summer camp is it takes children out of their comfort zone and pushes them to try new things, as well as explore their already established interests. They will grow as they develop their skills doing their favorite activities, and they will develop new skills as they try activities they have never tried before.   They will leave camp with a stronger sense of identity and a better idea of what they love, which may help them choose a career path in the future.  

Builds Self-Esteem At summer camp, children have the opportunity to achieve, whether that be to catch a fish or to paint their first painting in a less competitive environment than school. Achievement is the main ingredient in self-esteem.   Self-esteem is important for children and adults because we make decisions in life based on how we see ourselves. We choose our careers, relationships and make other important decisions heavily influenced by our self-esteem. Children learn self-esteem through taking action and earning results, and by contributing to their community. They learn to value themselves as a result of hard work and achievement.  

Supports Healthy Living kids swimming Camp programs encourage healthy eating and physical activity. At camp, kids have the opportunity to participate in all kinds of fun physical activities at any skill level. All children will have the opportunity to participate in physical activity, no matter what camp they choose.  Physical activity is crucial for heart health and maintaining a healthy weight, and it boosts confidence and helps manage stress. It is important to teach the necessity of physical activity when children are young so they can carry exercise habits into adulthood.   In general, kids rely on fun, activities, learning and socializing to relieve stress at camp, rather than engaging in less healthy activities.  

Nurtures Friendships: Kids get to meet other children with similar interests in a relaxed setting at camp. They also get to meet new friends with different backgrounds. Children bond over their camp experience, the challenges they face together and the fun they have free of pressure and media distraction to build genuine friendships that last.  

Teaches Kids to Respect Differences In summer camp, children will learn to work with other children to accomplish common goals, whether that be to build a shelter or win a baseball game. They will learn to accept not everyone has the same perspective or beliefs they do. They will also learn that to accomplish a goal with others, or to live and play in harmony, they must respect and work with differences.   Also, summer camp creates an environment that encourages respect and consideration for others. Children get praise for including others and behaving respectfully.   

Keeps Kids Intellectually Engaged Over the summer, kids might become sluggish without the intellectual stimulation of school, but camp provides mental stimulation in fun ways children can enjoy. Kids get the chance to participate in activities that interest them, and some programs include time for reading.   

Gives Children a Sense of Purpose:

Children will feel a greater connection to their community through camp activities like singing, dancing or playing sports. As a result, kids grow up to value community and may feel more inclined to make a positive impact on the world around them. A greater sense of community teaches a child they can make a difference that matters. Also, community involvement gives children a sense of belonging. Belonging combats loneliness and improves overall well-being for us all. 

Romania is home to breathtaking nature. Due to its varied landscape, Romania is the most biogeographically diverse country in the European Union. With snow-capped mountains, green hills covered in forests and vineyards, sandy Black Sea beaches and Europe's largest and best-preserved delta, Romania has something for everyone.

It’s home to breathtaking nature. Due to its varied landscape, Romania is the most biogeographically diverse country in the European Union. With snow-capped mountains, green hills covered in forests and vineyards, sandy Black Sea beaches and Europe’s largest and best-preserved delta, Romania has something for everyone.  

The wildlife is spectacular Romania is one of the best places in Europe to go wildlife watching. Home to the largest population of brown bears in the EU, its forests are also a prime habitat for lynx, wolves, deer, chamois, badgers and more. 

The Danube Delta – the ultimate birdwatcher’s paradise – and the bison reservations are a must-visit for any wildlife lover.  Hiking here is a point of pride There’s no better way to discover theCarpathian mountains than through hikes. You have  beginners’ walk on the saddle of the mountain or an advanced hike, 

Natural wonders are par for the course Romania is home to Scărișoara Glacier, Europe’s second biggest underground glacier, the Berca mud volcanoes, Bigăr waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the continent, the living fires of Buzău and Turda salt mine, home to the only underground amusement park in the world. 

History is everywhere Romania has been inhabited since prehistoric times – the 34,950-year-old human remains found in Caraș-Severin in 2002 are among the oldest ever found in Europe. In modern times, the country’s history was shaped by major ideologies and conflicts that swept through Europe, leaving behind a unique mix of collective experiences and values.  There’s some seriously stunning architecture Romania is full of architectural treasures. 

The food is mouth-watering Romanian cuisine is built around hearty, high calorie dishes designed to be the ultimate comfort food. With a strong focus on taste and quality of ingredients, it will win you over with its unfussy, unmistakably homemade feel.  

There are thrilling festivals aplenty Festivals are the liveliest and most exciting side of Romanian culture. From local festivals that gather the whole village in celebration of a local flower or fruit, to electronic music and music festivals and week-long classical music celebrations, Romania will surprise you with the variety of its culture.  

The World Heritage Sites are awe-inspiring Romania is home to no less than eight World Heritage Sites just waiting to be explored: the painted churches of Moldavia, the Dacian fortresses of the Orăştie Mountains, the historic centre of Sighișoara, the Danube Delta, the Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and other regions of Europe (shared), the Monastery of Horezu, the Villages with fortified churches in Transylvania and the Wooden Churches of Maramureș.  

Legends and customs are part of everyday life In Romania, legends and customs are still alive and occupy a significant part of Romanians’ lives, particularly around religious feasts. Nearly everyone will receive caroller at Christmas, paint eggs red and knock them on Easter and smear their door and window sills with garlic on St. Andrew to keep the evil spirits at bay.  

Folk culture is still going strong Romanian folk culture has experienced a revival in recent years and is constantly being rediscovered and reinterpreted by local designers and craftsmen. In particular, the traditional Romanian blouse, ie, is worn by women of all ages and celebrated via an annual festival organised by a local NGO. 

It’s good value for money You will make more of your dollar or euro in Romania, a country constantly rated among the cheapest destinations in Europe – perfect for budget travellers and those wanting to make the most of their time away.

As of 2022, Children's International has partnered with ROMANIAN UNITED FUND to implement the summer camp programs. 

https://www.romanianunitedfund.org/rediscover_romania_2022 

TASULEASA SOCIAL

Age: 12-18 year olds

Dates: July 2nd - 9th, 2022  

Location: Tasuleasa Social, Muntele Tasuleasa (Bistrita, Pasul Tihuta), Romania  

Camp cost: $50/day (does not include transportation)  

Links Parent Whatsapp group:https://chat.whatsapp.com/CrfraeLNjkR0pJTeggVLjN     

CAMP DESCRIPTION: Tășuleasa Social involves volunteering, respect for nature, education through examples, and civic courage. For 21 years, the association has been leading projects meant to pass these values to youngsters. The focus is on  concept of “Ro-connecting” with the purpose of facilitating the connection or reconnection between youngsters and Romania’s nature, culture, and social life reality. This is based on 4 areas of interest.  1. We learn about nature  Children and young adults learn about nature in the Pedagogical Forest. It is one of the most loved projects that Tășuleasa Social has ever made. It is a unique project both in Romania and Eastern Europe. Here, young people learn interactively, with the help of no less than 29 elements, about the relationship between people and nature, the circuit of water in nature, the society of trees, and many more. The activities in the Pedagogical Forest are held by Tășu volunteers, so the interaction between youngsters is maximum. Besides learning about nature, games and team-building specific activities are held in the Pedagogical Forest, with the aim of improving communication and teamwork.  2. Volunteering: an essential part of our life  We consider that volunteering is something that each and everyone should do at a point in their life. It is also one of the values that we have been promoting for 21 years. So, during camp days, the participants will take part in volunteering activities (extending the Pedagogical Forest, building a road, maintenance activities, greenings, and trail maintenance) both in the Tășuleasa Social campus and on the Via Transilvanica Trail.  3. Via Transilvanica: diversity and charm  Via Transilvanica is our largest and largest project to date. The route covers 1,400 km and passes through all the cultural, historical, and natural areas of Transylvania. To encourage people to set off, we built a “try-on” route. It is a 42 km circuit that starts and returns to the Tășuleasa Social campus. Although it is significantly shorter, it is no less impressive than its older sister trail. We propose hikes on this route to let the participants get a little taste of a long-distance trail (we do not exclude hiking other parts of the trail). At the same time, the circuit passes through villages and mountain villages, places where people live according to old traditions and customs. Thus, young people can also experience the reality of the rural social life in Romania.  4. Opening towards culture  Last but not least, the opportunity to get closer to another culture is an important step in the development of a young person. Therefore, we have in mind a Romanian cultural program at the end of each camp day. Movies, literature, and music are just some of the topics that will be addressed and then debated. 

ORGANIZATION:  • We work the best with groups of 24 people.  • The age groups we work with are 12-15 years old and 15-18 years old.  • The group can be comprised of a single age group or it can be a mixed one, 12 of the children being 12-15 and the others 15-18.  • The group can have both Romanian-American children and their American friends, who are more than welcomed if interested. 

FACILITIES:  • The Tășuleasa Social campus  • Accommodation in 2 mountain cottages with 12 beds each; each cottage has its own bathroom  • A sanitary house ( 3 showers - one for disabled people; 3 toilets; washing machines; clothes dryer)  • A 60 seat dining room; it can also be used as a meeting room or for indoor activities  • A stage  • The Pedagogical Forest  • 2 Toyota Landcruiser SUVs & 1 UTV ( dune buggy)  • The materials and logistic support for specific workshops  We have a crew of 10 English speaking volunteers and we promise you lots of fun and unforgettable moments.        

CAMP VIATA-NOI ORIZONTURI

Age: 5-11 yr olds, 

Dates: July 2-9 2022,

Location: Straja, Hunedoara

OR 

Age: 5-18 yr olds, 

Dates: July 9-16, 2022 

Parents Whatsapp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LdXEYH8yivlGRpHqqFmfco  

CAMP IDEOLOGY  Adventure for a living. We help young people to become responsible, trustworthy, honest and persevering citizens, able to contribute to their own development and the common good.  https://www.noi-orizonturi.ro/tineri/tabara-viata/  

TRANSPORTATION: camp can organize bus transportation for location in Romania of our choice for extra cost .

PRICE:  $400 per child per week.  

HOUSING: in small hotel setting; same sex 2-4 children in one room each room has its own bathroom  Alpine housing  https://www.alpinstraja.ro/   One adult sleeps on same floor.  

FOOD: three meals a day cooked on premises  lunch is always a bagged lunch.     

NOTES: please advise them of any allergies  snacks between meals  

SLEEP  HOURS: 8 am wake up; 9:30pm sleep  if tired is tired can go to bed earlier.  

ELECTRONICS: 1 hour at diner between 7-8 pm; can call parents at this time  

GROUPS: 10-15 kids per group, per age with 3-4 instructors per group groups based on age, distinction of capability and experience--not based on age.  

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Romanian mostly, but English is known.  

DOCUMENTS:  Forms to complete: Child vaccine history (will be available soon) Everyone will email them to me and I will send one email to camp boys ad girls mixed for activities.

COVID: All camp workers are vaccinated and tested  MASKS: no masks are required to he worn by kids or by camp workers.