The camp “Daugava stories – 2023” has ended in Ogre.
On August 4, the fifth camp “Daugava stories” concluded with a colorful and varied exhibition, Lego robotics demonstrations and a concert. The camp was arranged by Ogres association Development and Innovation Learning Center and the head of the camp, Ilze Atardo, who currently lives in Italy.
For a whole week, the premises of the Ogre Technical School were filled with children’s laughter and fun activities. Participants came from seven different European countries – Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Switzerland, Croatia, Germany … and Latvia!
The event was financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the Latvian state budget funds allocated by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia. The camp was supported by the municipality of Rēzekne region, Fazer Latvija, SIA “MGH”.
The project was arranged by the Development and Innovation Learning Center. Collaboration partners: ALISI – the Italian and Italian Swiss Latvian society, Latvian friends group in Athens, the Spanish society “LeLat”, the Latvian culture society “Saime” in Stuttgart.
This year From July 30 to August 4, 33 participants aged from 6 to 15 took part in the long-awaited and exciting event, during which they improved their knowledge of the Latvian language, got to know the Ogre County and Riga, learned new skills and abilities, and also learned to be independent as well as gained new friends.
The first day was spent getting to know each other as well as the territory of the camp. To help accomplish this the participants of the camp engaged in a photo orienteering task, where they were organized into teams and had to work together to complete said task.
Monday began with a combination of modern technology and tradition. Participants created drawings of Latvian folk symbols, which were later turned into magnets and charms with a 3D printer. Our technical knowledge and building skills were tested in the LEGO robot workshop, and at the same time, there was also an opportunity to make bracelets for yourself in the leather workshop.
In the afternoon, we went to the Blue Mountains of Ogre, where an orienteering competition took place. Before going off on their adventure the participants had to choose their route on the map to try to collect as many points as possible within 2 hours.
In the evening a diverse talent competition took place. There were dance demonstrations, songs and violins were played, card tricks and complex sports elements were demonstrated.
On Tuesday we went on a trip by train to Riga. From the station, we walked through Old Riga, across the Stone Bridge to the National Library of Latvia.
In the library, accompanied by a guide from the “LaPa” museum, we visited the exhibition “Wear Latvia! Latvian folk costumes in the world”. We also stopped at an exhibition about the history of books in Latvia, where we could familiarize ourselves with the development of the book industry.
Next, the road back to Old Riga, where we visited historically significant objects. At the foot of the Freedom Monument we again watched the change of the guard of honor and took a group photo of the participants.
In the afternoon, intensive work took place in the creative workshops. The evening arrived without noticing and the best end of the evening is the movie night. We decided to watch the inspiring historical event movie “Dream Team” about the historic victory of the Latvian basketball players in the first European Championship in Switzerland in 1935.
Wednesday morning was spent getting to know Ogre. We went to the Ogre Museum and saw the exhibition “Pietura Ogre” (Bus stop Ogre) about the ancient history of the town. While one group is in the museum, others practice Latvian games in the beautiful pedestrian street of Ogre.
After visiting the museum, the workshops continued. This time in design and animation workshops. Various ornaments were made, as well as animations on various topics.
After lunch half of the participants returned to the workshops, while the others went on an adventure filled walk along the Ogre Giants Trail. In the evening, we managed to organize a fun hairstyle and outfit contest, where everyone could express themselves creatively with fun hairdos and matching outfits.
Creative workshops continue on Thursday – those we have been working in all week and brand new ones! Participants demonstrate their artistic talents in textile painting workshops, make leather bracelets and create decorations from natural materials, dance, sing songs and play instruments. All variations of homemade robots are tested in sumo fights, their programs and technical parameters are improved, so that everything can be shown to parents as best as possible at the final event.
And then the most anticipated event in every camp is finally here – the night track. Shortly before midnight, the participants are divided into 5 mixed teams and go around the Ogre Lake. Checkpoints are visited on the track, which test not only team cohesion, but also their knowledge and the ability to trust and collaborate with each other.
Friday – the last day of the camp has arrived. Everyone is still in a hurry to finish their unfinished works, the concert program is being clarified and the last rehearsals for dance steps and song lyrics are taking place.
At the exhibition, leather bracelets, natural tapestries and gorgeously painted bags with Latvian signs and symbols, as well as creative original designs made in the design workshops led by Līga Vēžiņas are displayed for the audience’s evaluation.
The 3D printed charms and magnets that everyone will take home with them were made in the 3D workshops, where Audris Vītoliņš and Ada Vītoliņa introduced the children to the possibilities of 3D printing.
On computers, everyone can watch short films with LEGO characters made in the animation workshop, led by animator Maija Marija Ozola.
The greatest interest is caused by the results of the LEGO robotics workshop – a track created by the youngest participants with various objects, around which larger and smaller robots move under the guidance of skillful hands, as well as sumo fighting arenas, where you can see much bigger and stronger robots compete for victory in fierce battles. Thank you to workshop leader Nora Meire for this opportunity!
After viewing the exhibition, participants and guests gather in the yard near the flags for the closing event. At the concert, songs are played, dance steps flow smoothly, live music is played, in which both participants and volunteers from Ogre take part. Guests are also involved in the games. All participants receive recognition for their work, a commemorative group photo and a SIA “Fazer Latvija” sweet prize.
The event ends with a nice party with Latvian food, fruit and ice cream.
Smiles, hugs, exchanging addresses and wanting to meet again in Daugava stories… The fifth anniversary camp ended with new friends, knowledge and experience for both big and small.
We would like to thank the financiers and collaboration partners of the camp, Ilze Atardo, the head of the camp, teachers Nora Meire, Ieva Pekša – Contreras, Una Selīna Muižniece and Līga Vējiņa, as well as Ieva Vītoliņa, the project manager. Thank you for the support to the many volunteers who helped make Daugavas stories remain wonderful and fulfilling in the memories of every participant this year!
See you in the next Daugavas stories!
