Educational Summer Camp in Nova Vas near Brtonigla: Learning about Squirrels through Play and Creativity

On July 11, 2024, a summer camp for children was held in the forest near Nova Vas, close to Brtonigla, organized by "Forest Colors - Il Bosco Colorato," led by the talented Elsa Eliv, also known as Elsa Demark Mazalović. This young woman successfully combines her profession as an educator with her passion for art, teaching children about the love for nature and art through creative games and workshops.

Inspired by her time in the artistic environment of Grožnjan, where she exhibited her own work, Elsa creates magical activities for children using the harmony of colors and shapes found in nature. Her passion for art has become an integral part of her daily life, and through her workshops and camps, Elsa offers children the freedom to express themselves, encouraging their creativity and self-confidence.

As part of the summer camp, the "Harmony Health Center" Association was invited to give an educational lecture about squirrels. The lecture took place in the forest near Nova Vas and was attended by 23 children of school and preschool age. The children listened attentively for over an hour, learning about different species of squirrels worldwide, in Europe, and in Croatia, how to treat squirrels, and what to do if they find a baby or injured squirrel. The lecture, rich with pictures, descriptions, questions, and answers, was delivered by Conny Petö Đeneš, with technical support from Dražen Požarić of the Harmony Health Center Association. When the topic is interesting, it's easy to keep children's attention, even for over an hour!

The children had the opportunity to guess what squirrels eat using various cloth bags containing hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, apples, and green pine cones. After the educational part, the children played in the forest, and Elsa Eliv helped the school children make several squirrel houses. These houses will be placed in the forest, with one being donated to the squirrels of Poreč.

This event was an exceptionally beautiful experience of collaboration, and we look forward to further cooperation in the fall. We are always happy to spread educational information about squirrels and thank Elsa and educator Nora for their attention and invitation to participate, as well as the children for their efforts in making the squirrel houses.