The main purpose of the week-long camp is to nurture the affection toward Slovenia and the Slovenian language as well as enable youngsters, mostly aged 10 to 16, to explore the beauty of the Soča Valley as well as enjoy swimming in the Soča and Nadiža rivers. The accommodation is provided by the Kavka Centre for Curricular and Extracurricular Activities. The young are divided into three groups but have the opportunity to make friends with everyone.

“My name is Stella and I’m 16 years old. I speak English and a little Slovenian,” explains a lovely young lady from Great Britain. Others come from Australia, Canada, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria and Germany. 11-year-old David moved to the latter when he was four: “I live in Germany now and I’m here to improve my Slovenian.”

“It’s a wonderful feeling when they start speaking in Slovenian. Of course, the main potential to learn the language comes from their parents,” emphasizes project leader Luka Klopčič. Marcel is an example of this – he’s lived in Belgium since he the age of one: “At home I speak Slovenian with my parents and my younger sister, which is why I’m fluent in it.”

And what do they like the most about the Soča Valley? “Well, the Soča River. It’s very warm now and they’ve gone for a swim, it’s really great,” explains animator Igor from Serbia with a smile on this face. The youngsters will conclude the sightseeing and swimming camp on Saturday.

Mariša Bizjak, Radio Koper; translated by K. Z.