From August 27 to 29, 2026, the 11th camp for children of Slovenian origin from Bosnia and Herzegovina was organized by the Slovenian Citizens' Association Jožef Špringer Kakanj.
The three-day gathering was held at the Bočica Mountain Lodge, located near Kakanj, at 930 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Zlatar.
The goal of the camping was for children of Slovenian origin from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina to get to know each other over a three-day period, through creative, sports and social workshops, and to create new acquaintances and friendships.
Five students from Banja Luka and Slatina went camping, accompanied by the president of the Association Ivan Memon and member of the Association Ksenija Urdih.
We left Banjaluka at 8 a.m., headed for Slatina, from where we left around 9 a.m. for Kakanj, where we arrived at around 1 p.m.
In Kakanj, we were welcomed by the hosts, the president and members of the association, from where we headed together to the mountain lodge Bočica.
The first day was spent arriving at Bočica, accommodation and getting to know each other. The children became close very quickly, they asked to be placed in one room, and after lunch the first activities already followed.
Divided into teams, which differed in the color of their T-shirts and caps, they entered a competition in making sweet rolls. It must be admitted that they made excellent sweet rolls and the jury had a difficult task to choose the best.
The second day was primarily intended for outdoor activities. Immediately after breakfast, we set off on a short hike to the viewpoint, along a path that led through the forest and clearings, from where we could enjoy a view of the beautiful surroundings. After returning from the walk along the mountain paths, there was lunch, followed by creative workshops and sports competitions. As part of the creative workshops, academic painter from Kakanj Zvonko Ostojić held a painting workshop, followed by puzzle-making. After the sports competitions and social games, we started lighting a campfire. We ended the day by gathering around the barbecue. Chef Izo made sure that no one lacked good kebabs, sausages and other delicacies from the grill.
The last day was marked by the distribution of diplomas, prizes and gifts to the participants for all activities. The good hosts and organizers made an effort to ensure that all participants were rewarded and satisfied in their own way, so that they could take away nice memories from the time spent together at Bočica.
In a good mood, equipped with prizes, gifts and rich lunch packages, we left for Banja Luka around 12:00, arriving around 16:00.
The song of our children accompanied us along the way, sometimes it rained, but we were guided by the safe driving of our president Ivan.
Once again, we would like to thank the good hosts of the Slovenian association Kakanj and the hosts of the mountain lodge Bočica for their excellent hospitality and good organization.
We believe that thanks to the hosts and all participants, the main goal of the 11th camp for children of Slovenian origin from Bosnia and Herzegovina was achieved, that being getting to know each other, socializing, creating new friendships and opening new paths for beautiful events.
Ksenija Urdih
