In the summer of 2025, children from the village of Bácskossuthfalva (Hungarian name for Stara Moravica) were given a unique opportunity to spend their time meaningfully, joyfully, and with spiritual enrichment at a summer camp organized on the grounds of the local Reformed Church — Napsugár Református Óvoda Bácskossuthfalva. This initiative was a true gift to the local families: all activities, games, and meals were completely free thanks to the selfless work of volunteers who devoted their time to the children without compensation.
SRBIJA NEWS – The camp program carried not only entertainment value but also an important spiritual purpose — to bring the little ones closer to faith, introduce them to the basics of Christianity, and help them feel the warmth of the church community.
The camp was built on love and care for the children. Erika Tóth, a preschool teacher, and Lajos Csáti Szabó, the Reformed Church pastor, were the main organizers and inspirers of this summer celebration. Together with their team of helpers, volunteers, and kitchen staff, they created an atmosphere of kindness where children felt comfortable and safe. The majority of the children spoke Hungarian, which helped preserve their cultural and linguistic identity and facilitated natural communication.
The camp’s program was based on the biblical theme “Water Signs.” Inspired by biblical stories about water — a symbol of life, trials, and God’s mercy — it combined spiritual lessons with active games. The children learned to listen to and understand biblical stories through narratives and hymns, and then applied these teachings through practical activities and games. One of the most popular games was the “Parachute” game, which simulated the approach of wind and storm and developed attention, cooperation, and trust among the group members. Pastor Lajos Csáti Szabó emphasized that the camp’s main goal was not merely to entertain children but to help them grow closer to God and strengthen their faith. Through games and creativity, children could experience the living power of Christ — the source of “living water” that nourishes the soul and helps overcome life’s hardships.
The stories highlighted biblical events such as Moses leading the people through the Red Sea and the role of Jesus Christ in the trials of the world. These images helped children understand that faith is a support and that God’s love is always near. In addition to games and stories, children participated in handicraft workshops where they created crafts related to the biblical symbolism of water, fostering their imagination and creativity. Every day, the children learned a new church song, which they later performed at the closing service attended by their parents. The kitchen staff prepared delicious and healthy breakfasts daily, supporting the children’s energy and good mood. For the local community, this camp was not only a summer recreation for the children but also a strengthening of ties between families and the church.
The time spent at the camp filled the children’s hearts with joy and gave parents confidence that their children were growing up in an atmosphere of love and support. The organizers stressed that such events help preserve the traditions and culture of the Hungarian minority in Serbia and serve as a spiritual foundation for future generations.
The 2025 summer camp showed that even a small community united by faith and willingness to help children can organize a rich and meaningful program. Volunteer work, spiritual lessons, creative activities, and fun games helped hundreds of children not only have an enjoyable time but also strengthen their connection to their roots, gain new knowledge, and feel the warmth of the community. This experience inspires further development of similar initiatives, proving that at the heart of any successful project lies genuine love for children and respect for their cultural heritage.
