The 10th kacifántos camp

In early spring 2016, we dreamed big: our children should be able to go to camp too!

That could happen only if we organised the camp ourselves. We had no model to follow, only determination and enthusiasm.

We decided that every kacifántos child would have one child companion and one adult helper at camp. This would keep the daily routine running smoothly and leave more time for playing together.

Because the camp was so new and unusual, we could not advertise it publicly. The non-disabled children and adult helpers came through our personal networks. We deliberately did not look for professionals; we looked for people—people with heart and soul.

The professionals took responsibility for leading the camp.

The camp was new for the parents of the kacifántos children too, as their children had never attended one before. They were the first people we needed to talk it through with.

To ensure that the week would cost families only a symbolic amount, we also had to find supporters.

We succeeded. What appealed to our supporters was precisely the camp's novelty and special character. The principal supporters of the anniversary camp were the Győr Lions Foundation and Crane Charitable Funds.

The first camp brought together seven kacifántos children, seven non-disabled children and seven adult helpers under the guidance of one camp leader.

Year by year, the camp developed and evolved, participant numbers grew, and its supporters changed.

The 10th anniversary camp welcomed 14 kacifántos children, 14 non-disabled children and young people, and 14 adult helpers.

Some of the young people who joined the early camps as playmates have now become adult helpers.

The location changed too. The first camp was held in Győrújbarát, while later camps moved to Győrzámoly, where they found a true home. The municipality has provided the local sports hall free of charge every time. We are grateful to the staff of the local kindergarten kitchen for preparing our lunches.

Every camp was built around a story. Over the years, campers met the Smurfs, John the Valiant, Mowgli, Pom Pom, Vuk, Süsü the Dragon, Snow White, Winnie-the-Pooh and Matthias the Goose-Boy. The 10th camp brought together the themes of the previous nine.

On the final day of the anniversary camp, we held a special closing celebration.

We invited many guests, and we thank everyone for joining us.

We are especially grateful to Member of Parliament Judit Diószegi for honouring us with her presence.

Búza Ildikó (@Búzaszem) volunteered as a photographer at two of the camp's programmes. Thank you very much!

The closing celebration included a film screening, gifts, cake and sparkling wine. There were smiles, and there were tears.

There were kacifántos children and non-disabled children—everyone together, sharing every moment.

That is what these ten years have been about: OUR WORLD IS ONE!