From 23 to 27 June 2025, the Transylvania Trust Foundation organised for the fourth time the educational children’s camp titled “Heritage Under the Magnifying Glass” at Bánffy Castle in Bonțida. The aim of the programme was to help children discover built and natural heritage in a playful way, while exploring various fields of science and traditional crafts.

Throughout the week, the children enjoyed a wide range of engaging activities. The Kubuk team led team-building and group games to help them get to know each other, while Szabó Linda Zsazsa’s craft workshop gave the more adventurous children the chance to create their own macramé flower holders. Alongside the castle discovery tours and treasure hunts coordinated by the Transylvania Trust Foundation, the children also explored to the world of science: they tried interactive chemistry experiments provided by the Interdisciplinary Bio-Nano Science Institute of Babeș–Bolyai University, and joined the STEAM activities of the Spektrum Educational Center, which combined arts, history, literature and mathematics. Working in teams, they created original stop-motion short films.

In the second half of the week, the focus shifted to history and nature. The Virtus Transsylvanica Association brought historical traditions closer to the children through mediaeval weapon demonstrations and archery, while the NECC – Nature Education Community Center organised nature walks and treasure hunts on the village outskirts. On the final day, the 122nd Jósika Miklós Scout Group from Turda introduced the participants to scouting, providing a memorable conclusion to a week rich in experiences.

Several camp days ended with group discussions, where children shared their thoughts and impressions. Alongside learning, there was also plenty of time for relaxation: inside the castle, children could enjoy a playroom and a reading corner, while in the courtyard a playground, a suspended obstacle course and hammocks provided opportunities for play and rest.

The Transilvania Trust Foundation is delighted that the camp once again contributed to rediscovering the castle’s heritage and offered the children experiences where learning, shared time, and the joy of play were harmoniously combined.

Event co-funded by the National Cultural Fund of Hungary (NKA) and the Cluj County Council.