Students of junior grades of Primary School Savremena spent an unforgettable week on a school field trip to Zlatar Mountain, enjoying the unspoiled nature of Western Serbia. From 17 May, they attended lessons in the spectacular landscape of this mountain, surrounded by lakes, birches and spruces.

It is not unusual for Savremena’s students to spend their time outdoors, but this was the perfect moment to continue with their classes on a field trip to a place that is synonymous with natural beauty and fresh air.

LEARNING AND SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS IN THE UNSPOILED NATURE OF ZLATAR

Students of junior grades of Primary School Savremena had the best accommodation, children’s guesthouse Lane, which is surrounded by fragrant pastures, clear lakes, spruces and birches, at 1200 meters above sea level.

In the heart of Zlatar Mountain, in a place where the Mediterranean climate meets the highland climate, children rose every morning to a sunny day. The recreational program involved a variety of interesting activities. Their teachers organised interesting games and entertainment every day, so children spent quality time on their school trip.

Lessons weren’t interrupted; on the contrary, they continued according to the schedule, only in a different setting – in outdoor classrooms. Learning was often combined with sports, such as basketball, football, volleyball, etc. and children could also choose other sports activities if they wanted.

Learning was accompanied by themed walks where they would discuss the flora and fauna of this beautiful corner of Western Serbia, and even their evenings were filled with activities. The custom for this type of school recreation programmes is to have an evening program that includes costume parties, disco, games without borders, etc. However, it was mandatory to go to bed on time, so as to get up in time for a Zlatar breakfast and start another day with new energy and enthusiasm.

CHILDREN WERE INTRODUCED TO THE CULTURAL TREASURES OF WESTERN SERBIA

Morning walks helped children start a new day with enthusiasm. The aim of numerous thematic tours was to introduce the children to the important cultural objects in their surroundings, and to help them see the historical importance of the place they visited.

Thus, they visited the Special Nature Reserve Uvac, declared a natural asset of exceptional importance, and one of the last natural habitats of the griffon vulture in Europe. They visited the medieval monastery Mileševa, built by King Stefan Vladislav in the early 13th century, and also saw Dubnica Monastery and Church of the Nativity on their excursions. They also visited Zlatibor Mountain, getting to know the natural beauties of this mountain resort, and enjoyed the cowboy town.

All the knowledge they acquired on these tours was “tested” through educational workshops and quizzes, where children competed to show what they learnt in these unusual and important places for their country in front of their teachers.

All activities were carried out in compliance with the epidemiological measures. The children returned home with a smile and feeling nostalgic, because as usual, they wanted the field trip to be at least twice as long. Some of them strengthened their friendships, and others will fondly remember evening dances with their crush.

Savremena students, and their teachers will remember this field trip for a long time. It will be a touching scrapbook of memories of an unforgettable trip to unspoiled nature, the smell of spruces and birches, and many new impressions.