More than 100 children at the 20th anniversary oratory in St. Yuri near Ščavnica

In the village of Mekinja, a music camp known as "Od žabe do špice" took place over the second half of June and early July, drawing more than 50 young musicians. This year marked the second consecutive year of the event, which was initiated last year by a violin teacher at the Kranj Music School, Urška Kordež. She continued to lead the camp and the junior orchestra this year, while the senior orchestra was directed by Špela Tavčar from the Postojna Music School. The camp featured both orchestras and various chamber groups, ensuring that all levels of musical ability were accommodated. The camp concluded with a final concert held in the atrium of the Mekinja monastery, where both orchestras performed. In addition to the musical activities, participants engaged in creative workshops and spent time away from electronic devices. The main theme of this year's camp was classical music, with participants receiving sheet music and notes a week or two before the event began. Daily rehearsals started in the morning, followed by lunch breaks and rest periods, with afternoon sessions continuing until evening for older orchestra members. The camp offered young musicians unforgettable experiences through music, social interaction, creativity, play, and exploration in a peaceful natural setting. At the end of the camp, they impressed parents and visitors with their performances during the final concert. The music camp took place in the second half of June and early July, following the successful inaugural event last year. Organized by the Kranj Music School under the leadership of Urška Kordež, the camp aimed to provide young musicians with an immersive experience in classical music. This year, the camp lasted four days, extended by one day based on feedback from last year’s participants who expressed enthusiasm for the event but wished it had been longer. Two students who otherwise could not afford the costs were able to attend thanks to contributions from other parents. New members joined the team of animators, enriching the program further. While last year focused on music from films and musicals, this year centered around classical compositions by composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, Brahms, Sibelius, Liszt, Grieg, and Strauss. Participants received detailed programs of songs and notes prior to the camp, allowing them to prepare for intensive rehearsals upon arrival. Morning sessions included rigorous practice, followed by lunch breaks and rest periods, with afternoon sessions often extending into the evening for older orchestra members. The camp provided young musicians with memorable moments of musical performance, socializing, and personal growth in a serene natural environment. Their performances during the final concert left a lasting impression on parents and visitors alike. In the parish of Sveti Jurij ob Ščavnici, the 20th annual summer camp, known as the "Oratorij," took place between July 12th and 17th. A total of 105 children participated in the event, guided by 46 dedicated animators and local priest Boštjan Ošlaj. The theme of this year's camp was "Living is beautiful," with the central character being a girl named Heidi. Each day, animators brought to life her story, including how she came to visit her grandfather in the mountains, returned to Frankfurt, went back to the mountains again, met a shepherd named Peter, and helped another girl named Clara find her way home. Through these narratives, children explored values such as artistry, friendship, communication with God, care, and the beauty of life. Activities included various workshops where children could develop their creativity by making vases, frames, bracelets, beads, wristbands, sewing pockets, painting flower pots, and other similar projects. One workshop allowed children to create souvenirs given to everyone present at the final event. Another session was conducted by the Radgona Scouts, while another introduced folk dances. Catering was provided by cooks and chefs from the parish and surrounding restaurants to ensure children were well-fed throughout the week. Afternoon activities included large games such as tug-of-war, carrying balls, target shooting, and brain teasers. To combat the heat, children enjoyed swimming at the Ljutomer Summer Swimming Pool. After many years, the Oratorij Imata Talent returned to the stage, featuring magicians, musicians, singers, dancers, and athletes. On the final day, children participated in various water-based games such as water slides, water catapults, water pong, and others, with firefighters arriving to refresh them. The highlight of the event was the final gathering, where attendees reflected on the beginning of the Oratorij, revisited past years, remembered the period during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Oratorij was canceled, and presented a detailed overview of this year's event. The Oratorij brings together children and animators each year, providing opportunities for learning, fun, personal growth, and forming new friendships. Although saying goodbye is difficult, participants look forward to meeting again next year.