From July 15 to 17, Merigar was home to a special event attended by more than 100 children, ages 5 to 12, from the local villages of Arcidosso, Santa Fiora, Castel del Piano, Seggiano and Semproniano. During these three days, the young guests had the opportunity to enjoy engaging and stimulating experiences, rich in meaning and significance, which combined fun, creativity and personal growth. The days were included within the activities planned during the “Campi solari,” (summer camps) of the municipalities of the Grossetan Amiata managed by the Quadrifoglio Cooperative.
Divided into two groups, the children participated in some inter-mixed activities. Each group was accompanied by 3 or 4 educators, as well as a specific educator to follow disabled children. In the morning, while one group participated in the environmental education workshop on plants at Merigar, led by Cristina Conticelli and Salvatore Azzolini, the other group did Kumar Kumari Yoga with Letizia Pizzetti and Dina Priymak in the Gönpa, and then switched activities. After the lunch break, again alternating between the two groups, activities resumed with the “Magic Herbarium” workshop at the Yellow House, with Cristina Conticelli and Fiorella Minetti, and the Joyful Khaita Dances in the Gönpa, with Christiane Rhein, Adriana Dal Borgo and the support of other teachers and experts.
The workshops on plants offered children the opportunity to connect with nature in a direct and hands-on way. The children explored the natural environment of Merigar, learning to recognize many varieties of plants and herbs. During these hikes, they also got to hear legends and stories related to the various plants, learning about Hawthorn, Elderberry, Dog Rose, Aspen, Hazel and many others, thus enriching their experience with a touch of magic and tradition. The creation of a herbarium, “Merigar’s Magic Herbarium,” allowed the children to catalog the plants they collected, giving them a tangible way to remember this educational and fun experience.
Kumar Kumari Yoga teachers guided the children with enthusiasm and creativity, making learning this discipline an enjoyable and engaging experience. The young guests participated with pleasure, expressing their enjoyment of the physical warm-ups, interacting with Kumar Kumari songs, postures and movements, combined with the breathing and showing curiosity and interest in this new practice.
In the afternoon, the children had a great time experiencing Khaita Joyful Dances. Lively music and dances were chosen, simplifying the steps and choreography. The goal was not only for them to enjoy the dances, which was not taken for granted especially for the boys, but also for them to try to follow the rhythm, coordinate their hands and feet, and consider themselves all together as a circle. Some practitioners also participated in the dances, overcoming initial uncertainties. At the end of the sessions, many kept the bracelets with colored ribbons that had been prepared days before for each child, a small trophy of a special day, along with the herbarium and the joy of having had so many new experiences.
With initiatives like this, Merigar continues to promote values of respect, harmony and awareness, contributing to the education of a new generation that is more aware of and connected to the world around them.
Letizia Pizzetti, Adriana Dal Borgo, Cristina Conticelli e Dina Priymak
