The 2018 Blue Heron – Aed Ludens Summer Camp was a dream come true for 25 of our scholarship recipients, 20 from Romania and 5 from the Republic of Moldova. They had the chance to meet the Foundation’s team, feel appreciated for their academic achievements and be exposed to countless transformative workshops and experiences.
Stefania Magidson and Mihaela Constantinescu, Director of the Mentorship Program, came all the way from the United States to participate in the Summer Camp. They used stories and presentations to connect students with the generous community of donors and supporters from across the ocean and taught them how they can define their own identity and improve their relationship with others.
The students took part in professional development workshops, hiked in the mountains, watched movies, debated relevant topics, learned to perfect various dance styles and socialized under the guidance of the Romanian and Moldovan team of organizers and trainers.
The following individuals made the Summer Camp a great success:
Cristina Porșega and Valentina Ostap, program directors from Romania and the Republic of Moldova;
Daniela Șerban, psychologist, and Adrian Păduraru, actor, co-organizers and founders of Aed-Ludens;
Tedy Necula, film director and inspirational speaker;
Vasile Popescu, dance teacher;
Alisa Tarciniu, photographer and personal development coach;
Daniela Pavlovici, human resources and recruitment expert;
Alexandra Arnăutu, business owner and project manager;
Ada Lungu, PR and communication consultant.
At the end, the young participants said the summer camp was everything they expected.
“This camp taught me that material things mean so little. I guess I already knew that, but now I believe it even more. Only the people in your life can bring you true happiness.”
“When Mrs. Magidson told us about the various fundraising activities in the US, it felt so good to know that somewhere, far away, people care about us.”
“I learned to be more generous with myself and with the people around me.”
These are just a few of the testimonials that prove how much our students need these days filled with friendship, trust, discoveries and relaxation — feelings and experiences young people their age take for granted, but which they have hardly known.
