Chlidren from ‘Szansa’ at the foot of Łysa Góra

On 7th May 2013 wards of the community centre ‘Szansa’ in Kowala went on a trip to Middle Ages settlement in Huta Szklana at the foot of Łysa Góra. This trip was a summary of project actions called ‘We`ll sew the future, we`ll  model happiness’ which have lasted since January 2013, and have been organized within charity actions of ‘Bank of Children`s Smiles’ cofounded by the Foundation of Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.

In the surrounding of beautiful landscape we moved by the use of magical bell and time machine hidden in the fortified gate from XXI century into the Middle Ages. We were welcomed by a nice witch, who explained that we shouldn`t be afraid of her, and the only person whom we can be afraid of is Baba Jaga who lives in a forest cave. We saw a small village which was totally made of wood, straw and clay. With interest we moved into the first of huts which are called Chiżyny. We got to a blacksmith, who showed us what he was doing and what tools he used. Next we moved to a saddler to see how shoes and leather clothes were made. We could try to make by ourselves with the use of a hammer and a chisel to cut a hole in a piece of leather. We liked this work very much. Later on we went to a carpenter. We observed how he sculpture in wood and saw his tools in a hut. A herbalist showed us her treasures, dried on every wall of her hut. She named them. We could recognise some of them. She advised us what herbs help to cure some diseases. To cure sore throat an onion and pine tree sprouts are inevitable. We were looking for a hidden youth elixir, however a herbalist probably drunk it all that is why she knew so much about plants as if she lived for at least 200 years. Next we moved into chiżyna, in which clay products were made. On the shelves there were many beautifully decorated cups and bowls. We could also make a clay decoration – a pendant. The last hut which we visited was the one decorated with carpets and strings a weaver`s workshop, where we weaved colourful bracelets. In the middle of the village a fireplace was burning, ad above it flat cakes were baking, we could taste them and drink herbs.   

At the end the witch showed us the mysterious map with activities to do. Next hints led us from one hut to another, to get each ability and get elements of the clue for them. The clue must have been the hint where the treasure was. We solved the mystery by going to the top of the tower, where the box with medals was. Every of them was different and everybody said something about its new owner. With regret we said goodbye to the magical fairyland, and declared that we would come back here to visit settlers of the village and tell them about the world in which we live.