Rekretivno

Kyleigh and her friends headed out for 7 nights of fun!

Kyleigh has left us for seven days and I thought I would take some space to let you know why.  The Serbian school system does some really great things.  First through fourth grade is in the same class with the same teacher (of course if you don't like your teacher that could be a bad good thing).  This has been great at the start of the school year and for transition for Kyleigh.  She knows what her teacher and class are going to be like.  It also builds lifelong friendships and I think has helped K make better friends here.  One of the great things the schools do here is Rekrativno....  This is a seven night trip away with your class.  I know in America 5th graders go to camp for two days, but this it totally different.  In Serbia these trips start in 1st or 2nd grade, they go for 7 nights, and they go far (Kyliegh is about 5 ours away by car).  Parents don't go, just the class teacher. To my knowledge all the kids make it back every year.  (I'm sure on or two have been lost over the years, but all things considered that's not bad).
So what do 30 10/11 year olds do for 7 days on the mountain (Kyleigh is on Zlatibor this week).  They go into nature (very important in Europe) and journal plants and animals they see.  They do some math.  They probably do some other school work, but we're not sure, Kyleigh just tells us about math.  In inclement weather they watch movies.  Every night their is a disco till 11 (except when they stop early so everyone can watch the Eurovision singing competition).  Kyleigh and her friend have been practicing a dance for weeks they were unveiling on Saturday night.  The kids share rooms and are responsible for their own grooming (scary I know, think about the boys, do you really think they are bathing). The most important thing they do though  is make memories.  We are so glad this has gotten to be a part of Kyleigh's life and Michaela is dying to go on her first rekrativno.