The latest session of the “Green Senses” project—a joint initiative aimed at exploring plants through experiential learning, play, and creativity—was filled with smiles, new knowledge, and unforgettable moments. The event was organized by the Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan, in partnership with the Forest Research Institute at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) and the Rotary Club Pirot.
The project is part of a broader initiative led by Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan President Ivaylo Vasilev, dedicated to encouraging children to spend more time in nature and reducing screen dependency through active, outdoor educational engagement.
Participants included children from partner kindergartens “Detelina” (No. 7) and “Slanchevi Lachi” (No. 175), students from the “Vladislav Gramatik” 73rd Secondary School, and their families. A special emphasis was placed on family involvement, as the love for nature is most effectively fostered when knowledge is shared across generations.
The program began with an engaging lecture led by project manager Assoc. Prof. Plamen Glogov, PhD, from the Forest Research Institute at BAS. In a accessible and captivating way, he introduced participants to various plant species, their role in ecosystems, and their importance for both people and the environment.
Following the theoretical session, the children and their parents headed to a nearby park, where the true adventure began. Through games, competitions, and hands-on tasks, participants were challenged to discover, identify, and compare different plant species in their natural habitat. Curiosity quickly replaced any hesitation, and the park’s pathways transformed into a vibrant “green classroom.”
Of course, when children play in nature, muddy clothes and shoes are inevitable—as are ear-to-ear smiles. Fortunately, these were the best indicators of the group’s enthusiasm and dedication. By the end of the day, dirty hands served as the ultimate proof of genuine experiential learning.
It was particularly impressive to see that not only the children but the parents as well discovered fascinating facts about the flora around us. Many shared that they learned how to identify specific species for the first time, discovered how to “remedy” themselves in the forest, learned which plants are unsafe to eat, and began looking at urban parks and green spaces with newfound interest.
“It was incredibly rewarding to learn alongside our children. It turns out that we adults also have a lot to learn about the nature surrounding us,” one parent shared.
“My child came home and immediately started pointing out plants along the street, explaining what they had learned. This is much more valuable than any time spent in front of a phone or tablet,” remarked another participant.
“The best part was that we were all learning through play. The children barely realized they were participating in an educational activity, yet they retained a tremendous amount of new information,” added a mother of one of the participating children.
The “Green Senses” project continues to demonstrate that nature is one of the most inspiring places for learning, development, and connection. By combining knowledge, practical activities, and family involvement, the initiative creates lasting memories and builds a stronger bond between children and the world around them.
The Rotary Club Sofia-Balkan believes that every child deserves more time in nature, more authentic experiences, and more opportunities to discover the world beyond the screen. When learning is presented as an adventure, the results always exceed expectations.
