Students of the English-language Sport Management BSc program participated in a joint hiking camp, where, alongside trekking, community building and gaining practical experience were also emphasized.
At the end of last week, the hiking camp for first-year students of our Sport Management BSc English-language programme was held. The participants came from various countries, bringing different experiences and perspectives to the hiking event, which served not only hiking but also community building and acquiring practical knowledge.
The exciting routes, showcasing beautiful landscapes but also often challenging uphill sections, were organized by Dániel Fehérvári, the camp leader and assistant lecturer at the Department of Recreation, who is also the Head Coach of the Hungarian orienteering national team. Accompanying the hike from the Department of Recreation were Judit Grandpierre (lecturer), colleague Andrea Redli, and Dr Szilvia Perényi, the programme coordinator of our newly launched English-language Sport Management BSc.
As a warm-up, on the first day the students attended a lecture at the university introducing the key aspects of hiking and orienteering, followed by an orienteering practice in the campus garden. In the afternoon, the programme continued at Buda Castle, where the students took part in a treasure hunt orienteering quiz game in smaller groups, searching for different points within the historic environment.
The next day, the programme continued in Szilvásvárad with a two-day hiking trip. The students covered the 15-kilometer stretch between Szilvásvárad and Bánkút, overcoming nearly 700 meters of elevation gain. On this day, a group of Hungarian students also joined the international Sport Management participants. The steep climbs thoroughly tested the physical endurance and strength of the now international team, but everyone completed the hike with enthusiasm, great perseverance, and mutual support. The scenery was magnificent, allowing everyone to discover the natural beauty and breathtaking atmosphere of the Bükk Mountains.
At Bánkút, the tired hikers were welcomed by the Fehér Sas Guesthouse, set in a cozy forest environment, offering a unique experience especially for those visiting a hiking trail or mountain lodge for the first time. The evening was not without some brain exercise, as the students familiarized themselves with the next day’s orienteering hike programme, gaining insights into map reading and learning about forest trail markers. The fun continued with games where mixed teams made up of different nationalities competed in solving tasks.
The final day began with a group photo, followed by the distribution of TF 100 fruit bars provided by the university, before the hikers set off towards Lillafüred. Along the way, they completed paired orienteering exercises up to Jávorkút: each pair consisted of one Hungarian and one international student who independently navigated the route using a map. The autumn colours of the Bükk Mountains and the peaceful forest setting provided a special backdrop for the tasks. Upon arriving in Lillafüred, the students visited the famous waterfall and the hanging gardens, then returned to Budapest by public transport.
“During the three days, the students experienced the challenges of hiking, the importance of cooperation, and the power of perseverance. The hike greatly supported teamwork and communication among the participants”, emphasized camp leader Dániel Fehérvári.
By the end of the programme, several new friendships had been made between our Hungarian and international students. Overall, it can be said that the hiking camp provided valuable professional and personal experiences for everyone. The stunning environment of the Bükk Mountains, the shared tasks, and the ideal weather all contributed to making the camp a memorable experience. As the students also learned: There is no bad weather, only bad equipment.
