Project title
Description of initiative
The cycling workshops in Kampinoski National Park are an unconventional offering from the Mt 5,14 | Museum of John Paul II and Primate Wyszyński, aimed at adults who enjoy combining substantive knowledge with active leisure on a bike. The Kampinoski Forest is an ideal location to do this, for three reasons. Firstly, in the local villages and forest trails, there are many little-known relics associated with the life and activities of Stefan Wyszyński, who during the German occupation served as chaplain at the Blind Institute in Laski and as a pastor of the Home Army "Kampinos" Group, which earned an honorable mention in the Warsaw Uprising. Secondly, active leisure, so highly promoted today by doctors, psychologists, and athletes, is an opportunity for creative time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It also provides an opportunity to learn about many fascinating episodes from the homeland's history for those who may be bored by the traditional style of knowledge transmission through lectures and conferences. Thirdly, and finally, it is an excellent opportunity to get to know the exceptional national park located at the gates of the capital – a location rarely encountered and having its counterparts only in a few national parks worldwide that are adjacent to the capital city (Vienna, Budapest, Caracas, Nairobi).
Themes: Culture and...
Keywords
Target group
Cultural field
Timeframe
Results, benefits, impact and lessons learnt
The trips are recreational and sightseeing in nature. None of the tours are races or time trials. As per the organizer's intention, the rides are conducted at a relaxed and balanced pace, allowing for active and healthy leisure. Longer stops and breaks for eating and drinking are organized at visited locations, allowing participants to recharge and relax amidst nature or in nearby villages. Rest stops at designated points also serve the purpose of providing participants with informative content about historic churches, manors, residential houses, or natural landmarks, delivered by the Kampinos guide. The organizer plans routes so that participants can replenish supplies at grocery stores along the way. Participants not only learn lesser-known facts about the history of Kampinos Forest and places associated with the presence of Primate Stefan Wyszyński but also have the opportunity to relax amidst nature, appreciating the beauty of greenery and the landscape qualities of the second-largest national park in Poland. The advantages of the trips are relaxation in every aspect – especially intellectual, physical, and mental. An additional benefit of the trip is the opportunity to meet interesting people with similar interests. Previous editions of this project have shown that valuable acquaintances have been made, which are continued. Participants of the trips eagerly share experiences from their cycling passions. Each trip is led by a licensed cycling guide through the Kampinos National Park.