The Museum in Svätý Anton, together with the main organizers, held an event called Children's Day of St. Hubert on June 21, 2023. This cultural and educational event attracts significant interest from primary and nursery schools across Slovakia. This was the 11th year of the event, attended by 764 children and 102 teachers, with a total of over 1,000 participants.
The aim of the event is to broaden children's horizons through simple interaction with nature, learning about life in the forest, how to care for it, and understanding forest animals and their environment in a fun and competitive way. Children love the time spent in such an environment, where they can recharge their energy from the living surroundings.
The added value of this event comes from the effective and enhanced connection of the national cultural monument of the Museum in Svätý Anton, the UNESCO historical site, and the Štiavnické Hills Protected Landscape Area. Emphasis is placed on popularizing traditions, history, and culture to strengthen educational potential, make the region more attractive, and increase general interest. The message of St. Hubert: "not only to hunt animals but first and foremost to protect and understand their significance in nature" remains a relevant message for the young generation today.
Children and nature are among our greatest treasures. The time we dedicate to children and the enhancement of our natural heritage is the best investment. The Children's Day of St. Hubert is an excellent presentation of the indispensable work of foresters and hunters in preserving and ensuring the sustainability of our natural wealth, as well as showcasing the advanced hunting culture.
In addition to traditional stations, a new feature this year was a station called "Red Heart," where demonstrations by the Volunteer Fire Brigade of Svätý Anton were presented. Children learned first aid techniques on a resuscitation mannequin, including the use of an AED defibrillator.
The main activity of the day was guiding groups of children through various stations:
1. Screening of hunting films
2. Laser shooting range
3. Feeders – assembling a birdhouse from prepared wooden parts
4. Theater performance – The Legend of St. Hubert
5. Hunting exhibition – guided by primary school students in Svätý Anton as part of the "Nature Protection and Hunting" subject
6. Red Heart – Volunteer Fire Brigade of Svätý Anton, Community Center, AED demonstration
7. Falconry demonstrations – training a bird of prey is no easy task
8. Animal identification
9. Animal calls – imitating animal sounds
10. How plants and animals coexist – educational explanation of their interdependence
11. Speleology
12. Hunting cynology – demonstrations with hunting dog breeds
13. Hunting horns
14. Jump like... – a long jump competition where the distance is compared to specific animals
15. Throwing a rifle into the field – throwing a wooden rifle for distance