A piece of the Jablaničko Lake shoreline will long remember the laughter, joy, and songs of 60 children from the Cantonal Public Institution "Home for Children Without Parental Care Sarajevo," who last week, together with their caregivers, visited this Herzegovinian gem nestled between mountain peaks, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful villages.
This artificial lake, created by damming the Neretva River, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters that shimmer under the Herzegovinian sun. Its shores are ideal for relaxation, swimming, fishing, and water sports, while in winter, the lake transforms into a picturesque scene with mountain landscapes in the background. Jablaničko Lake attracts not only nature lovers but also adventurers, offering a unique blend of tranquility and outdoor activities.
After a comfortable two-and-a-half-hour ride from Sarajevo in a double-decker bus, the children arrived at the "Miris ljeta" Auto Camp, where they were warmly welcomed by the camp owners and their friends. They made sure that every moment of the stay was filled with joy and happiness. The children had access to all the camp's amenities, allowing them to find activities that suited them best. The youngest ones enjoyed playing in the shallow water under the watchful eyes of their caregivers, using float rings and swimming armbands. Older children ventured into the deeper parts of the lake, delighting in diving and performing various water acrobatics.
The camp owners provided a special surprise by organizing a ride on three rafts to give the children a full experience of the lake's beauty. The older ones even got a chance to experience the thrill of a speedboat ride. The raft ride ended with jumps into the calm part of the lake, where many showcased their diving skills with headfirst dives, cannonballs, somersaults, or simple feet-first jumps.
The entire trip was further enriched with delicious barbecue, ice cream, and refreshing watermelon.
"Such trips are of immense importance for children without parental care, especially during the summer break when they need an escape from their daily environment. Every moment spent in nature, in togetherness, gives them a sense of belonging and joy, which is crucial for their emotional development and happiness. We are grateful to our partners and donors who recognize the significance of such activities and enable us to provide unforgettable moments for the children," said Belma Mujezinović, Director of the "Second" Foundation.
We express our sincere gratitude to the "Miris ljeta" Auto Camp for their warm hospitality and complimentary services, including a delicious lunch. Special thanks go to the Pomozi.ba Association for their generous support. By covering transportation costs of 486 EUR through the Sami Čamdžić Fund, they enabled the "Second" Foundation to utilize the previously raised funds for organizing one more, final trip of this summer break, eagerly awaited by the children.