Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice organized the 15th annual University Without Borders day camp for children. UWB took place from July 7 to 11, 2025, at all five faculties of UPJŠ. The program was also prepared by four departments: the University Counseling Center, the Botanical Garden, the Institute of Physical Education and Sports, and the UPJŠ University Library. Throughout the week, 52 children aged 11-12 tried out studying at university.
The aim of University Without Borders is to educate and encourage children’s enthusiasm for science in a playful way. At the same time, participants of the daily camp have the opportunity to make meaningful use of their summer holidays and learn something new that they can use when they return to school. The experiential and educational program is prepared by teachers, professional staff, and doctoral students at the university. All children should have the same right to quality education regardless of their life situation, family background, or financial means, which is why each year we invite children from various non-profit organizations and centers for children and families in need to participate in University Without Borders free of charge. This year, we accepted four children from the Oáza – Nádej na nový život (Oasis – Hope for a New Life) facility in Bernátovce. “Investing in children’s knowledge and personal development is always worthwhile. I am therefore very pleased that our youngest students visit the university every year during the summer holidays. This year was no exception, and the camp participants took away not only new knowledge and skills, but also memories of pleasant moments and new friendships. I believe that some of them will become our regular students in the future and experience one of the most beautiful moments of their youth associated with a graduation ceremony after successfully completing their studies at UPJŠ,” said Prof. MUDr. Daniel Pella, PhD., Rector of UPJŠ.
The UPJŠ University Counseling Center prepared a workshop focused on proper learning methods. Participants in the children’s university visited the beautiful and extensive grounds of the UPJŠ Botanical Garden in Košice, where they learned about different types of plants and strengthened their relationship with nature. The program of the Faculty of Public Administration took place in an unconventional setting, outside the university premises, in the Historic Town Hall of Košice. After the tour, the children continued with activities in the spirit of the credo “Let’s choose our future,” which focused on simulated elections to municipal, city, and regional authorities.
At the Faculty of Medicine, they learned what DNA looks like, used virtual reality headset to explore the inside of the human body, and tried out the basics of first aid on realistic mannequins. Dentists gave the young students an engaging introduction to everything that happens at the dentist’s office. Through simple exercises, they learned how to prevent back pain from an early age. Under the guidance of experienced nurses and caregivers, they learned to recognize the symptoms of the most common health complications and discovered why obesity is a serious disease. The UPJŠ Institute of Physical Education and Sport provided a program focused on movement, teamwork, and sports challenges, which were thematically set in the Wild West.
The Faculty of Law presented the participants with the course of legal proceedings in the form of a simulated court case inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood. Another activity focused on the benefits and importance of the Slovak Republic’s membership in the European Union. In the UPJŠ University Library, the children played the role of clever investigators, testing their logical thinking and deductive skills.
At the Faculty of Science campers learned about light as a physical phenomenon, had the opportunity to see and even hold animals, tried out several chemical experiments, and mapped trees in the vicinity of the university. Activity leaders from the Department of Philosophy at the Faculty of Art then explained to the children the issues of ethical dilemmas and distinguishing between good and evil. The Department of Psychology prepared activities focused on self-awareness and discovering one’s strengths. We concluded University Without Borders on Friday, July 11, in the afternoon with a graduation ceremony for the young graduates, during which the university management presented them with diplomas in the presence of their parents and relatives.
We would like to thank all the children who participated, their parents for their trust, and the entire organizational team for the interesting program and care for the children.
For more information about the program, see the press release.
Watch the video from the 15th annual University Without Borders.
