This August, 140 students of the Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University had a holiday at the educational base of Russia's first technical university in Kavgolovo, on the shore of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Leningrad Region. Forpost decided to find out for what merits they were awarded vouchers to the summer fitness and recreation camp and what impressions from their stay in it remained with young people.
As explained in the University's Student Affairs Department, the base in Kavgolovo "annually hosts the best students who have distinguished themselves in studies, scientific, sports, organisational, cultural and creative activities". That is, not only excellent students, but also volunteers or active participants of various competitions and contests can get there. For example, Ulyana Urvankova, a student of the oil and gas faculty, is engaged in dancing (as a member of the Mining Jazz Funk group) and social activities in her spare time. Last December, for example, she was awarded a written commendation for her help in organising and hosting the International Technology Forum "Russian Standardisation Week".
"Everything that the summer holiday included was top notch. It's cool that Gorny gives all students the opportunity to be part of such events. Water tourism left wonderful memories, we sailed on kayaks and canoes, it was a lot of fun. Of course, we remembered the buffet with incredibly tasty dishes. At the same time there was enough free time, i.e. we were not constantly on our feet. Some of us spent it sleeping, while others went to the gym or played board games," said Ulyana Urvankova.
Second-year postgraduate student Ekaterina Medova is a multiple winner of life safety Olympiads, participant and prize winner of various international conferences. She is the author of two articles published in journals included in the Scopus database, as well as the holder of a patent "Method of ventilation of deep quarries". She is currently writing her dissertation on establishing patterns of dust and gas cloud propagation in the quarry space after mass explosions.
"I am still impressed by the trip to the base in Kavgolovo. The varied programme allowed not only to have a rest, but also to become a participant of many activities. For example, in the morning you could choose where you wanted to start the day - classical exercise, yoga or jogging. Thank you very much for everything to the organisers and teachers of the Department of Physical Education, who were on the same wavelength with all students and postgraduates", - Ekaterina Medova shared her emotions.
In addition to the events that took place at the base itself (and there were many of them - up to a full-fledged spartakiade, including competitions in chess, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and floorball), there were also numerous trips for holidaymakers. In particular, a tour of the historical centre of Vyborg and a visit to the famous rope park "Orekh".
"It is a very beautiful place that is surrounded by lakes and pine forests. There, the guys went through one of the most exciting zones - the team building zone, which allowed them not only to test their physical fitness, but also contributed to even greater team building," said Pavel Lisitsyn, Deputy Head of Student Affairs at the Mining University.
The final event was a visit to the Oreshek fortress. This outpost, founded by the Novgorodians back in the 14th century, and in Petrine times turned into a prison for especially dangerous criminals, became widely known during the Great Patriotic War. Thanks to the heroism of its garrison, German troops failed to cross to the right bank of the Neva and cut the Road of Life.
"Very impressive excursion. The guide spoke in detail about the history of the fortress, its role in the history of Russia and its importance to our people. And then we all became participants in the famous game "Fort Boyard". We passed tests of various levels and complexity, and eventually found the treasure box," said Danila Vernigorov, a third-year student of the Faculty of Construction.
It is well known that he who works well works well, and he who rests well rests well. And taking into account that studying is a very hard work that requires maximum concentration and diligence, the guys who received a great charge of optimism in August should enter the new term full of strength and energy. For the rest of us, the prospect of participating in the summer fitness and health camp next year will be an extra motivation to roll up our sleeves and start fighting for the maximum level of competence.
This is the highest level of grading for students, which entitles them to a number of benefits, including holidays in Kavgolovo or, for example, reimbursement of food costs. In order to reach it, you need to get at least 20 points, and you can get only half of the required number of points for successful mastering of educational programmes. The rest are awarded for foreign language skills, certificates of additional professional competences, participation in scientific events, social, sports and cultural and creative life of the Mining University.