When you’re a bear cub alone in the world, there’s a good chance you might end up imprisoned in a cage. When you’re a “human cub” alone in the world, you have a similar chance of ending up behind bars. With this in mind, the AMP team decided that for the institutionalized orphans, June 1st must not remain a day like any other. After all, it’s International Children’s Day, right?
With the support of the General Directorate of Social Assistance and the Protection of Children and the City Hall of Codlea, 25 orphans aged 7 to 15 years, from the centers of Ghimbav and Codlea arrived at the Sanctuary on the first day of June. Together with a volunteer team of sociologists and psychologists, specializing in child education, the AMP team designed an indoor and outdoor program that made this sunny day unforgettable. The surprises came one after the other, and although no one can replace the absence of parents, we have done our best that at least on this day, their day, the children felt like part of one, big family.
First, at the entrance to the Sanctuary, we greeted them with candies. 
Having gotten their attention, we started the tour of the Sanctuary. The children were astonished and captivated by the sad stories of the bears, but they also enjoyed the bath their furry friends took in the pool, which was a memorable gift for them. A short film presentation followed. Then, for almost an hour, the kids invaded the colored pencils and the paper and began to draw and color, each to his or her own imagination, the free bears at the Sanctuary. The best drawings were awarded, and all the children were given sweets and juices.
After a few games, the kids’ minds and skills were put to the test by making caps with the muzzle and ears of a…bear. The childrens’ creativity and seriousness stunned everyone and nor this time the children have not remained unpaid. Before leaving the main building, the kids got something else… a few minutes of education about what we should and should not do if we meet a bear in the woods.
Relay race with honey
Surprises continued even after leaving the sanctuary. The sunny weather and open space gave the children the opportunity to feel what the bears feel in the Sanctuary: the joy of freedom. At the relay competition, they ran until they were exhausted and shouted until their voices were gone. Afterward, each team was awarded a jar of honey. Just when the kids thought that the trip was over, the AMP team surprised them with two big boxes full of toys, both for girls and boys. Words can’t express how overjoyed the children were. They left with smiles on their faces, arms full of toys, and pockets full of sweets. They will always remember the Children’s Day spent with the bears,with love.
