2025 Youth Cultural Program to Poland - Highlights!

On July 19th, 2025 a group of twenty-five (25) students between the ages of 13-15 from States across the U.S. departed from Chicago to participate in the two-week Explorers’ Summer Polish Language and Culture Camp at the Jagiellonian University.  They were accompanied to and from Poland by PACCF President Christopher Nowotarski, Vice President Steve Tokarski and Director Marian Grabowski.

Upon arrival on campus, the students were given their room assignments in the dormitories (2-3 to a room with private bath), with time to unpack and rest before lunch and meeting the other fifteen (15) participants from various countries. 

As in the past, a placement test was conducted on the day of arrival so that the students were each assigned to the proper class level for the daily 3-3.5 hours of Polish language lessons.  We are very proud that most of our students placed in the highest level of language knowledge, not surprising as many attend or have attended Polish (Saturday) School back home.

In addition, there were Cultural Outings and Activities including:

• A tour of the Jagiellonian University Museum in Collegium Maius 

• A visit to learn about the history of the City of Krakow – city game “Krakow Legends”    

• A Two-Day Trip to Warszawa including a tour of Warsaw Old Town and a visit to the famous Wedel Chocolate Factory and Copernicus Science Centre

• A dance workshop organized by the Cracovia Danza Ballet 

• Art Workshops

• Culinary Workshops with preparation of traditional Polish dishes under the supervision of a professional chef

• A trip to Ogrodzieniec and visit to the Castle

•  Sports activities and friendly competitions

•  A trip to Zabrze and visit of the Guido Coal Mine

• Workshops at the Obwarzanek Museum 

• Walking Tour to the Krak Mound  

•  Free time for shopping for treasures to bring home

The students were given time most afternoons to take a break and socialize together.  A total of forty (40) students were accepted by the School of Polish Language and Culture to participate in this wonderful experience and the PACCF was fortunate to secure twenty-five (25) of the available places.  We are sure that many new friendships were established.

The PACCF has been sponsoring cultural youth trips to Poland for many years; however, this was the first time since 2019 that our organization felt confident having a student group travel such a distance from home.  Given the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukrainę and political unrest in other areas of the world, we waited until we felt the time was right and …it was So Right!

While our student group was participating in the Program, our PACCF Officers who had accompanied the group to Poland were busy traveling all corners of Poland to visit facilities serving the physically and psychologically disabled that have or are seeking financial support from the PACCF.  However, the Officers met up with the group while they were in Warszawa, were available when necessary, via phone and attended the Closing Ceremonies, during which the students were each presented with a Diploma for having successfully completed the Polish language classes and a small gift from the school. 

The PACCF is very proud of our relationship with the School of Polish Language and Culture at Jagiellonian University and we look forward to future cooperation in the coming years, as funds become available. 

The students enjoying their final evening feasting on delicious foods and socializing before the closing ceremonies and School of Polish Language & Culture Director Dr. Piotr Horbatowski addressing the students.

The students receiving their Diplomas and a small gift from the School for successfully completing the 2-week Polish Language Course