Extracurricular Activities

Background. Artek offered its first extracurricular activity back in 1925. It was called Crimean Studies and became an important part of the camp’s education program. Guided by teacher and regional studies expert Alexandra Stati, the first Artek students studied Artek territory, and took part in trips to Ayu-Dag saddle, Partenit and Artek River. In the following years, the number of extracurricular activities multiplied.

A student arriving in Artek can choose to attend a creativity studio, a sports club, or to enroll in a specialized group for the session. The Artek for Extracurricular Activity offers 45 creativity studios.

The creativity studios include:

  • Twenty one art studios: Roman mosaics, ceramics, printmaking, graphics, linoleum engraving, art books, quilling, bead weaving,                 phytodesign, fine arts, Artek’s World of Art, plush toys, The Magical Thread, cross-stitching, clay painting, Nature and Fantasy, protective charms, soap making, pyrography, guitar, and scenic art.
  • Ten technology studios: making and flying kites, Filmed in Artek, young correspondents, young journalists, school for young animation artists, DJing, robotics, electronics, rocket making and aerospace scale modeling.
  • Seven social and educational studios: Always Together, I and My Emotions, World of Communication, Captivating Psychology, The Family Magic, Postal Art and Young Polar Explorer.
  • Six science studios: astronomy, geology, horseback riding, rock fishing, Dr. Doolittle’s School and landscape design.

In addition, children can also enroll in specialized groups on tourism, sea navigation, medicine, environment and media.

Fine arts

Participants in this course learn professional drawing techniques through special exercises in observation, comparison, second-guessing and training their imagination to help them master the basics of drawing, graphics and design. The course includes both indoors and outdoors sessions, so that children can benefit from the wonderful Crimean landscapes.

Every student follows his or her personal plan designed to unleash talent and help create a professional drawing.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Astronomy

Words like ‘quasar,’ ‘gravitating,’ and ‘dissipation’ will all become familiar to the students who choose an astronomy class as their extracurricular activity. There is nothing boring in the Artek astronomy class. Young astronomers study the design of telescopes and learn how to use them to explore the night sky. Children learn to locate the best-known stars, galaxies and constellations, and study cartography to navigate the night sky. Knowledge acquired in Artek substantially expands their horizons. It is not uncommon for children to continue studying astronomy as a hobby after returning from Artek.

This activity is for children aged 12 to 16 years, and is part of the science block of extracurricular activities. 

 

 

Bead Weavung

Participants in the bead weaving course learn the basic techniques of bead weaving and create their first crafts, make custom designs and choose colors, as well as decorate their crafts.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

The magical thread

This is an educational program for those who like making crafts by braiding threads and cord. Children will try to make graphic images using string art methods, and will be introduced to the art of Kumihimo, the Japanese form of braid-making, to create colorful images using special equipment.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

Young geologist

The Young Geologist studio offers children an opportunity to learn about the geological diversity of the Artek territory. They will take part in geological tours and short expeditions to the foot of Mount Ayu-Dag, and will explore the Black Sea shore to collect various kinds of stones for further study. During the collection process, they will learn how to identify minerals, before they move on to the laboratory where children are taught how to use stone processing equipment. Participants in the program will get an insight into the profession of a geologist, jeweler and stone cutter.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the science block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Quilling

Quilling or paper filigree remains highly relevant in today’s world, since paper is still an art medium that is available to everyone. In this course, participants will have freedom to experiment by choosing forms, shaping and creating their miniature masterpieces. This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Ceramics

The course offered by the Ceramics studio is designed to help children develop creative skills, diligence, perseverence, and observation skills. Participants in the program study all the stages involved in creating ceramics. They learn the specifics and characteristics of clay, make toys and pottery, and find out how to use a pottery wheel. They then observe the firing process in a kiln. The final stage in the course consists of decorating the resulting masterpiece.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Plush Toys

A plush toy has always served as a touching and desired gift. In this course, children learn to shape and make plush toys, and decorate them according to the rules of the trade. A hand-made plush toy is a good gift one can bring back from Artek to friends and relatives.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Protective charms

This course introduces children to the fundamentals of folk art and presents decorative art as a way to self-fulfillment and self-realization. Participants learn the history and traditions related to protective charms, and get to know the diversity and unique nature of Slavic culture, Russian folk traditions, customs and ceremonies. Children find out about the symbolic meaning of protective charms and ways of making and decorating them.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Fairy tale world

The course is designed to develop creativity among children and teenagers who learn to make plasticine compositions and study the history of plasticine graphics and decorative arts in general. Artek students will learn to choose colors, make drawings on glass, and design an art composition in its entirety.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Nature and fantasy

This course is designed to draw children into artistic, aesthetic and creative activity. By the end of the training, children will have learned the basics of applied art as well as the principles of creating three dimensional objects, and will have mastered the techniques of animalistic miniature painting and decoration using various materials and paint.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

Phytodesign. Dried flowers

Phytodesign is not just a hobby, but also fascinating creative profession. Students will learn to identify unusual combinations, produce beautiful compositions, develop their artistic taste, and use natural materials for creating wonderful crafts. The course includes an insight into the history and traditions of flower design, teaching students to come up with original concepts and express them in flower compositions and also exploring the role of a bouquet maker and master of the art of flower arrangement and ikebana.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Roman mosaics

The Roman Mosaic course provides an insight into Antiquity. Artek children will learn about Crimean mosaic art as the successor to Roman and Byzantine art. Artifacts from these periods can still be found in Crimea during archeological digs. By learning about the vestiges of the Roman and Byzantine culture that can be found in Crimea, children can feel the link between past and present. They will also have a chance to create their own mosaic masterpieces, but this takes a lot of work and effort. A professional artist will be assisting students in this task.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Horseback riding

This extracurricular activity is offered in cooperation with the Southern Equestrian and Canine Rescue Center of the Russian Emergencies Ministry. Children learn to feed and care for horses, and study equestrian gear and how to use it. In addition, children learn first aid and survival techniques for use during natural disasters and in other emergencies. Practical lessons consist of horseback riding, as well as rules for transporting disaster victims.

This activity is for children aged 13 to 17 years, and is part of the science block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Rock fishing

Fishing is all about getting a sense of communion with nature and an opportunity to enjoy its beauty, fresh air and a peaceful silence, and of course to test the fisherman’s luck by trying to catch fish from the depths of the sea. This class will introduce children to the fauna of the Black Sea and Crimea’s fresh water lakes and rivers. Students will learn the basics of fishing, both from the shore and at sea. After all, Artek’s water area is unique in terms of the variety and quality of Black Sea fish.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 17 years, and is part of the science block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Postal art

Russian Post and Artek offer Postal Art, an extracurricular general educational activity. Children will learn interesting facts about the postal service and its employees. They will find out how to process, receive and deliver postal items, as well as learn the history of the postal service, stamps and envelopes, seals and mailboxes. Children will also have a chance to try out the role of post office clerks, letter carriers and customers. In addition, the course offers creative opportunities, including designing envelopes and stamps, making crosswords on post-related subjects, and drafting customer instructions.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the social and teaching block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Graphics

Participants learn sketching and enter the ranks of novice graphic artists. Guided by an experienced practitioner, they learn various techniques: pencil, brush and pen drawing, monotyping, engraving on cardboard and calligraphy, collage, dry needle and soft material. Artek students will create a series of still lives and postcards on Artek-related subjects, printed in a limited edition. Their drawings will be printed using a real etching press.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the technology block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

 

 

Cross-stitching

Modern fashion trends show that embroidery, as one of the elements of decoration of clothes returns. Therefore, for girls who want quickly, and most importantly original to decorate your wardrobe unusual thing, educational program "cross-stitch" is suitable for you as anyone! Today embroidery has become one of the most wonderful hobby that helps you to create amazing motifs with a simple thread and needle. The participants of this educational program can in just a few sessions to master the technique of cross stitch, learn the ancient secrets of working with embroidery floss and canvas and, of course, make themselves a real masterpiece. The program is designed for children aged 10-16 years, in the direction of art.

 

 

Djing

The program focuses on working with professional equipment, creating DJ-sets, introducing students to music culture in general, and to electronic music in particular. Children learn the history of electronic music, and the main styles and trends in electronic dance music. In addition, participants in the program get acquainted with professional DJ equipment and switching. They get a chance to compose their own musical tracks and produce DJ projects. The top students compete in a DJ challenge and the best young DJs are invited to take part in the final event, the all-Artek farewell dance party.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 17 years, and is part of the technology block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Dr. Doolittle’s school

Participants in the program will get to know the basics of veterinary medicine, including care, treatment and disease prevention for domestic animals. They will learn the theory and get some practice at Artek’s biosphere station with its pets’ corner that has a donkey, a peacock, a rabbit, a pig and other animals.

 

 

 

Robotics 1.0

The Robotics 1.0 course offers an insight into computer technology, basic software development skills and robotics. As part of the course, children learn to solve engineering problems and build their first robot models, using either special sets of components or according to their own designs.

The teaching staff is provided by the Research and Education Centre for Robotics and Mechatronics of the Sergei Korolev Samara National Research University.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the technology block of extracurricular activities.

 

Electronics

The electronics class consists of hands-on experiments with state-of-the-art equipment. By the end of the course, children are expected to know the main elements and components of electronic devices, and how they work. They will be able to draw and read wiring schemes, work with direct current power supply, and use oscilloscopes and digital multimeters.

Teaching staff for the course is provided by the Faculty of Electronics and Instrument Engineering at Sergei Korolev Samara National Research University.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 17 years, and is part of the technology block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Psychological studio

This activity is offered by the counselling staff and is intended for children interested in psychology and in better understanding themselves, their world, emotions, anxieties, and what causes various types of behavior. Students are expected to be interested in self-improvement, enhancing their communication and interaction skills. No special knowledge or skills are required. This activity is of special interest for teenagers who are making the first steps in shaping their identity. This is when they need professional assistance in understanding their true self.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the social and teaching block of extracurricular activities.

 

Kite making and flying

This activity introduces children to the achievements and discoveries in aerospace building in Russia and abroad and is designed to inspire children to study engineering.

Students will learn to work with theodolites and range measuring systems, as well as basic aerodynamics. They will study the properties of materials used to make kites, and technical drawing techniques, using trigonometric tables and calculating kite flying altitude, as well as getting a general idea of kite shapes, types, and purpose.

Having completed the course, participants will be able to make calculations on the kite body, bridle and tail, make adjustments to the kite tail, and chose a launch pad. Flying a kite is definitely the most joyous and impressive element in the course.

This activity is for children aged 12 to 16 years, and is part of the technology block of extracurricular activities.

 

Landscape desing

Participants familiarize themselves with the basics and secrets of landscaping and design. How can a building be made an organic part of the landscape? How should plants be selected in interior and exterior design to stress the uniqueness of design projects? Teachers will help children find answers to these questions. The program’s first stage consists of a trip to Aivazovsky landscape park (in Partenit), Crimea. After that, children sketch their projects on paper, create models and computer models, and only then, implement their projects.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 17 years, and is part of the environment and biology block of extracurricular activities.

 

Fairy tale world (plasticine art)

The course is designed to develop creativity among children and teenagers who learn to make plasticine compositions and study the history of plasticine graphics and decorative arts in general. Artek students will learn to choose colors, make drawings on glass, and design an art composition in its entirety.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

Soap making workshop

In 14th century England the rules of the soap-makers guild did not allow its members to sleep under the same roof with non-members in order to preserve the secrets of the trade. However, those who choose the soap making course will learn the secret along with the most incredible facts about soap making. Children will find out how to make craft soap by blending colors and perfumes, using natural additives and creating unusual shapes. Hand-crafted natural soap is a wonderful gift one can take back home from Artek.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

Pyrography

Participants in this course will learn the secrets of the ancient art of pyrography. Artek students will study pyrography applications in applied arts, and will explore various techniques. Following in the footsteps of the great masters of art, children will create their own miniature masterpieces on wood, paper, leather and other natural materials.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 16 years, and is part of the arts block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

Children’s flotilla (specialized group)

The Children’s Flotilla in Artek offers children a unique opportunity to try out their sea legs. They learn the basics of sea navigation, team work, and perseverance. The course involves studying the Yal-6 boat, rowing and sailing it out on the sea, tying nautical knots, and learning how to use them in practice. Children also learn to transmit and receive information with the help of flag hoist signals.

This activity is for children aged 10 to 17 years, and is part of the physical education block of extracurricular activities.

 

 

 

Traverse (program for tourism groups)

In today’s world, people move around a lot, including on trips and tours. No matter where you are heading, you always need to be able to find the right direction and know what to do in case of an emergency. The program is designed to develop spatial reasoning, and inspire students to study history and geography. More than 90 percent of classes are held outdoors, which has health benefits and helps the students better adapt to the environment. Children will learn to overcome natural obstacles using available means to help themselves and others.