On the occasion of Earth Day, we organized a special program for children at BIG Zrenjanin and BIG Šabac with one clear goal — to present the importance of nature conservation through experiences that children can understand, enjoy, and apply in their everyday habits.
Ecology becomes meaningful to children only when they connect it with concrete examples: what we do with waste, why plants need care, how natural resources are preserved, and why even small decisions can make a big difference. That is why the program was designed through interactive stations that guided children through learning, play, and creation.
The first part of the program was a creative recycling workshop, where children made and decorated planters from used plastic bottles. Through hands-on work, they learned that objects do not have to become waste immediately — they can be given a new purpose and value.
After that, they planted lavender and chamomile in the decorated planters. This part of the workshop had special importance, as it introduced children to the topics of caring for plants, natural processes, and responsibility. Through a conversation about what a plant needs in order to grow, the children learned that nature requires attention, patience, and continuity.
The eco quiz additionally connected all segments of the program. Through questions about waste, recycling, nature, and everyday habits, children were encouraged in a simple and dynamic way to think about how their actions affect the environment. The quiz was not designed as a test of knowledge, but as an incentive for conversation, reasoning, and a better understanding of the topic.
An important part of the overall experience was the scenography. Eco bins for waste separation, a themed photo point, and the central message of the program created an environment that clearly communicated the idea of Earth Day. The photo point especially attracted the attention of children and parents, as it allowed them to capture a moment from the program, while helping the message of the event continue to live through photographs.
Animators in the roles of Mother Nature and the Forest Guardian brought the topic even closer to the youngest participants. Through their costumes, energy, and communication, they attracted children to the workshops, introduced them to the story, and created an atmosphere where learning happened naturally through play and interaction.
Workshop leaders carefully guided every segment, leading children through the process of crafting, planting, and conversations about protecting nature.
From an organizational perspective, a program like this requires thorough preparation of materials, a clear setup for every zone, functional scenography, and strong coordination of the entire on-site team. It is especially important that every activity has a purpose — not just to fill the space, but to become part of a wider message that children can truly understand.
The program in Šabac went smoothly and according to plan, while in Zrenjanin we were met with strong winds that required quick reactions and adjustments to the setup. In situations like these, the priority is always the safety of children, the functionality of the program, and the quality of the overall experience. With the support of the technical team, the scenography was additionally secured, the setup adapted to the conditions, and the program continued without losing its dynamics or core message.
Through the workshops, children experienced the full process of eco-learning — from recycling and planting, to quizzes and conversations — ending with a special moment when they took home their own plant, a Little Eco Guardian diploma, and one important message: that every one of us has a role in protecting nature.
For us, this event was a great example of how a children’s program can be entertaining, educational, and meaningful at the same time. When a child leaves the shopping mall holding a plant, a diploma, and a clear understanding that they too can contribute to protecting the planet — that is when Earth Day truly gains its real value.
