📍 LOESS Presentation, International Summer Camp Preparations & Farewell Day
Today was the last day of camp… In the morning, we gathered in groups to evaluate the BATEM and EXPO tours we had done the previous day. We shared our experiences, discussed what we had learned, and made a brief preparation for today’s programme.
Our teacher, Ayfer, introduced us to the mobile applications developed as part of the LOESS project. First, we examined the LOESS crowdmapping tool. We learned how soil maps can be used. Then we moved on to the augmented reality (AR) application. We did a short test on how to install and use this application on our phones. It was quite exciting!
Then, preparations for the International LOESS Online Summer Camp began. Our teacher Ayfer, explained the process in detail. Three to five participants with English skills sufficient to give presentations at the summer camp were selected. These friends will later participate in an online meeting to develop their presentations together with the teachers.
After that, we split into small groups and brainstormed about important soil issues in Turkey. We discussed both the problems and the proposed solutions. Then, we talked about the soil types commonly found in our country and filled out the templates provided by LOESS together. These activities contributed significantly to both the content to be presented at the online camp and our own awareness.
Afterwards, we held an introductory meeting via ZOOM with some volunteers from the LOESS Application Community. We shared our experiences related to soil with these individuals, each of whom is are expert in different fields, and asked questions about topics we were curious about. The perspectives of these soil volunteers, who work in different sectors, greatly influenced us.
After lunch, our certificate ceremony took place in the Dean’s Conference Hall of the Faculty of Agriculture. The certificates awarded by Prof. Dr. Mustafa Erkal, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, honoured each of us at the end of this journey. We received our certificates to applause.
And finally… we moved on to an emotional yet equally enjoyable farewell party. A large cake with the LOESS logo was cut, plenty of photos were taken, and final memories were made. Goodbyes were difficult, but everyone had a big smile on their face.
Today was not just the last day of a camp, but also the end of the friendships we built, the knowledge we gained, and the connection we formed with the land. It was an unforgettable experience.