Description and functions
Dzikowiec on the trail of memory
10 points, local stories and a shared final slogan.
History doesn’t always begin in a textbook. Sometimes it’s hidden in an old photograph, a family story or a forgotten place. You can find it by a church, a school, a voluntary fire brigade station, in a cemetery or by a memorial plaque.
“Dzikowiec on the Trail of Memory” turns local history into an outdoor adventure. An educational game is being developed that takes participants through places of significance to the local community. The route will include at least 10 points of interest linked to the history, memory and life of the local community.
Local history told through places
The route will include, amongst other things, a church, a vicarage, a school, a volunteer fire brigade station and a cemetery. Participants will also visit selected monuments and commemorative plaques.
Each section will highlight a different aspect of Dzikowiec’s history. Some stories will focus on religious life, others on education, public service or community work. The experiences of the war and the post-war period will also feature prominently.
The materials will be based on local research, photographs and personal recollections. Interviews with people who know the history of the village will also be helpful. In this way, the game will combine knowledge from primary sources with the memories of local residents.
A game instead of a normal lesson
Participants won’t be given long texts to read. They’ll be given a game card and set off on their own.
In the following sections, they will identify historical figures based on short biographical profiles. They will match people to places and arrange events on a timeline. They will interpret the symbols on monuments and commemorative plaques. They will solve historical puzzles and scan QR codes. Their answers will lead them to the final password.
The tasks should be simple, engaging and easy to understand. What will count is your powers of observation, teamwork and curiosity about local history.
The people who created Dzikowiec
Character cards will form the heart of the game. There will be at least six profiles of individuals or groups associated with the local authority.
Participants will meet clergy, teachers, community activists and soldiers. The protagonists will also include craftspeople, members of the Voluntary Fire Service and eyewitnesses to history. Particular focus will be placed on those who have worked for the benefit of their local community and its residents.
Each card will highlight the key facts about a particular figure’s life. It will also indicate a place with which they were associated. It will explain why it is worth remembering them.
It’s not just about a list of names and dates. The game will showcase specific decisions, actions and attitudes. It was these that shaped the local community.
Patriotism without grandstanding
The project presents patriotism in a simple way that resonates with local people. It does not rely on grand slogans.
Patriotism, in this context, means knowing the history of one’s own town. It also means respect for previous generations and care for places of remembrance. A sense of responsibility towards the community in which we live is also important.
The history of Poland will be illustrated through the story of a small village. Participants will explore this history through the stories of families, the parish, the school and the Volunteer Fire Brigade. They will also discover the significance of local heroes, cemeteries, monuments and commemorative plaques.
A game for children, families and older people
“Dzikowiec on the Trail of Memory” is aimed primarily at children and young people. Families, adult residents and senior citizens will also be able to take part.
For young people, this will be a hands-on history lesson. Instead of sitting at their desks, they will discover places and figures for themselves.
Families will be given an idea for a walk together. The game can also spark a conversation about the history of the house, the neighbours or the whole village.
Older people will be able to share their own memories. Their knowledge will help to fill in the gaps in the stories recorded in documents and chronicles.
An open event for local residents
At least 50 people will take part in the outdoor treasure hunt. Participants will be able to complete the route individually, as a family or as a team.
Each participant will receive a game card. They will then visit a series of locations, complete tasks and collect clues. The final stage will be to uncover the final password.
Before the event, the entire route will be thoroughly checked. The check will cover tasks, markings, links and QR codes. The accessibility of individual locations will also be checked.
What will remain once the project is complete?
The project will result in more than just a single event. A complete outdoor game will be created, featuring a route, character cards, descriptions of locations, QR codes, a participant’s card and a scenario. Field tasks, the final password, a dedicated web page and downloadable materials will also be ready.
The facility will remain available to schools, families and local organisations. It will also be used by the parish, the voluntary fire brigade, the library and the community centres.
The game can be used during history lessons and educational walks. It will also be suitable for family gatherings, patriotic events and other local initiatives. Over time, the route can be expanded to include new locations, characters and stories.
‘Dzikowiec on the Trail of Memory’ draws local history from chronicles, photo albums and memoirs. It takes it out into the field, where you can really follow in its footsteps.