A group of schoolchildren is exploring "The Water Arteries of Vitebsk Region"

"Previously, when the adventures of 'Polissya Robinsons' captivated children across the entire Union, such water trips for children were popular. And now our specialist Alexey Bogovets is reviving the tradition of eco-rafting, where children can learn a lot of new things and acquire survival skills in field conditions. He also leads classes in the tourist club, whose pupils, along with other active schoolchildren from the village of Domzheritsy, and several individuals from Borisov, have set off on the current expedition. The average age of the participants is 13-14 years old," said Artem Damut, head of the reserve's tourism department.

It is expected that over the week, the children will travel about 150 km by kayaks and boats along a system of lakes and canals from Lake Olshitsa in the Lepel district to the Western Dvina River in Polotsk. Along the way, they will visit natural monuments and human architectural creations, and places of military glory of the Fatherland's defenders. Last year, Alexey Bogovets organized a similar water expedition along the Berezina River basin. And this route won the nomination "Best Ecological Trip" in the regional competition "Discover the Motherland - Educate Yourself."

"The current trip is a logical continuation of the first one, because the watershed of two basins – the Black and Baltic Seas – runs through the territory of our reserve. The first direction was explored last year, and now it's time for the second. About 200 years ago, by imperial decree, the man-made Berezina Water System of canals was created for the development of trade routes, timber rafting, and so on. And the children will also learn about this during the expedition," added Artem Damut.

The expedition is absolutely safe for children: they all underwent preliminary instruction, and complete beginners also received training, noted the head of the reserve's tourism department. All necessary equipment has been provided from the reserve's arsenal. In general, it turned out to be an engaging alternative to a health camp. But the Berezinsky Reserve is not