Balanced Development Foundation, with the general sponsorship of Nabla3 Adaptive Education, and in partnership with yurt camp Naedno and Historical Park, is excited to announce its 2026 Summer camp in Neofit Rilski, Bulgaria.
The camp is completely free. Paid participation does not exist.
This will be the second edition of the camp.
Photos from the 2025 camp are available on our Facebook page.
Guided by the Foundation’s principles, the camp provides high school students with a unique experience built around intellectual, physical, and character development. Participants will have the opportunity to:
-
Develop and strengthen practical skills and habits.
-
Focus on areas aligned with their individual interests and potential.
-
Connect face-to-face with peers from around the world in a phone-free environment.
-
Become familiar with the Bulgarian culture, traditions and cuisine.
-
Contribute to the local community through meaningful work.
Activities
Mobile phones will not be allowed during camp activities. Participants must be able to willing to leave their phone for at least 4 hours at a time, multiple times per day.
Aligned with our balanced approach, students will engage in a wide range of physical, intellectual, and character-building activities, with the opportunity to explore any of these areas in greater depth. During the first week, all students will participate in all available activities. In the following weeks, they can customize their schedules to develop their strongest interests and potential.
Specialized activities (at least 2 sessions/week, based on individual interests):
-
Mathematics and physics - concepts, applications - Vladimir Tomov
-
Coding and computers - principles, logic - Iliyan Alekov
-
Finances - personal and global systems - Iliyan Alekov, Vladimir Tomov
-
Digital Marketing - strategy, analytics - Elena Bratanova
-
Art activities - drawing, music, dancing, string art - Angel Gushkov and others
-
First aid - common emergencies - Svetlana Anodalieva
-
Self defense and basic survival - awareness, essentials - Angel Gushkov and others
-
Agricultural skills and labor - local community work - local instructors
Common activities (everyone participates):
-
Running / track and field training (every morning)
-
Fitness time (every afternoon or evening)
-
Dedicated book reading time (every day)
-
Hiking trips and beach afternoons (at least 2 per week)
Application
We offer 24 free spots total: 12 boys, 12 girls. Applicants must have Bulgarian documents (passport or Bulgarian ID) and must speak Bulgarian. This includes Bulgarian youths living abroad.
Due to the limited number of spots, selection is conducted in two stages:
-
A selection committee reviews all applications and identifies candidates who best reflect the foundation’s values, are most likely to benefit from the program, and are appropriate for the camp environment.
-
All shortlisted candidates participate in a mandatory online interview. Final approval could be granted only after this interview.
Non-selection does not reflect lack of ability or potential.
-
Application closed on May 10, 2026.
-
Online interviews will be performed until May 31, 2026.
-
Participants will be notified by June 10, 2026.
Logistics
-
The camp dates are July 10 - July 31, 2026.
-
The camp is designed for participants aged 15 to 18.
-
Participants will be welcomed onsite or picked up from Varna Airport on July 10 and returned there at the end of the camp.
-
Participants will be accommodated at thе traditional yurt camp in Neofit Rilski village, with four students per yurt. The camp is equipped with 24-hour security and video surveillance to ensure a safe and secure environment for all participants.
-
Meals will be fully provided, featuring locally produced ingredients and freshly cooked dishes that promoted healthy eating habits, inspired by traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
-
Basic first-aid will be available onsite; participants will be transported to the nearest hospital in Devnya when necessary.
Sponsorship
Our foundation seeks sponsorship only from businesses and organizations.
We do not pursue donations from individuals receiving a salary.
All sponsorship contributions will be used to cover students’ participation costs for the 2025 Summer Camp. Sponsors who wish to be recognized may be featured on the foundation’s website.
Individuals who wish to support our mission can do so by subscribing to Nabla3, which directly supports the foundation’s work and provides high-quality mathematics tutoring.
General sponsor:
Nabla3 Adaptive Education Inc.