Count me in! Off the Beaten Path
Count me in! Off the Beaten Path
Obedinenie, Bulgaria
“Count me in!” is all about sharing stories that highlight diversity, equality, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in the seat of art festivals. In this series you will hear their stories, and see how we can all make a difference by standing up for each other.

Singing Hearts Summer Vocal Camp: A Mission of Music, Love, and Community
The Singing Hearts Summer Vocal Camp unites young people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds through the transformative power of music and storytelling. Founded in 2018 by mezzo-soprano and festival organiser Mariana Karpatova, the camp has become a beloved summer tradition for youth in Southwestern Bulgaria. Held each July, it is organised under the auspices of the Off the Beaten Path Festival.
From its inception, the mission of Singing Hearts has been to nurture young musicians in kindness, compassion, charity, and neighbourly love. The week-long camp concludes with a concert in the picturesque City Park, where the local community gathers to enjoy the children’s music. This is followed by a heartfelt visit to the Home for Elderly People.
A Week of Music, Stories, and Connection
Each day of the camp includes rehearsals of thoughtfully chosen songs, storytelling sessions, and interactive games. These activities encourage children to discover their own stories while learning about one another’s traditions. For example, last summer’s theme was local produce and culinary traditions. Each day, children enjoyed healthy snacks and shared stories about what they grew in their gardens and their favourite family holiday dishes—whether for Christmas, Easter, Passover, Ramadan, or Kurban Bayram.
The previous summer centred on the theme of “Love and Care for Nature.” Campers joined forces to clean up a local park, an activity that inspired them to be more conscious of litter and to clean up after themselves wherever they went.
Moments of Pride and Purpose
One of the proudest moments in Singing Hearts’ history came a few years ago, after a concert at the Home for Elderly People. While there, the group learned about a resident in urgent need of cataract surgery—something he couldn’t afford. Inspired by the camp’s theme song that year, titled “Доброто, има го” (“Kindness Exists”), the children and organisers launched an initiative to raise the required funds.
Thanks to their efforts, they were able to fund not one but two cataract surgeries. Today, both Dimitar and Nicola, the two beneficiaries, are among the camp’s most devoted supporters, returning each summer to cheer on the young musicians.