“Summer camps are known for providing a safe environment where children gain self-confidence as they learn new skills. Camp is also a place where children develop a variety of social skills (e.g., communication, conflict resolution ability etc.).” It was with this aim that a one month Summer Camp was organized by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kuwait (IES) on its premises from 11th June to 11th July, 2017 for boys and girls from Kindergarten to Grade 5. The delegates of the camp were students from various schools in Kuwait.
INAUGURATION
IES Summer Camp 2017 was inaugurated by Ms. Lalitha Premkumar, Vice Principal of the primary wing on 11th June, 2017 amidst thunderous applause fused with music and dance. Camp Director Mr. Murugaiyan welcomed the gathering, and the facilitators: Ms. Muneera M.Kutty, Ms. Sukanya, Ms. Jeya Devi, Mr. Ranjith and Mr. Armugham introduced themselves to the delegates and their parents. Ms. Muneera M.Kutty delivered the vote of thanks. An ice breaking session was conducted after the inaugural session. Music Teacher, Ms. Sijitha, got all the delegates and facilitators on the dance floor with her foot tapping numbers.
GROUPING
The children were divided into three groups according to their grades.
Group 1: LKG and UKG In Charge: Ms. Jeya Devi
Group 2: Grades 1& 2 In Charge: Ms. Sukanya
Group 3: Grades 3 to 5 In Charge: Ms. Muneera M.Kutty
Camp Hours:
The Camp hours were from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Sunday to Thursday.
FACILITATORS
Mr. Murugaiyan Camp Director
Mr. Ranjith Sports
Ms. Sukanya Aerobics & Dance
Ms. Jeya Devi Music
Ms. Muneera M.Kutty Language Arts/Needle Work & Art
PROGRAMMES
Yoga
Aerobics
Breathing Exercises
Swimming
Art/Craft/Needle work
Language Skills
Public Speaking
Music
Dance
Field Trips
CELEBRATIONS
Environment Day, Fun in the Sun, Colour Day, Creative Hat Day, Birthday, Talent Day etc were celebrated. The facilitators ensured that all the delegates actively took part in all the celebrations.
FUN IN THE SUN DAY
Children came dressed in yellow on the Fun in the Sun Day. The highlight of the day was the Artificial rain created by the Sports department. The children thoroughly enjoyed drenching themselves in the rain. They were taught to make lemonade on the day.
ENVIRONMENT DAY
Children came draped in green on the Environment Day. They planted seeds in small bowls which they took home with them. They were sensitized on the needs to conserve the environment and on the eco-friendly methods of waste disposal.
Group 1 &2 were given colouring task related to the theme. Group 3 made posters with slogans on the topics: Conserve the Environment, Global Warming, 3 Rs(Reduce, Re-use, Recycle) etc.
CREATIVE HAT DAY
Children enjoyed creating hats using simple materials. The junior groups decorated the hats they brought along with them whereas the senior groups made their own hats using construction paper. Children came up with innovative ideas to create their own hats.
TALENT DAY
All the delegates actively participated in the Talent Show. Children sang and danced euphorically. The best speakers selected during the Public Speaking sessions, spoke on the occasion.
COLOUR DAY
Colour Day at IES Summer Camp was celebrated based on the theme, “Together we’re a rainbow of colours!’’ Campers and facilitators came clad in rainbow colours. Mr.T. Premkumar, the Principal inaugurated the day by making an imprint of his palms on the canvas of colours and thus marked the importance of the day. He also helped the tiny tots in Group One to make their imprints on the canvas. Finally, a beautiful rainbow was created with hand imprints of all the delegates and facilitators, and which indeed was the breathtakingly standout attraction of the day. Ms. Lalitha Premkumar, the Vice Principal spoke to the children about the significance and impact of various colours in our life. . She also conducted a meditation activity which the children found very relaxing and soul soothing. Language activities, songs, art and craft activities related to different colours were held for the children.
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
International Yoga Day was observed by conducting Yoga sessions for the students on 21st June 2017. The students were educated on the importance of Yoga and how it can help to lead a balanced life. They were made aware that yoga helps in maintaining not only physical and mental health but also a healthy social life.
The students were taught Pranayama and various Aasanas starting with warming up and stretching followed by Surya Namaskar.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
9th July was set aside for celebrating the birthdays of all those children whose birthdays fall during the vacation. Birthday boys and girls came dressed in their best and distributed bars of chocolates and cakes to all the delegates and facilitators. Birthday songs were sung and all the delegates wished the celebrities of the day a happy and long life.
ETHNIC DAY
Children being brought up away from their home land need to be sensitized about their motherland, their tradition, culture and heritage. With this noble aim ‘Ethnic Day’ was celebrated during the camp days. Children spoke about their native place, customs, places of importance, language etc. Small children were taught to locate their native place on the map and colour the same. They drew beautiful pictures of things that reminded them of their native place.
FRUIT SALAD DAY
To inculcate healthy eating habit in children, Fruit Salad Day was celebrated. Each child was asked to bring a fruit of their choice. A tasty fruit salad was made and served to all the children. Children who were reluctant to eat at first came back for more servings later.
FIELD TRIP
Field trips to KDD factory and KITCO were arranged. Children learnt about the factory processes that were carried out in the two factories. They were given gift packets of sample products by the factory officials.
VALEDICTORY FUNCTION
IES Summer Camp Valedictory Function was held on 11th July, 2017. Children came garbed in their native costume for the occasion. Mr. Murugaiyan welcomed the gathering. Camp delegates gave their feedback. Every delegate from group 3 came forward and spoke. This was followed by a small cultural programme. Music Teacher Ms. Jeya Devi, rendered a lovely classical song. Camp Director Mr. Murugaiyan and other facilitators, Mr. Ranjith and Ms. Sukanya, distributed the certificate of participation to all the campers. Mr. Murugaiyan, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed his immense gratitude to the Chairman and the Principal for encouraging the team to organize summer camps every year and keep the children engaged in wonderful skill based activities. He thanked all the facilitators, non-teaching staff, the delegates and parents for their whole-hearted sincere cooperation offered in making the Summer Camp 2017 a grand success. Ice creams and cakes were distributed at the end of the programme. The campers bid good bye amidst tears and cheers foreseeing a nostalgic return in 2018.