Cool campers await ice cream treat

The 10 day camp which kicked off on April 25, is undoubtedly offering a whole new experience to the children with multiple activities that are sweeping away the otherwise boring summer days.

Visit Bal Bhavan and you will be fascinated to see the children engrossed in one or the other form of activity. It may be drawing or dancing, singing or drama the summer camp has come up with a complete ‘fun plus education’ package for the children. Speaking to City Herald, Programme Co-ordinator Kushalappa said, the summer camp organised by the Department of Women and Child Welfare has been designed to promote two themes namely environmental protection and promoting the traditions of Dakshina Kannada.

“We, the organisers felt that there is an immense need to educate children about environmental protection. Thus we came up with certain sessions which emphasises environmental related issues and the protection of environment.  Along with it we also felt that most of the present generation kids are unaware of the rich customs and traditions of the district. With a view to make children develop a positive attitude towards Tulu culture, we have inculcated several activities based on the traditions of this region,” he said.

The children assembled in Bal Bhavan, despite having come from different socio-economic background are all well-adjusted with each other. Expressing her contentment, one of the participants, Shobhitha, VI Std student from Canara School said she is very happy to be a part of the camp.

“I have attended few summer camps earlier, but this one is different. I have learnt so many things here in just a span of five days. Our day in the camp starts with singing the national anthem, Nada geethe and other patriotic songs. Our mentor here has made it mandatory for us to learn patriotic songs with their  meaning. Along with drama, dance and song practice, we are attending sessions on personality development, leadership qualities etc,” Shobhitha chirps.

For a gang of boys, the camp is not only a learning experience but also has helped them to make friends. Harshith, a participant, claims that despite they having come from different schools they have adjusted well. “I have made new friends here and I love to spend time with them,” he says.

His friends group is eagerly looking forward to the ice cream-eating competition which will be held on May 1. “It is not that I want to win the competition, but I want to eat as much as possible as I am getting it for free!” says ice cream lover Chidanand.

With only five more days left for the closing ceremony of the camp, the children are busy practicing a drama (on environment protection) and a dance ballet (on culture and tradition) to be staged during the valedictory function.

Bal Bhavan in-charge M Venkappa said, though the organisers have collected Rs 100 from the students, it is worth the price.

“We did not want to collect fee from the children, but then with the sole intention that children should not take the camp for granted, we have collected a nominal fee,” he said.

With resource persons like Sheshagiri Rao from Jaycee, Sri Devi Acharya, Maounesh Vishwakarma, Gopal Anchan and others, no doubt the summer camp is a complete package for the children.