As the school breaks for the Diwali vacations, there is a group of children who are yet more excited-for their overnight camp.
This group of children are specifically chosen as they are the ones who have fantasies, which their parents cannot even think of fulfilling. The children are made to stay back in school.
Students of this generation are over protected. Maximum parents are working, so as a compensation for their guilt, they shower all their money on the children, making them extremely dependent. Camps are meant for this change, where children get to be responsible, they get to be independent. They get to do things without the help of their protective parents or any adult. The most dependent children can learn to rely on themselves when they spend time away home. They learn that life is different and difficult away from home.
Students are divided into groups, or house wise. This gets them geared up to perform with all their heart and soul for their group. This helps children to learn to take up challenges and in a zealous way work towards winning a common goal. Children are given various tasks.
Cooking a dish together is one such activity. These days, children are never permitted to get their hands on any kitchen tasks. Cooking is considered a boring adult job. But when it becomes a part of the camp activities, it’s a frolic experience of the youngsters. Right from making a list, shopping, cutting, preparing the item to serving of the dish, all of it is a great learning experience. Children are on their toes and with an intention to do their best.
Several games are arranged. To teach these young ones teamwork, leadership and to showcase their talents, this is one right way. These days many students are reserved, under depression, shy or troubled. These activities help children to understand themselves, their likings and their fortes. The experience may also help them find a hobby or a life passion that they otherwise may never have known about. This helps the child to be responsible for making many decisions on his own. And that’s a very good practice for the teen years ahead, which offer responsible decision-making opportunities every day.
Away from home, children are very careful of their belongings. They learn to be cautious and responsible about their things. Usually children don’t get a chance to stay together, but an overnight camp helps these children to have a wonderful time with their fellow mates.
Camp fire is the highlight of any camp. Children get time to experience this placid time with their friends. In today’s world where children cannot imagine performing any task without a gadget, these moments are worth cherishing, when they sit by the fire, looking at the sky, counting the stars. Living in skyscrapers never gives them a chance to lie on the ground to observe the sky. This helps them relate their studies to real life. Sing songs, dancing, eating when done in the open sky is an experience for life time. This helps children appreciate small things. Back home parents might give them the healthiest and tastiest food, but even the nuts roasted in the bonfire is relished by these little ones.
If a dance floor is synced with loud music then there is not a single child who doesn’t shake his leg. Children at this tender age have a fantasy about lounges and pubs. This is the best way to expose them to what they have always fancied. Children have a belief that to keep themselves entertained the only way is by using technology. This helps them understand that there is life other than the advanced science they are in awe of.
Waking up by themselves, getting ready without reminders, taking care of their belongings is a totally effective learning during the camp days. They also learn to connect with other people in positive ways.
Children are taking their parents love for granted. Little do they appreciate about the sacrifices done by their parents. They get used to getting everything as per their convenience, a readymade platter. These camps help them learn to appreciate all their parents do for them. The little extras such as making their favorite dishes for dinner, or driving him to and from classes, may suddenly be appreciated.
So overnight camps are a very effective way of learning. To sum it up we may say, overnight camps are about living life in the slow lane for a little while giving children the opportunity to find hobbies and talents, rediscover the wonder of reading, or appreciate the beauty of all things around them. Camps can help children appreciate that all they really need to be contented is a warm place to sleep, healthy food, the company of a few good friends, and a caring adult to help guide them through life.