CAMP IS WHERE IT’S AT

Another camp story to cherish.

Marvel's Avengers assembled for one last time

MARVEL is the two-week residential learning camp for the project’s beneficiaries, MIRACLE. Summer camp is a specially crafted programme for children during their summer vacation holidays as they come together and have fun while learning lifelong lessons. It generally involves various outdoor activities that aim to impart new skills and foster personal growth in children. Summer camp is vital in many ways, including allowing them to learn, make mistakes, evolve and develop new skills.

Marvel’s objectives: –

•           Learn social skills

•           Enhanced Leadership skills

•           Improving physical fitness

•           Fostering creativity

•           To take a break from technology

•           To promote independence

•           Teach teamwork

•           Keep kids intellectually engaged

•           Nurtures friendship

•           Promote healthy living

During these 14 days, children followed a well-organized timetable that kept them engaged from 6 to 10 at night. Children wake up at 6 in the morning and proceed to meditation and yoga. This would help the children to understand the necessity of enhanced physical fitness. Children then disperse to clean the campsite. This is designed to encourage them to keep their surroundings clean and hygienic.

Thirty-six children were grouped into three teams named Team Thanos, Black Panther and Wanda Vision, respectively. Once the morning duty gets completed, children advance to personal chores.

The morning educational session starts with a communicative English class. The communicative approach aims to give children the tools necessary to communicate with others in any situation. This was done by teaching them communication strategies and strategies for dealing with their negative thinking habits. Communicative English is a crucial skill in modern life. It enables one to communicate with others of various levels, including social relationships and discussions with friends at school or other places.

A life skill session named ‘Marvellous’ was organized throughout the camp days, which comprised various topics each day, such as Theatre Arts, Life skill education, Photography, Sex education, Art of public speaking, Self-defence strategies etc.

‘Marvel Studios’ is one of the prime attractions of the Marvel camp, where training on musical instruments was provided. The programme encompassed four musical instrument learning sessions, primarily keyboard, guitar, chenda, and flute. Children chose their musical instruments based on their interests. Guitar sessions were taken by Br. Ajil, keyboard by Br: Joseph Xavier, flute by Mr Alan, and chenda by Mr Saikrishna. The prime objective of ‘Marvel Studios’ is that engaging in musical instrument learning sessions can positively impact the child’s academic performance, helping them develop social skills and offering an opportunity for creativity essential to the child’s development.

In the evening, children dispersed for games encompassing cricket, football, badminton, volleyball and other board games. Children can improve their health and fitness through outdoor play and leisure activities. The freedom and space of being outdoors can encourage more expansive movement leading to good physical exercise and helping prevent obesity.

Another important aspect of Marvel camp is the night program named ‘Star Wars’, which includes various indoor activities. This comprised night Olympics, games related to dance, music, quiz games etc.

Marvel camp was a successful venture in achieving the formulated objectives. Children enjoyed the 14 days together and utilized the camp for their growth and improvement. Moreover, children could create memories that they wouldn’t have been able to experience if they had been confined to the four walls of their homes.

The children in the project are deprived of primary caregivers, and most don’t have many friends or relatives to spend their holidays with. MARVEL camp gave them a sense of family and belonging, like a home away from home. The children did not want the camp to end and were in tears on the last day, which signifies that the camp was a huge success.