Night Camp for Pre-Primary

To celebrate the graduation of the Pre-Primary children to Primary and equally, to instill independence and social skills School organised a night camp for the children on 26 March, 2015. 14 teachers with our Head Teacher, School nurse and six ayah-didis were present to enable the endeavour!

Initially the parents appeared a little apprehensive but assurance from the teachers and a fun-filled itinerary laid their apprehensions to rest. The children started coming in at 4 pm and by 4: 20 pm, 61 lovely innocent faces had arrived to indulge in their first-ever experience of a night out out, all geared-up in energy and enthusiasm. Not to miss were their little individual 'overnighters' carefully packed for the occasion! The teachers welcomed the children as they walked through the School gate and each was led inside. The sparkle on their faces seemed special. Surprisingly there was no sign of any 'pangs of parting' from their parents!

The classrooms, had been set up for 10 children per room, ( girls and boys separately) , two teachers and an ayah-didi. The children were helped to settle their bags in allocated spots. The first 15-20 minutes were spent getting familiar with each other, especially those from the different sections. The chatter was all about what lay inside their bags, how they would stay up all night etc. At 5 pm, we moved to the play field where an evening snack awaited us. Happily the children gorged on sandwiches, cake and milk.

The snack done, the children were divided in groups of 12 or 13 and each group was allocated a group name. The groups were now referred to by their group name. A short session of dance was organised to break the ice further and set the tempo. Our young teachers, Kiran and Devyani had organised games for the children, which had them playing in pairs. By default, the buzzword became we from I and the cheering for their groups were a happy display of early social skills. Soon it was 7:30 pm am the children were led back to their rooms where they changed in to their night clothes and then helped make their beds with their teachers and ayah-didis. The children seemed hungry by now and were directed to the dinner venue where a sumptuous dinner awaited them. Pasta, rajma rice, poori-aloo, halwa and gulab jamuns were waiting to be eaten. The children lined up, picked up their plates from the stack and steadily moved from item to item. They were helped to serve themselves.

Stomachs full, the bonfire was ready to be lit.!The music made the mood and several of our little ones began to tap their feet to the familiar beats. Soon many were upon the dance floor, swaying and cheering as the fire was lit. The popcorn and wafers had many takers and even the usually reserved children got prompted to join the song and dance. We teachers were pleasantly surprised to witness energy levels rarely seen before!

We persuaded the children back to the rooms at around 10 pm. They brushed before hitting their pillows. The lights were dimmed as bedtime stories began. Several of the little ones dropped off to sleep even as the story was narrated, while others chuckled and only slept later. Teachers took hourly rounds to check if all was okay. W were happy the little ones slept soundly through the night. To our surprise, not a single child pined or cried for home. Naturally we felt very reassured that we had managed to secure them in their home, away from home that night.

The next morning was a cool and pleasant one and the children were woken up with a smile. They seemed happy and refreshed and responded readily to a good morning! They freshened up, brushed and got ready for a morning jog and exercise. They made their beds and it was a treat to watch them work independently. After the jogging and exercise session, hungry and exhausted, the students were ready to devour a hot breakfast which included aloo parathas with butter and dahi. Not to miss cool, flavoured milk to wash it down.

Post-breakfast the students took stock of their belongings to ensure nothing was left behind. They were very animated and chatted continuously with their teachers and friends. Parents began coming in at 9 am to fetch their wards and the children readied to leave very reluctantly. Each child was handed a balloon and a lollipop as he or she parted with the teacher. They seemed happy to see their parents and equally sad to see off their friends and teachers.

Bonds seem to have been built beyond those with immediate friends in class. Another achievement was a new confidence to manage oneself. Besides the invaluable orientation of sharing and caring in a common environment.

We, teachers felt fulfilled.

Ms. Vinita Roy, Head Teacher.