Fun, frolic and a little gyan - Times of India

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Fun, frolic and a little gyan - Times of India Mar 28th 2012, 01:43 MYSORE: Summer means a welcome break for young students from books and studies. It's that time of the year where they let their hair down and take a sabbatical after the exam grind. For parents, summer holidays may prove tough time controlling the children, especially if they are hyperactive and mischievous. It's this aspect of parents that summer camps try to address - keep the children busy helping them acquire new skills or hone the existing ones. Chances are, children get to know their potential in certain hobbies/ extra-curricular activities and show their talent. The camps usually mix fun and frolic with a dash of study material thrown in. While the children wait to get into such camps, the organizers try to make hay while the sun shines, literally. But what exactly makes children look forward to camps? According to parents, it's the freedom to explore new horizons and the joy of hanging out with friends. Here, the children are motivated to learn without any compulsion. Camp organizers are busy gearing up to cater to the aspirations of enthusiastic children. They offer a wide range of activities like music, sports, games and arts for the mental and physical growth. Drawing, painting, handicrafts, yoga, meditation, learning skills, art of public speaking, magic, swimming and dance also make it to the list of activities.Seshanna, former principal, department of Physical Education, University of Mysore, said: "Summer camps help children make friends, and this is in contrast to the ones they befriend online. The camps also provide them an opportunity to bring out the leader in them, and also come out of the cocoon, the comfort zone."For some children, summer camp provides the first opportunity to stay away from their families. Staying away from families helps children become decision-makers and problem-solvers. "Don't put pressure on children to attend summer camps...let them decide where to go. For many parents, sending their children to summer camp is a prestige issue," said Dr Ravish, psychiatrist at Mysore Medical College Research and Institute. He called upon parents to give their children the freedom to make their choice and support their interest.C Krishna, director of department of Physical Education, University of Mysore, said: "Children's talent can be identified at summer camps. Besides developing healthy habits, the children learn discipline there."Experts also cautioned parents to be doubly careful while admitting their children to summer camps. "Onus is on them to see that their children are put in the camp. They should ensure that the camp is well-equipped, complete with medical facilities," they say. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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