Now that the exams are over, results are out and children given holidays, most parents are trying to figure out the best options offered by summer camps that have surfaced dime a dozen in the city.
Brochures, pamphlets, hoardings and TV ads on summer workshops for children galore making the decision on the ‘coolest’ option a difficult task for parents. With the camp organisers curating an eclectic range of activities that go far beyond the usual break-season experience, most parents are eager to make their wards an active part of these child-focused hubs be it art and craft, music, dance, yoga, swimming, quilling or story-telling.
“These days summer camps are tailored keeping in mind the kids’ needs beyond the symbolic and run-of-the-mill sessions. They require both mental and physical conditioning and should be taught traits that they can pursue later in life or at least grow an interest for,” says P. Vanaja, who runs Jelly Beans Kids Play Centre, beside Chandana Grand on Bandar Road, currently organising a summer camp for children between 2 and 10.
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For the tots, she has indoor games such as ‘pretend and play’ sets such as supermarkets, grocery store houses, kitchen area and age-related tool kits. Outdoor activities include a sand pit, water games, a wall pool, slides, ride-ons and climbing activities.
A home-maker, Ms. Vanaja transformed her home into a hub of excited kids two years back for what she calls “my personal happiness”.
Sarika Tejani, whose 13-year-old son has enrolled in the swimming classes at Jelly Beans is happy with the place. “Unlike the pool of the local Municipal Corporation, this is a well-maintained clean place,” she says.
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Most parents agree that if run safe and well, a summer camp can open a whole new world of friendship, interests, skills and independence for a child. There are opportunities here that simply are not available in schools.
“Its all about experimenting with new skills. Kids can try new things. Away from the expectations and any kind of pressure. A planned and well-executed camp can equip the children with an expanded sense of enhanced self-esteem,” says Vishal Indla, Director of Indlas Child Guidance Clinic in city and a branch in Mumbai. Mr. Vishal, who is also president of the Andhra Pradesh chapter of Indian Psychiatric Society, says in this modern age with nuclear families, joining a summer camp for four-five weeks can be the best bet for children. He is keen on seeing his two sons learn some form of art and craft in these holidays.
The city is bustling with such camps in almost every nook and cranny. If the Kidzee Play School near the VSM Public School in Patamata offers loads of fun and learning for kids in 3-10 age group, the Knight Chess House at Church Centre in Bhavanipuram promises to make the young learners masters of the 24-square board. Shre Champs in P&T Colony takes classes in Abacus, Greenlane Skills at Mogulrajpuram offers a mix of activities like yoga, karate and language skills, Power Skills Abacus and Arts Academy at Vidyadharapuram Skills Education Academy near Sindhu Bhavan in Brundavan Colony are some of the hubs helping children explore and engage in their passion.
“I plan to send my 13-year-old son to music classes when his school closes for summer vacations. Music is a great stress-buster and learning it for a couple of hours will add another dimension to his personality,” says D. Sridevi, a software trainer in a local engineering college.
Ms. Sridevi, however, is against allowing the child to be away for long hours. “Holidays are the best time for family bonding. I certainly want to spend quality time with him before he gets busy in his academic curriculum again,” she says.
Some parents are still confused whether or not to send their children to these camps. “There was no such confusion when I was a child. Summer vacations invariably meant a visit to grandparents’ village with natural surroundings,” says L. Manikyala Rao, recalling how he loved breathing the fresh and pure air walking in the middle of rows of corn fields. Away from the humdrum of the city life, no sound of scooters or motor horns to disturb, he relished the warmth of his grandparents and the organic and authentic food they served. “It is sad that the current generation kids miss that luxury,” rues the old-timer.