Kiddies' retreat a resounding success

On Saturday and Sunday, ESTeRES Boutique Agency held a two-day kiddies retreat. The event saw 14 children aged between 5 and 10 years old enjoy a special weekend bonding and taking part in a number of activities. Held at the Arnies Farm in Sasakwe, the weekend is one of many aimed at keeping children busy over the school holidays.

According to the organiser, Michelle Phetlhe, the camps give parents the opportunity to take a breather, while allowing children to do something a little different during the school holidays. She also says that nowadays, children spend so much time indoors, and that the camps provide them with a wonderful opportunity to go outside and do some exploring.

Both the children and the adults were so impressed that they are already enquiring about the next event. She explains that over the two days, the children took a walk to the river, went corn picking, sang traditional songs and played traditional games as well as team building and marshmallow roasting on a bonfire.

“They are all very excited and they had a beautiful time,” she says. Outlining other benefits of the camps, she notes that it aims to develop their confidence and enhance social skills.  It also seeks to take them away from technology so that they can enjoy a different type of entertainment.

“When children take a break from mobile phones, television and the internet, they develop the ability to engage with the real world, by taking part in real activites, with real people,” she explains.

Highlights of the camps include Arts and Crafts, games, trail walks, story telling, team building, dance, star gazing, cloud watching and crockery.
The next camp is slated to take place on May 6th-7th. The fee is P450, and transport is provided to and from the venue.