Winter Camp at Airoli, 2016

CRY in its initiative to provide an opportunity for the young and the less privileged children to develop and know the world that surrounds them, brought the winter camp to one of its promised school in Navi Mumbai.  For that going beyond academics, beyond the books and the classrooms was important, and therefore believing in what CRY stands for and the zest of those children, a winter camp for two days was organized for these kids with fun filled activities and short engaging films. This camp aimed at bringing the most in the children, that they could grab from the global perspective oriented videos and quizzes to the personality development and career counseling sessions.

The very first day began with the most refreshing of all, the YOGA session that involved them and the fellow volunteers into meditation and basic morning stretching asanas. Post this quick refreshment the children were engaged in the motivational short films that involved a brief interaction after every film. This was in itself an achievement, that although the films were in other languages, the children could relate and reciprocate the moral values towards the end very well. After giving them a practical awareness of the values that should govern an individual, what better time can there be to discuss the personality development. 

This was followed by a fun filled music and dance session that put these young kids on their feet and showcase their moves on the beats. The smiles on their faces was a moment, a moment to cherish. Later there took place a serious discussion on the career prospects these children can take pertaining their interests post grade 10. Knowing that the kids do not have much idea that there exists an array of professions, the highlight of this winter camp was directing the youth to first know themselves, understand their interests and know the careers  they can potentially take. The day ended with some yummy cakes along with some notebooks given to the school children.

Their enthusiasm that sprawled throughout kept the volunteers motivated and was in itself the least expression required to understand the mutual respect and understanding they had from an outsider’s observance.

-Frenny Patel, Intern (Mumbai)