A record number of entries were received this year for Bombay YMCA’s annual Summer Camping Program at Camp Lakeside, Nilshi. We conducted three camps – May 6^th-10^th, 10^th-14^th and 14^th-18^th and had 454 campers in all registering themselves for our ‘Summer Thrills’ programme! Each batch consisted of Junior (ages 8 to 12) and Senior (ages 13 to 17) campers.

The Camping department planned out a whole new set of games and activities for the two age groups, with focus on developing the spirit, mind and body. Tangrams (a Japanese puzzle game), the Australian Walk (a team building game with emphasis on communication), CandyMan, 3D Pool, Mascot making, Toxic waste etc were some of the games played along with air rifle shooting, archery, rock climbing, kayaking, rappelling, tent pitching and more. Children enacted beautiful ‘Thought for the Day’ plays, and revelled with fun camp songs and cheers! Senior campers also bonded with their development sessions and their ‘night out’ on a nearby islet.

A team of 5 International youth representing the Korean YMCA and presently engaged with the Bombay YMCA accompanied the children of the May 14^th -18^th batch. They taught the children games of skill and applied thinking, like Tak Chi, Gonu, and Omok. The children thoroughly enjoyed the company of our international guests.

Extract of a feedback from one of the parents received by email :

–

Dear Mr Leonard ,

On behalf of my son Jay Bhavnani and his friends Danielle , Nathan and Akhil who attended the last camp 14-18May. I wish to place on record that the children thoroughly enjoyed every moment they spent at camp.

There were NO complaints whatsoever and my son for sure will be part of many more camps in the years to come not only as a camper but also as a volunteer ,when he comes of age.

They gained tremendous confidence and made a lot of new friends .They admired the care and camaraderie of the volunteers and were all in awe of the Koreans (thanks guys).

Thank you for taking utmost care of their safety and do pass on my appreciation to the entire team .

Warm regards

Caroline Bhavnani

–

The Camping department extends its thanks to all the Secretaries, staff members, and volunteers who helped and made the camps a great success. Some photos of the three batches are below.

There is a web-contest going on from today (March 7th), for two whole weeks (till March 21st) with our friends at ‘Health Me Up’. What could you win? There are 3 vouchers up for grabs, each for a full two day trip to YMCA Camp Lakeside – for you and seven of your friends! Each of these 3 vouchers is valued at Rs.12,800/- so make sure you get in on the action!

Tell your friends about the contest too! People can participate each and every day for the next two weeks! You may send in multiple entries to improve your chances of winning!!

Contest page - http://healthmeup.com/news-buzz/2nd-anniversary-special-lets-go-camping-contest/20007

Winners of Hand writing and drawing competition were also given prizes. Cultural dances were presented by the all the centers.

Students put up enthralling dances and skits during the event.

Videos from our Annual Day:

Dance 01

Dance 02

Fashion Show

Skit

Closing Apreciation