Muscat, August 16 - Many parents face this dilemma: whether to focus on their children’s academics or involve them in some summer programmes, including physical and mental activities.
While there is no denying that schools enhance a child’s knowledge, summer camps too play an important role in developing or shaping their personality.
The systematic activities supervised by trained and qualified staff play a major role in development of children’s talents and expanding their intellectual awareness, and instilling ethical/ social values in them.
The cooperation among children helps promote their social upbringing. Education camps are not far from their goals and policies compared with those of schools and family. Each one works to “achieve a strategic goal and create a good citizen”.
Which is why parents are inclined towards summer camps, be it educative or entertaining, for their children.
Noora al Saidi, a mother of four, says she would like to involve her three daughters and a son in an interesting course different from school courses.
She enrolled her son for martial arts course and her daughters in sewing and photography courses. “I can see happiness in their eyes, and motivation to learn something new. I feel it’s a right decision.”
For Om al Hassan from Al Rustaq, summer camps are “important for me and my children”. “They (children) will decide what they would like to participate in. I just help them with their choices.”
This year, the Ministry of Sports Affairs along with the Al Gashab Sports team organised a sports event for children, in which her son wanted to participate. It included workshops, training programmes, karate courses, athletics and other activities. Held for a few days, the camp was conducted outdoors. And the heat was no dampener for their enthusiasm.
On the other hand, Abu al Waleed chose English and Maths courses for her daughter who was weak in those subjects. “She initially refused to attend the course but later agreed reluctantly. It didn’t help her much because she lacked the motivation. She didn’t enjoy (the course) at all. I wish I had given her the freedom of choice.”
At the end of summer, parents will hopefully will rethink their choices for their children. Children should be given the right to choose what they would like to learn.
According to many parents, children who joined programmes different from studies were happier than others. Children found sports days, designing, technology, handicrafts, camping, etc more attractive.
Siham al Saidi
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