Thurumbar Thulir Summer Camp 2015
02 – 10 May 2015 Sithanangur
The summer camp began on 02.05.2015 at St.John’s Hr. Sec. School campus, Sithanangoor, near Villupuram. There were 38 Children in the camp from around 9 villages from Thiruvannamalai and Villupuram districts. Three Jesuit brothers and 6 volunteers from Thurumbar community conducted the camp. The official inauguration of the camp was on 03.05.2015. Mr. John Peter, Correspondent of St. John Hr. Sec. School, was the Chief guest. Fr. Arul Valan, the animator and Sr. Alphonse, Co-animator of the camp gave a motivational talk. After the inauguration, orientation program began. Fun games were conducted as an ice-breaking session. From second day, classes were conducted in which special attention was given to subjects such as English and Mathematics. To improve the children’s self-confidence and self-esteem a special training program was arranged between 3 pm to 5 pm. Wu shu, a Chinese self-defence art was a major event of the camp. Students gained much from it. It empowered girls more than the boys. It was felt both by the children and the masters, that Wu Shu should be conducted throughout the year. The children were given good food during the camp.
Children empowered through Special Talks:
Mr. Thirunavukkarasu, a social thinker, gave a talk on Ambedkar’s life and struggle. He motivated the children to struggle to make their own destiny. Mr. Dalit Subbaiah gave a talk on the caste system in India and the ways to eradicate it. He spoke on the need for reservation. He taught two awareness songs on education, which made us to understand the need and importance of education. Sr. Alphonse gave a talk on nutrition food and women’s health and hygiene.
Various competitions were held during the evenings in which children exhibited their talents and creativity. Time for their personal study was also given, to train them to do it back in their homes.
Picnic to Ginjee Fort:
On 10.05.2015, the final day of the camp, a picnic to the historical Gingee Fort was organized. The children came to know the history of their locale. We spent 5 hours in the fort. Students enjoyed a lot. At 1 pm we had a grand lunch at our new building construction site. The children were excited to see the building coming up for their welfare. The children dispersed to their homes with much satisfaction and joy.
