Camping SE 2018

May will always be a month full of events at school. Besides CDL, we hold an off-campus excursion called Camping for special needs students. Camping is one of our program for the kids to experience, explore, and develop their Gross Motor Skills, General Knowledge, Independent Skills, Leisure and Recreational Skills. This year, we got a chance to build tents (not us, but the event organizer) in Sekar Gemati Agroventure Campsite, Sukabumi.

We came across Sekar Gemati when we were searching for campsite around Sukabumi. We had several options to choose and survey, which one would be the best place for all special needs students, range from primary level to high schooler. Surveying some places, we decided to go to Sekar Gemati Agroventure Campsite this year, because it offered activities we could choose and of course because they served mattress inside the tents. That was the winning point as the kids would find it comfortable.

The kids always get super excited when it comes to Camping. They like to be in the nature and do outdoor activities on the field. That's why Camping is one of the events they are waiting for every year. So, we had quite a packed schedule during our stays.

Day 1
We left school early around 7 am to ensure we arrived before lunch. The kids got excited that they sang and talked much on the way to Sekar Gemati. Arriving there, they looked out for the tent, freshen up, then ate lunch. When they were recharged and ready to go, we went trekking to the river. None of them were complaining although the terrain was quite rough. Once they arrived at the river, they jumped happily, took out their shirt, wore their swimsuit, then crashed the river. They played untill they felt cold, and we're back to the tent to wash up. At night, we set bonfire, had karaoke and games, while eating grilled corns & sausages, and marshmallows. They slept with happy tummy and full heart.

Day 2
Surprisingly, the kids woke up super early. We thought they would oversleep because they were tired, but no. They got so much energy in the morning. So, they prayed, then had morning exercise with me. I gave them simple movements using popular songs. They happily followed the moves. I couldn't get more positive energy from them first thing in the morning. They ate breakfast, then moved to the field to have some games. They enjoyed a lot doing games, sang, and created a group jargon. It was so satisfying to see so many happy faces under the morning sun. After games, we headed to the paddy field to plant paddy. Although some needed adjustments to be able to step their feet on the paddy field, in the end everyone managed to conquer their fear. They also did seed-planting in the pot.

Overall, it was such an awesome experiences for the kids, not to mention for the teachers who witnessed them taking care of the nature and learning to preserve it. And getting positive feedbacks from the parents was bonuses. Yay!