Nicolette Dirk
AN excursion to the Simon’s Town penguin colony, trips to the beach and jumping castles were just some of the experiences little ones from Delft, Manenberg, Bonteheuwel and Mitchells Plain experienced at this week’s Cape Times Fresh Air Camp.
The camp was established in Simon’s Town in 1919 by the Cape Times Fresh Air Fund to give underprivileged children an unforgettable holiday by the sea.
Natasha Solomons, from the Scripture Union in Rondebosch, was seconded by the Cape Times to run the programme.
She said many children who attended the camp had not seen the sea in their lives.
In a normal year, the Cape Times Fresh Air Fund sponsors more than 1 000 underprivileged children.
The last time kids were treated to outdoor fun at the camp was during Easter this year.
More than 100 seven to nine-year-olds from underprivileged homes in Cape Town enjoyed a trip on Easter Monday to the navy sports grounds, where the navy K9 unit gave a display of how to tackle a criminal.
Navy social services led by Lieutenant-Colonel Vuyelwa Bosilong and her team of co-ordinators treated the kids to a display by the navy firefighting team.
The camp included a trip to the museum and the bronze statue of the famous navy-enlisted dog, Just Nuisance.
This school holiday’s programme began on Monday, when children aged between seven and 13 experienced a week of pure fun.
“Such programmes are so important because many of them grow up in violent circumstances. This is a space for them where they can just be kids,” said Solomons.
Solomons mentioned a nine-year-old girl who spoke of how her father would beat up her mother and siblings.
For a nine-year-old, her psychological burden can be left behind while she watches penguins and plays with new friends.
The older girls, aged between 10 and 13, enjoy the pampered life of manicures and pedicures, while the older boys spend their days playing soccer.
“The older kids also get sessions of life skills to make them aware of the changes and challenges they will face growing up,” said Solomons.
For nine-year-old Asipha Msagwane from Khayelitsha, the highlight of her experience was meeting so many new friends. “I am going to tell my school friends at Observatory Junior school about my holiday and also seeing the penguins,” she said.
Manenberg’s Tamia Lucas, 9, enjoyed all the songs she learnt at the camp. Going to the beach for the first time was also a great experience, even though she didn’t swim.
“I’m going to teach my friends all the songs I learnt at the camp,” she said.
While 10-year-old Amy Abrahams, from Elsies River, was kept entertained by the beach and the jumping castles, the highlight of her camp was the burgers she got to eat.
undefinedl Anyone who would like to donate to the fund can call Les Williams on 021 786 1448.