Climb and Craft Fun Day Out
50 Experiences for 500 Kids // Outing with Eunos Primary School // 05 Nov 15 // After months of preparation, the day has finally arrived! Embarking on our very first outing for the “50 Experiences for 500 Kids” project, the first batch of lucky P2 to P4 kids from Eunos Primary School excitedly reported to school in their sports outfit and could not wait to set off to Kallang Wave Mall to “Climb Central” for their “climbing expedition”.
Why Rock Climbing?
Rock Climbing was chosen as one of the activities because we believe it would benefit the kids in one or all of the following ways:-
- Firstly it’s a great sport that requires the use of all your core muscles. It’s a complete workout for kids and it helps them improve on their muscular endurance, flexibility and coordination skills.
- It may appear that rock climbing is a solo sport, but it’s not absolutely true. Every climber needs a belayer and a successful climb to the top requires the trust the climber has for his belayer and the belayer has to be alert and take responsibility to ensure that his climber is safe at all times. Most of the time there are also many other climbers waiting in line and so while waiting, they cheer the climbers on. What great teamwork as the kids learn to use only positive words of encouragement.
- A first-time climber may be apprehensive climbing but with encouragement from their peers, they slowly gain confidence and overcome their fears. What an achievement it would be! And as the kids scale from a low wall to high wall with various challenges, they increase their self-confidence too.
- Rock climbing also requires hand, eye and foot coordination and strategising each move. Hence, it also trains thinking and concentration skills.
Upon arrival at Climb Central, a safety briefing was done by the experts and soon after the kids were divided into 2 groups to put on the harness.
We could clearly see, hear and feel the kids’ excitement. It was a first-time for all of them. Shortly, the first group of climbers started on their ascent with lots of squeals and laughter. The brave ones made it to the top rather quickly while the less brave ones needed more cajoling and encouragement to move up the wall.
Lunch Time!
After 2 intense hours of climbing (with a short break in between of course), the kids were visibly drained but their spirits were still high because everyone felt a sense of achievement. They could not stop talking about their experience.
We headed for lunch at the food court and boy, they must be really hungry having burnt away their energy! They finished their main course and dessert really fast! A simple lunch at the food court was made special as each kid was given a menu to select their favourite lunch item.
Craft Session
And soon after it was time to head back to school for Part 2 of their outing – Craft Time! Art and craft session is one of the favourite subjects for many kids, so we included a session for every kid. The theme for this session was about making a card for someone special. We had Esther, a paper craft instructor together with few volunteers; we assisted the kids to create a unique card.
Photo Fun
Kids having a blast of a time while having their photos taken!
The sporty teachers from Eunos Primary school! We totally needed them to control the super happy and excited kids.
The Collective Effort team and our volunteers for this outing!
Every child also went back with a goodie bag packed with stationery, breakfast supplies, toys and etc.
Special thanks:
Esther from The Card Room for the fun craft session.
Constance for helping us out with the kids.
Why Keen from Ichiro Films (the really pro looking ones) and Elaine from The Collective Effort.
Tee-Saurus for the lucky draw tote bags.
Teachers from Eunos Primary School.
And all supporters and sponsors of this project.
With love,
Elaine & Joanna
