These summer camps for children combine the spirit of volunteering with a love of nature to create informal education spaces, says Melanie Vella.

Growing their own
Why Not? Creativity Vortex

• What better way for children to spend their summer holidays than out in Malta’s peaceful countryside? Young children and teens can participate in workshops on tree planting, pottery, music, yoga and meditation. The Why Not? NGO organises day activities during which participants can roll up their sleeves and learn to grow their own vegetables, make fresh juices and gather veggies from the farm to make their own healthy lunch. Students can also learn about composting.

Each 30- to 45-minute workshop adopts a hands-on approach to learning. This is also known as a progressive learning model and children from the age of 6 can experience this unique set of activities.

“In today’s world, an increasing emphasis is placed on the importance of educating students and involving them in contributing towards a more sustainable future,” says Alexandra Cachia, Why Not? coordinator.

“As an NGO, we teach children about sustainable practices in ways that are both highly enjoyable and educational.”

These activities are held at the Why Not? Creativity Vortex in Mġarr and are hosted by people who have specialised in the field.

“One of the biggest problems that schools are facing is to find a means through which students are exposed to alternative, sustainable and holistic methods of working towards a sustainable future. These school visits run throughout the year on a bookings basis,” Cachia says.

Why Not? promotes a lifestyle that is in harmony with the natural environment, as well as encouraging a healthy respect for our surroundings.

“We regularly take our students to the Creativity Vortex as one of their summer school outings. It is out duty as educators to create responsible citizens of the earth. These visits present the children with hands-on practical ways of ensuring a sustainable future,” Emma Paris says.

Paris, who is a summer school juniors coordinator at Chiswick House School, adds that: “There are so many different workshops to choose from and the thought that these children may go home and pass on their knowledge to the rest of the family is what encourages me to send them year in, year out.”

For more information visit www.butwhynot.org.

These kind of integrative activities from such a young age will spark friendships

Make new friends from around the world
Organisation for Friendship in Diversity

• The Organisation for Friendship in Diversity is organising the seventh edition of its annual summer camp in the first two weeks of September. This camp brings together local and migrant children in the spirit of encouraging children from different backgrounds and nationalities to learn from each other and have fun.

During the 10-day camp, children will visit 10 different locations, primarily public spaces. Children aged between 3 and 12 years of age are welcome to join the activity, while those over 13 can take on a leadership role as mini-volunteers.

School of Positivity Project.

The Organisation for Friendship in Diversity also offers volunteer programmes for teens over 16 years of age who are interested in giving back and doing something meaningful with their free time. The programme is organised in one of the reception centres where Maltese and migrant children have fun participating in informal learning activities.

Those over 18 years can also choose to volunteer and teach English lessons to eager students in the Ħal Far open centre.

“We believe that these kind of integrative activities from such a young age will spark friendships between the children,” says Alba Cauchi, Organisation for Friendship in Diversity lead coordinator. “The young volunteer coordinators create a space where the children can play, create, and enjoy our public spaces and each other in a neutral, judgement free zone,” she adds.

The experience has an impact on children, volunteers and families alike. Allowing children to enjoy themselves, play together and get to know each other is what the camp is about.

Places in the classes are limited and donations are established with the parents. For more information call on 9984 0886 or e-mail info@ofd.org.mt.

Exploring creativity
School of Positivity Project

• The School of Positivity Project in Malta is a playgroup for children between 3 and 6 years old and is based on a progressive approach to education. Toddlers are also welcome with their parents accompanying them. Parents create an educational community where they focus their children’s education on learning in natural surroundings, which help children flourish.

The School of Positivity summer school programme encourages children to explore their creative and artistic talents. Children engage in different arts and crafts activities like creative painting, baking bread, and experimenting with colours, puppet theatre and finger plays. Music is also an important part of the schedule with pentatonic song, flute and cymbals.

The programme encourages children to experience nature and get their hands dirty. Activities incorporate both informal and formal learning as children learn life skills, happiness and well-being principles as well as concepts of permaculture, and sustainability inspired by a Waldorf approach.

“Our summer programme, which starts on July 8, is based on the rhythm and deep understanding of a child’s development stages,” says Amanda Savona, parent and coordinator at the summer school. “These group activities will help strenghten team spirit.”

For more information visit www.schoolofpositivity.com.