In a quiet and secluded place in South Thailand, surrounded by locally grown lemons, cashew nuts, and paddy fields, stood a farmhouse owned by the head of the village. It was a haven for children seeking adventure and fun.
Four of us volunteers from the Foundation, conducted a 2-day English Summer Camp for around fourteen children, ranging in age from 7 to 12 years old in April 2023. A local friend cooked and organised the meals for the whole duration of the camp. The group of excited children arrived at the site with smiles on their faces and a sense of anticipation. They quickly settled their belongings into the rooms they liked, giggling as they talked with one another. The head of the village was happy to see the children enjoying themselves and brought his daughters to join the camp.
The first day kicked off with learning the summer camp song, listening to stories, playing puzzle games, and engaging in a treasure hunt. Laughter echoed in this quiet place as each group searched for and hunted the puzzle pieces they needed to form. Some climbed up trees to look for them, happily competing and teasing each other. They loved singing the camp song, humming its tune afterward. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we all prepared for our barbecue time with them. Some children helped put the hotdogs on sticks, while others lit the charcoal. The head of the village and some adults joined as well. Everyone sat around the grilling area to enjoy our dinner.
The following day, the children woke up with brimming energy. One of us taught them a simple menu for cooking, and they enjoyed it so much that their stomachs were full after they had eaten what they had cooked. Arts and crafts followed, along with another round of storytelling, singing, and an English lesson on selling and buying fruits and vegetables at the market. At noon, everyone sat on mats to eat lunch.
During this two-day English Summer Camp, the children engaged in an array of activities designed to spark joy, laughter, and motivation to love learning English. It all ended well, and we saw them with smiles as they went home.
