You know that feeling when school holidays start and you’re thinking, “Great, now what am I going to do with the kids?” Well, our School Care Club just proved that holiday time doesn’t have to mean boredom or too much screen time.
Last Wednesday, we hosted the North Regional Care Club here at Bel Ombre, and honestly, it was one of those days that reminded me why we love what we do. Mrs Rita Dogley and Ms. Veronique Lucas ran the show, and by the end of the day, the kids didn’t want to leave.
Starting Slow, Building Energy
The morning kicked off quietly with some reflection time. Now, I’ll be honest – getting a bunch of excited kids to sit still and think about their day sounds like mission impossible. But it actually worked. There’s something about taking a moment to pause that helps kids shift gears from “holiday mode” to actually being present for whatever comes next.
The Fun Stuff (That’s Actually Learning)
Then came the activities that had everyone laughing. Ever tried eating an apple hanging from a string without using your hands? It’s harder than it looks, and watching the kids figure out their strategies was hilarious. Some went for the direct approach, others tried to be clever about it. Either way, they were problem-solving without even realizing it.
The obstacle course was where things got really competitive. Kids from different schools were cheering each other on, which was pretty cool to see. It’s not often you get children putting aside school rivalries to celebrate someone else’s success.
Getting Their Hands Dirty
But the real magic happened during the hands-on sessions. Pancake making turned into a mini cooking show, with some kids taking charge while others carefully measured ingredients. The kitchen got a bit messy, but watching a seven-year-old successfully flip a pancake for the first time? Priceless.
The art and craft corner was quieter but just as engaging. Kids got lost in their projects, completely absorbed in cutting, gluing, and creating. It’s rare to see children that focused these days, especially during holidays.
And then there was the mocktail station – easily the most popular spot. Kids were mixing colors, trying different combinations, and basically becoming little bartenders. The presentation mattered to them too. They wanted their drinks to look Instagram-worthy, which made me laugh.
Why This Actually Matters
Here’s the thing about programmes like this – they’re not just keeping kids busy. These activities teach patience, following instructions, working with others, and trying new things. All those “soft skills” that are actually pretty hard to teach in a regular classroom.
Plus, bringing together kids from different schools creates friendships that wouldn’t happen otherwise. By lunch time, children who’d never met were sharing snacks and planning to stay in touch.
The Real Test
The best measure of success? At pickup time, several kids asked when the next Care Club would be. That’s when you know you’ve done something right.
For parents juggling work and school holidays, knowing your child is somewhere safe, having fun, and actually learning something new takes a huge weight off your shoulders. For the kids, it’s just a great day out with friends.
Mrs Dogley and Ms Lucas deserve huge credit for making it all look effortless. Running a programme like this takes planning, patience, and the ability to think on your feet when things don’t go according to plan.
Find Out More
If you’re interested in future programmes or want to know more about what we do here at Bel Ombre, check out our website at belombrepri.edu.sc. And if you’re from another school thinking about running something similar, give us a call. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned.
Gallery
At Bel Ombre Primary School, we believe learning happens everywhere – not just in classrooms. Days like these remind us why.
