By Mary Julie | Program Director
The Annual Buds n Colors camp for under 14 years children from HIV affected families was organised from 1st to 4th May 2019 at Salem. The Motivational Theme for the year 2019 was “Desire – Discern – Diligent”, about 45 children participated in the camp. Senior Children at Buds of Christ were involved as volunteers in the arrangements of the camp programmes, sessions and decorations.
The participants were divided into four groups with four different color names and were lead by the Senior Children (17-20 years old) who have been trained and part of Buds of Christ. Each day started with the songs and narrative stories based on the themes, followed by group games, team competitions, learning sessions and craft time.
“It was interesting to play and win for the team and did not even know, I could bat well and win runs for the team” – a HIV positive boy after winning cricket match
The children also went through sessions on confidence building and goal setting by Mr. Sam from Adventure camping.
“I was scared to walk on the rope, but kept my focus and moved forward. I was also happy that my friends were there to support me, when I needed it” – an orphan girl when crossing the rope
“I could not believe, I could walk across the rope, but I did it” – a HIV positive child on treatment
The learning sessions were on Child Abuse, Nutrition, Personal Hygiene and Environmental hygiene and Child rights which were handled through group activities and short films. Each group was given each topic to present it as a skit on the final day of the camp. This encouraged further learning within the group and also to be creative in presenting their learning. The children also had a day allocated for them to present their talents and skills to the rest of the participants.
On the last day the children were taken to Govt Zoological park in Salem and the day ended with a grand lunch.
Feedback from Children on the Buds N Colors Camp Experience
“I enjoyed the camp, as there is nobody in my family to take me to such places and was very happy to see the animals and birds”
“I was happy to do a skit and this has been my first experience to act on stage” expressed an orphan girl who has lost her father
“I was very happy to make new friends, here I did not feel discriminated or unwanted, while because of my health status, I have been ridiculed and left alone by my neighborhood” - Orphan HIV positive child.
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