Summer fun: Learn a lesson or two about nature
Environment lovers in the city have a lot to choose from this year during the summer vacation
A nature camp in the hills is a good idea as the city swelters during the summer holidays. Apart from the pleasant weather, children can learn about nature and how to conserve it.
“Nature is close to each one of us. Children are quick to learn and they are open to knowledge,” said Prachi Ujjwal, one of the organisers of the Matheran Green Festival. Workshops on migratory birds, heritage walks, culture events, nature trails and a biodiversity exhibition will be held as part of the event in the city’s closest hill station.
Life Away from Life (LAFL) is hosting a nature trail for children at Kamshet. “Until five years ago, parents were skeptical about sending their children to camps. But now, they have are less wary as they understand that knowledge can also be acquired beyond the confinement of a classroom,” said Prateek Deo, founder of LAFL.
Experts said nature camps are becoming popular as school boards have environmental studies as a subject. Dr Kersi Chavda, consultant in psychiatric medicine, Hinduja Healthcare Surgical, Khar, said, “The availability of courses for the same also makes it easier for parents to enroll their children into these programmes and gives them a virtuous feeling of doing their bit.”
Counsellors, meanwhile, said parents need to choose summer programmes carefully for their children. Harish Shetty, psychiatrist at LH Hiranandani Hospital, said, “Summer camps should be chosen with an eye on safety and the interests of the child. The detailed chat with the organisers and detailed appraisal along with logical fun must be pursued.”
Go-to guide
Matheran Hill Festival
Workshops on migratory bird species, heritage walk, culture festival, nature trails, photo and biodiversity exhibition organised by Matheran Pratisthan
For whom: Children of all age groups
When: 13th-31st May
Where: Matheran
Contact: Prachi Ujjwal: 9920470308
Best out of waste
Upcycling workshop: Workshops on how to recycling waste and convert in to useful product in simple ways
For whom: Children over three
Where: The Hive, Khar
Contact: Natasha D’costa: 9833949155/ Priyanka Amar: 9819673357
Lakeside adventure camp
Summer camp and activities devoted to the all-round development of children
For whom: Children between eight and 13 years
Where: Takwe, near Kamshet
When: May 9 to 11 or May 21 to 23rd
Contact: 9322181849 / www.kshitijworld.com
Biodiversity workshops
Nehru Planetarium has organised a host of workshops for Class 7 and 8 students on biodiversity and ways to help protect the environment. They will be conducted by environmentalist-academician Dr Siddhivinayak Barve. A workshop on climate change will be held by Dr Nandini Deshmukh, director of Ecopersona and Mumbai and district manager, Climate Reality Project (India). She will talk about how the world is affected by climate change and how it can be remedied
For whom: Class 7 and 8 students
When: May 13
Where: Hall of Quest, Nehru Planetarium, Worli
Contact: Sanjay R Dalvi on 022-24964676-80
Nature trail
Nature trail for children where they will be taught the primitive process of lighting fires, water gathering and will be given lessons natural history
For whom: Children between eight and 14 years
Where: Kamshet, about 120 Kms away from Mumbai
When: May 1-3, May 4-6th or May 22-24
Contact: 022-66096693 / 7718058351 (WhatsApp) / 9869158351 or email at lafl.camps@gmail.com/ or website: www.lifeawayfromlife.com
Geology workshop
Moov N Groove, a learning centre, will hold workshop on geology and how mountains are formed, particularly Mount Everest.
For whom: Children between five to 11 years
When: May 14
Where: Moov N Groove studios, Nerul
Contact: Kavita on 9167073947