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Nature's Classroom Summer Camp, an Immersive English Programme

Nomination Description

In the summer of 2024,Nature’s Classroom Summer Camp took place,offering a four-day immersive English experience for young learners aged4-6. Designed to combine the joy of summer with meaningful language acquisition,this programme allowed children to engage with English in a natural and dynamic setting.The camp was structured to simulate a real camp experience,with students immersing themselves in English through play,exploration and interaction.

Each day began with exercise, stretching and dance,setting the tone for an energetic and engaging learning experience.This was followed by an educational period during which guest experts introduced children to valuable real-world knowledge. A visiting dentist taught the campers about oral hygiene,demonstrating proper brushing techniques and engaging them with interactive exercises. Another day was dedicated to learning how to make chocolate eggs with the healthiest ingredients possible.Children not only learned about the importance of eating healthily but also about maintaining a balanced diet.One of the most impactful activities was a visit to a local greengrocer’s,where students chose their favourite fruit, named it in English and practised phrases such as Here you are, Thank you and May I have my change, please? Before the visit,they discussed how to behave safely and respectfully in public spaces,which helped them navigate a real-life setting with confidence.After the visit,the campers prepared themselves a healthy fruit salad,engaging their fine motor skills while taking ownership of their food choices.This hands-on experience strengthened their independence,patience and responsibility.

The programme’s highlight was held at a historic mansion.The educational session that day centered on the heritage of the mansion and its surrounding neighborhood,immersing the campers in the past through storytelling and discussions with the owner.The highlight of the day was a scavenger hunt,which culminated in discovering an old chest filled with the desired treasure.This adventure fostered problem-solving, teamwork and perseverance. Moreover,it instilled a sense of respect for historical landmarks,strengthening their awareness of the local cultural heritage.From day one,students were divided into two teams,each choosing a name and designing a flag to represent their identity.This fostered creativity,collaboration and decision-making.Each day one of the teams took on the role of the ‘Caring Team,’ responsible for preparing the lunch table and refilling water bottles. The next day,the other team would take on this role,promoting empathy,responsibility and leadership.Throughout the camp,students were encouraged to communicate their needs exclusively in English using simple but essential phrases such as Can I go to the toilet? or I’m thirsty. By engaging in practical,real-world English usage,the campers gained confidence and fluency in a way that traditional classroom settings often struggle to achieve.Even the shyest learners began to initiate conversations and express their thoughts more freely.Critical thinking was nurtured through structured problem-solving activities like preparing a healthy snack and making choices about ingredients.Communication skills flourished through storytelling and structured dialogue,while collaboration was embedded in every group activity.The success of the camp also resonated with the local community. By partnering with local businesses like the greengrocer’s store and the historic mansion,we fostered a sense of connection between education and community involvement.In the end, students left with a stronger grasp of English,a deeper curiosity about the world and increased confidence in their ability to express themselves.Even our youngest campers showed remarkable growth in social skills,independence and problem-solving abilities.Nature’s Classroom Summer Camp proved to be much more than an English programme; it was a transformative journey for all involved.