International Indian School, Jeddah (IISJ) turned a new leaf recently when its boys returned from a summer camp refreshed and more enlightened. In fact, the culmination ceremony of the summer camp last week marked the dawn of a new beginning in the history of the school. In spite of the scorching heat and humidity that has engulfed the city, there was enthusiasm and excitement among the campers right from day one. Such camps are not a novelty but for IISJ children this was the first time that an initiative was taken to boost their overall development — social, moral, physical and intellectual. The likes of such camps provide “experiential learning” to the developing minds and bodies and on the sidelines enhance confidence and raise self-esteem of children, who at a growing-up stage, need support not only at home front but also in their formal learning process.
The campfire day was a sorrow-filled good-bye time for the teachers as well as the campers as they finally shook hands to say their last good-byes to fun-filled weeks of effective learning, a lot of physical activities and merrymaking.
Syed Masood Ahmad, Headmaster, Senior Secondary School, Boys Section, said the camp succeeded in emphasizing the need for effective utilization of time in a “besides-the-school” atmosphere and development of communication skills. “The camp has inculcated in the campers a habit of regular self-study and self-dependence. It has also given a boost to team spirit and group work,” he added.
For the first time, a physical education awareness program was formally designed to make pupils aware of their physique and methods to maintain healthy bodies as Ayub M., a support teacher at the camp, reminded them of the oft-quoted slogan “A healthy mind lives in a healthy body.” So a controlled diet was provided to the campers keeping in view the need to include fruits, vegetables and milk products in the meals provided at the camp.
Ayub Sheikh, Headmaster, Secondary Boys Block, related how the campers had to follow a dawn-to-dusk schedule. It was observed that learning by doing is the most effective way of making them understand concepts and ideas which are otherwise difficult to understand in the classroom teaching-learning process. When pupils are allowed to self improve through experimentation and hit and trial method, latent talents crop up resulting into bridging of the gap in the teaching-learning process.
Hari Krishna, a math teacher, observed that during supervised self-study sessions, students tried to rectify their shortcomings and proceeded only after they were made to revise on a regular basis. Lack of interest in math can be corrected through regular revision and by relating the concepts to the problems. In science, pupils need practical learning of the topics instead of learning by reading or listening to abstract lectures. English as a spoken medium could be mastered by being used as the only means of verbal communication besides developing a strong habit of reading literature and informative books.
Naheed Fatima, a science teacher, observed that an informal environment helped them learn even difficult concepts like electrolysis, multiple reflection, refraction etc. Well-organized camps like these help a child discard the garb of shyness and participate actively in elocutions, debates and other co-curricular activities. A remarkable achievement of this camp was the provision of extensive outdoor activities to campers, who generally have restricted access to sports like swimming, field trips, athletics etc. A trip over the weekend to Taif and Shoaiba beach helped the campers enjoy their vacation in the most effective way, as educational excursions have always been an integral part of education.
Reminiscing on the camp, Syed Abdul Aziz Omar of 9B2 said: “It was a lifetime experience and I’m going to be part of all summer camps to come.” Another excited camper Tipu said: “I found it both entertaining and educational.” Hussain, a ninth grader, was full of wit and humor when he asserted that it was a summer well spent. The summer camp was the brainchild of IISJ Principal Dr. S.S.U. Tabrez.