Situated
on the KZN north coast, Sugar Bay is the ultimate holiday adventure for
children aged 7 to 17. It is the only American-style summer camp in South
Africa and offers themed camps every school holiday.
“Business
leaders today have problems with their employees in that they lack creativity
in the workplace. Employees will do the same thing over and over again and stay
within a comfort zone not trying anything out of the ordinary.”
So
says Roma van Staden of Sugar Bay who handled holiday bookings. She continues: “Being
exposed to creative activities as a child encourages the creative process to
take place which in turn involves experimentation. However art presented at
school level is very structured. The reality of the situation is that teachers
follow a curricular with set activities and objectives given and the whole
class needs to conform to this. Support for creative activities as an extra
mural in schools is not as widespread as sport with many schools only
concentrating on sport.
“At
holiday camps children are encouraged to participate in range of creative
activities which range from drama to painting, tie-dying to making
dreamcatchers, papermaking to beadwork and so much more. These activities give
the children opportunities to interact with each other and develop creative
solutions / ideas while doing an enjoyable activity at camp. This helps to
strengthen communication skills and team work, a great plus for the shy child
who can be heard within the group without the spotlight falling on them.
“Creative
activities at holiday camps also give an avenue of opportunity for children to
make choices and solve problems. Every step in a project needs a decision, what
colour to select, which object to place where, the next step to add to a dance
routine. This also encourages the child to think out of the box and try new
ideas where mistakes are ok, and the project becomes their own expression of
their imagination.
“Creative
drama activities also help children to feel the thrill of appropriate risk
taking. Participating in a talent show for the first time will give a camper a
thrill and adrenaline rush but show that this can be achieved in a wholesome
environment. Impromptu activities like skits and stunts or a Dutch auction
helps children develop the ability to think on their feet and come up with
creative solutions in a limited time frame. These activities also increase
self-esteem in campers as they have planned, practised, performed and achieved
a goal.”
A
ten year study has found that children who have been exposed to creative
activities are four times more likely to win an academic award and eight times
more likely to receive a community service award. These creative mind sets are
carried through into adulthood and help them to become top achievers.
Sugar
Bay is situated at 21 Nkwazi Drive, Zinkwazi Beach. For more information visit http://www.sugarbay.co.za
or contact 082 525 9503 or 032 485 3778.
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