Mrs. Maria Michael

Happy Camping Kids - by Nigel A  JAMES

Lights Out at Ten!

Childhood is the best time of our lives, and, this truth was even more so in the country where Maria Michael grew up.  She  grew up in Czechoslovakia.   

Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) was, in those days, a communist country, and, despite all one may have heard, it was a paradise on earth for children. And, summer was magic - it was the time of  the camps.

Youth camps, as Mrs. Michael explained, were the perfect place for a perfect summer, and, what they offered was sensational.  To begin with, every child was treated like a king or a queen and they wanted for nothing! Apart from full service which even covered full  laundry, there were 5 full meals every day – for most kids a complete contrast to their regular life – and the meals were needed because of the energy they gave.  And strength was essential!

Because the camps were all set in the depths of the country, the main day time activities were all sporting. There was hiking, gymnastics and athletics. And, everything that was done was done together. Perfect for the body and the fun of being together.  But, what about the mind?

The evenings were the opposite.  They provided the balance for the building of comradery that is especially important for children. The end of each day was for music, literature and discussion; the ingredients for deep and lasting friendships! But, of course, even paradise needs rules!

And the regiment was strict.  Up with the sun, and lights out and no more talking at ten!  But, no one minded, everyone was too tired to want anything different, and, the same was wanted year after year.    

The crowning glory of the end of each summer was the knowledge that the coming year wouldn’t be different!  There was nothing better to look forward to than real life fun!  And, life in the communist east was perfect for children!