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
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!
