Children spring into action at holiday camp to improve their skills

ABU DHABI // Hundreds of secondary school pupils spent their spring holidays at the Future Leaders Camps, organised by the Abu Dhabi Education Council and the Emirates Heritage Club.

The camp, which attracted 336 children from across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region, was held from Saturday to Wednesday at Al Samalia Island.

The camp was designed to improve skills in academic, cultural, heritage and physical activity areas through participation in unique hands-on activities and workshops, characterised with creativity and innovation.

The pupils learned about e-aviation, bee houses, fish ponds and mangroves. They also took part in sports activities, including horse riding, shooting, swimming, sailing, football and volleyball. Heritage activities offered to the students included camel riding, falconry, folklore games and cooking and scouting activities such tent building and exploration using a compass and altimetry. Students also learned how the different uses and types of fire.

“Camping helps students acquire personal, leadership and collaboration skills,” said Nasser Khamis, Adec’s extracurricular activities section manager, adding that the school regulator encourages pupils to take part in extracurricular activities to enhance their independence, self-confidence, teamwork and volunteerism.