BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE
We have just got back from a camping trip in Portrush with members of the Muff Scout Group. It was great getting back to nature, (especially when nature is sunny and dry)! The days were long and full of activities, thanks to the well-organised and experienced Scout leader Hazel Browne, and her trusty band of leaders, parents and scouts.
Every-one was expected to help out with the chores of communal living, breaking up wood, collecting water, preparing food and of course, doing the dishes! There is always so much bad publicity in the media about ‘young people today’, but it seems that all that is needed to bring out the best in our young people is; lots of company and craic, an expectation that they help out doing practical work that makes a contribution and opportunities to learn and practise new skills, a big field to some time to muck about in with a few balls and frisbees lying about, plenty of fresh air and of course large quantities of food.
The craic around the campfire in the evening was great fun with lots of songs and skits and it was a good indication that young people can have an evening of laughs without the need for any artificial stimulation. They didn’t even seem to miss the ubiquitous Gameboys and Playstations. It was pretty cold in the night and as the more experienced campers came prepared with thick warm sleeping bags, the rest of us novices just shivered, only moving to throw on whatever else we had brought with us in the shape of hats, fleeces and towels. The whole experience of old-fashioned community living, if only for a night, added up to a memorable Easter break for parents, scouts and siblings. Mind you the best part is still coming home to a warm house, hot bath, comfy bed and thick quilt!
We have just got back from a camping trip in Portrush with members of the Muff Scout Group. It was great getting back to nature, (especially when nature is sunny and dry)! The days were long and full of activities, thanks to the well-organised and experienced Scout leader Hazel Browne, and her trusty band of leaders, parents and scouts.
Every-one was expected to help out with the chores of communal living, breaking up wood, collecting water, preparing food and of course, doing the dishes! There is always so much bad publicity in the media about ‘young people today’, but it seems that all that is needed to bring out the best in our young people is; lots of company and craic, an expectation that they help out doing practical work that makes a contribution and opportunities to learn and practise new skills, a big field to some time to muck about in with a few balls and frisbees lying about, plenty of fresh air and of course large quantities of food.
The craic around the campfire in the evening was great fun with lots of songs and skits and it was a good indication that young people can have an evening of laughs without the need for any artificial stimulation. They didn’t even seem to miss the ubiquitous Gameboys and Playstations. It was pretty cold in the night and as the more experienced campers came prepared with thick warm sleeping bags, the rest of us novices just shivered, only moving to throw on whatever else we had brought with us in the shape of hats, fleeces and towels. The whole experience of old-fashioned community living, if only for a night, added up to a memorable Easter break for parents, scouts and siblings. Mind you the best part is still coming home to a warm house, hot bath, comfy bed and thick quilt!
Environmental.
No comments:
Post a Comment