Why is climbing trees important?

Today in our french class we were traditionally outside with my smallest class - two students from grade 2B. After revising everything while they were enjoying the swings we moved towards the tree when Satya asked me: "Can we climb the tree?" I enthusiastically replied, that we sure can!

Stuck at the foot of the tree i heard them say: "We can't do it!"
"Of course you can! Let me show you."

After climbing it myself and explaining that it should be even easier for them because i am surely in the "old" category - at least the kids tend to vehemently put me there - they tried. I was there to catch them and encourage them.

Oh, the joy! Oh, the excitement! Oh, the sense of achievement! Why do kids get so excited when they manage to climb a tree?

Riya on her way up.

Satya on his way down.

I think it is because climbing trees falls into the category of basic skills. Basics skills every child should know. Just like reading, writing, singing, counting, cleaning after them self, dressing, washing, firmly shaking a hand when greeting or being congratulated, looking people into the eyes when talking, greeting politely...

Sometimes (most of the time, i must admit) i am strongly convinced that learning beyond academics is almost more important then academics itself. When i make a child climb a tree 5 times in a row and i see the fear go away and the child's face brighten up i feel i did more for him/her then with any French word or phrase we ever learned. Of course we never neglect academics! When they learn to climb a tree they also learn that the tree is called l'arbre in French :)

Night Out 2012 @ Sancta Maria

Both teachers and students gather at the Foyer at the onset of the Camp where they are divided into groups and given instructions.

...and the fun times roll in!!

Fifth Graders tackle a seventh Grader with the help of a teacher.

Instruction given to Third Graders as they learn about Traditional Games. This activity was organized by the Tenth Graders.

An Informative Session was held where students learnt how to build different types of camp fires. They were also shown the various types of things that can be gathered  outdoors to start the fire.

The next day's early Fall-In.

Students were out in the open by 6:15 am for the first activity of the day.

Part of the Traditional Games. Its a teacher verses student establishing of strength.

I wonder who won!!

Students gather up under the Tamarind Tree for an art activity.

The activity was to paint the edges of the sitting area around the Tamarind Tree.

The Creative Sancta Marians are up to the challenge....

This was the Night Talent Show.

Students and teachers came up and did what they do best!

A student performs a belly dance.

Bonfire time when the kids got totally involved in 'The Funky Chicken' an activity conducted by Mr. Vijay Shetty.

An impressive fire built by the campers.

The next day began as the happy campers went for a Nature Walk at the University of Hyderabad as early as 6:00 am.

The sun bursts in all its glory behind the students as they enjoy the view at the Peacock Lake and note the different birds at the lake.

Ms. Shetty exchanges words and experiences with the students.

Campers receive certificates at the summation of the camp.