KUWAIT: With the summer heat continuing to scorch Kuwait, large numbers of the small but dynamic country's population have already left or are leaving for a break. For those families who choose or are compelled, for one reason or another, to stay in the country , however, there are a wide number of activities to keep the kids entertained and occupied during the summer holidays. A large number of schools and other educational institutions are now offering valuable summer courses for kids and teens, enabling
parents to ensure that their children's summer is spent dynamically if not productively by enrolling them in summer camps. While the schools and institutions running camps charge every child a small amount in exchange for fun and adventure, a number of religious institutions sometimes offer summer camps free of charge.

The K-Camp
Among the best-known of Kuwait's summer camps is the K-Camp. The K (standing for Kuwait or Kids) Camp was first established in 2001, growing from an idea put forward during a brainstorming session into an increasingly popular reality. From 20 participants in 2001, the numbers attending the camp increased fivefold over just four years to over one hundred in 2005 and have continued to rise, with over 300 kids participating in this year's camp events. Roy Nimatala, a member of the K-Camp's administrative staff, said that most of the children attending the camp are Kuwaiti, but that they welcome expatriates too.

We have about 99 percent Kuwaitis at the summer camp. We hold indoor sports activities, such as swimming and fun games, as well as storytelling. The summer camp lasts for one month and in fact [today, Thursday] will be our last day," he said. K-Camp's choice of venues varies from year to year, with this year's summer camp being held at the American School of Kuwait in the Hawally area.

Pearl-diving festival
Another famous and unique summer camp-type event in Kuwait is the annual pearl diving expedition for Kuwaiti boys aged between 15 and 19. The participants are trained in all types of associated activities, from rigorous swimming coaching to prepare them for deep-water diving to various aspects of life aboard a ship and how to cope with long voyages, amongst other things. They are also trained in how to repair dhows and battle homesickness, as well as learning seafaring songs and dances. The annual expedition, which takes place under the auspices of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, is held to remind young Kuwaitis of one of their forefathers' principal occupations prior to the discovery of oil.

I love being in the company of my friends; they are all here, so I joined the pearl-diving expedition. I'm learning a lot but also having fun with the rest of the group," said one 14-year-old diver speaking at the headquarters of the Kuwait Sea Sports Club in Salmiya, which organizes the event.

IES summer camps
The Indian Educational School (IES), meanwhile, is holding its first summer camp this year. Richa Khandelwal, the summer camp's chief coordinator, said that expatriates kids should have the same enjoyable holiday opportunities as Kuwaiti children.

In the past, he explained, "every summer holiday, expatriate kids would only spend their time watching TV since they find it difficult to play outside due to the hot weather. Hence, we feel that summer camps provide a great venue for kids to have fun, learn and at the same time keep themselves busy in a fun but productive atmosphere. So we arranged this summer camp for the first time at our school; we want it to be mostly about fun, but also an unforgettable experiences for kids - though not stressful as studying!" she explained.

Kids and teenagers alike are encouraged to join in the fun by participating in the various activities organized for them at the IES' indoor venue. "We carefully plan various activities to cater to the needs of children," Khandelwal explained. "We want it to be pleasurable for kids yet dynamic, and it can help stimulate their young minds to let them learn various concepts without feeling they are in a school studying.

One 12-year-old participant having a great time at the IES summer camp told the Kuwait Times, "I am really enjoying the camp. I love doing coloring worksheets, singing rhymes and watching movies with my friends." Another eight-year-old participant noted, "I love singing, and watching movies with the other campers.

The IES summer camp's theme is 'Learn While Having Fun,' with the wide variety of activities including 'Yoga for a healthy mind and body,' as well as singing, poetry recitals, reading stories aloud to improve participants' listening skills and increase their vocabulary, debates, elocution lessons, drama workshops, group interaction and all sorts of creative activities. As if all this weren't enough, there are also creative games to improve mathematics skills, arts and crafts to bring out kids' self-expression and creativity, as well as honing their motor and coordination skills, as well as more sports-oriented activities like swimming and other sporting pastimes.

The IES is also organizing a number of field trips for the young participants to stimulate their minds and inspire their curiosity about various aspects of arts and business. "All these activities are provided to children in the three-to-six, six-to-nine, and nine-to-twelve age groups, with the camps beginning in June and lasting until September 2. - Kuwait Times