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| COPING
WITH BORED KIDS |
'Bored' seems to be a very popular word amongst
kids these days. A powerful word that manages to
send most parents on a guilt trip the moment it
is uttered. Present-day parents are convinced that
the onus of keeping the kids entertained rests with
them. Strangely, we never sent our parents on any
such trip. Nostalgic ones, yes. Guilt, we are not
so sure. Do you, as a parent, bemoan your kid's
total reliance on you for suggestions and ideas?
Do you wish they were more self-reliant and creative,
more disciplined and adventurous, that they stared
at an unusual plant or insect with the same enthusiasm
they reserve for the computer screen. No more fretting!
Nature Trails is here to make your wishes come true.
Need to know how? Read on. . .
Nature Trails:
Setting kids on the right track:
Located close to the picturesque Pavna
river and the Marunji hilltop, an hour's drive from
Pune city, are the Jambe Environmental Farms owned
by Ashok and Leela Gour-Broome. Self-confessed environmental
educators, the Broomes are deeply committed to nature
and the environment and feel strongly about an individual's
responsibility and duty towards it.  To
promote these ideas in youth, Nature Trails was
launched in 1990 with the Broomes as Directors.
The first of its kind – a permanent nature campsite
for children, Nature Trail camps conduct a series
of discovery-oriented activities that lay stress
on self-reliance, self-expression, individuality
and oodles of creativity.
The camp sprawls over 30 acres of extensive wooded
and open country, ideal for adventure. The kids
can experience the excitement of living in dormitories,
eating farm fresh vegetables, including a few that
they may have shunned back home, trekking, cycling,
bird-watching and after an exhaustive fun-filled
day, simply hammocking. As the stress here is on
learning by doing, all campers receive 'hands on'
experience. Guest speakers are regularly invited
to give talks on subjects ranging from zoology,
wild life, aero modelling, mountaineering and pottery.
Nature Trail attempts to maintain high standards
of safety, fun and learning.  The
camp is ideal for kids aged between 8 and 12 years.
There are Teen Treks for 13 to 16 year olds. The
camp is open to kids from across the country. Fees
for a 4-day camp is Rs 1800/- per child, which excludes
transportation cost to the camp site. (Pick up is
available from Pune station.) Nature Trails also
conducts Eco tours for the young and the young at
heart.
Address: Nature Trails, Flat No 2, 'Dutta
Prasad' 1206/7B, Off Apte Road, Pune 411 004
Phone: 400 6317
e-mail:
natrails@pn2.vsnl.net .in |
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