The Mama & Dada Summer Camp: Day 21-25

It is 21 days since we started the summer camp and the excitement is still on. Niall and I really look forward to the evenings when we can sit down for our activities. 

Here's where you can find our previous posts. 

Activities of Day 1 - 5

Activities of Day 6 - 10

Activities of Day 11 - 15

Activities of Day 16 - 20

Day 21: Best out of waste

Something we all have done when we were children - craft with pista shells. I was almost going to give up today as I couldn't think of any quick activity. I thought I'll name it the 'let Niall get bored day'. But then, I didn't want the camp to have a break. Of course, I wasn't worried that Niall would be bored, it is good for children to get bored sometimes and have nothing to do. Anyways I will keep it short. Here's our art and craft work with pista shells. I stepped in to apply glue and add a few finishing touches for the grass. Idea source - Pinterest. 

I am excited about tomorrow. Niall and I have been working on something really special. We hope we'll be able to share it with you tomorrow.

Day 22:  Sign Language

Go beyond. We introduced Niall to the alphabet in sign language when he was 4. But because we don't use it often, it was soon forgotten. So this week, we've been learning simple Indian Sign Language. Both of us would like to be able to have at least a basic conversation in sign language. The trigger to pick this up again was a video I saw recently. We're looking for friends who can help learn the language better or with whom we can practice.

As a parent, I think this is as important as any language we learn so our children do not have limitations when it comes to communicating. I miss watching the news for the differently abled. I do understand we have various apps to help them but what about conversations with those around. We need to make it possible for all of us to talk to each other with or without speech and hearing. This journey shall continue.

Day 23: Make your own battery operated toys

In the last week, Niall was introduced to basic electricals. Ever since, he's walking around with his personal pocket fan and light bulb that runs on batteries. To take it a step ahead, dada dearest taught him to use the same motor to make toys. We didn't have fancy stuff around, so we used whatever was available - a broken wheel, a medicine cap, toy accessories from other toys. Niall experimented on the speed of the toys in proportion to the weight the motor carried. A few experiments and he came up with this. Dada helped to drill the cap and explain the mechanics around it. Niall has already made his list of things to buy to make more sophisticated toys with better equipment. Oh Amazon, we miss you.

Day 24: Digital painting

Though we are not too fond of screen time even if means an activity, we felt this one was good for Niall to be engaged in. Niall's long wish of 'learning designing' came true today. He has always watched Vinod use photoshop and other tools and has been requesting for an activity related to designing. Today, with Paint, he was able to make his own picture. And it's not the end result that mattered but the very detailed and colourful story that accompanied this activity. Keeping children busy is easy. It's us parents who complicate it.

And thank you for all the love all of you have been showing us on our posts. It means a lot to us and keeps encouraging us. Apart from many whatsApp messages, I got a query from a corporate and a freelance reporter. Three other parents have started their summer camps as well. Yaaayyy. Happy that a personal holiday activity is helping many around.

Day 25: Don't just cook, make it a meal to remember

Niall now starts getting restless about what's in store for the evening as part of the summer camp. He's loving it. So today, Niall made an entire meal for himself (and a little for us too). We didn't have much time at hand today so picked some super easy recipes. On Chef Niall's menu we had tomato soup, cheese omlette and a chocolate mug cake. He was done in 20-25 mins and was very thrilled. Proud that my boy can now feed himself a happy meal. In the process however the kitchen was extended to the living area and bedroom as well. But I am not complaining because with this actity Niall covered exercises of reading the recipes (he read the word ingredients right in the first attempt), refresher/ revision of ingredients in the kitchen cabinet, using a cooker, pan, induction cooktop, gas stove, weighing and measuring ingredients, dropping an egg and denying it, multitasking with three dishes and of course plating. I played the role of a good sous chef who was just being ordered around and had to clean up after his highness. Lots of fun nonetheless.

Apart from this, Niall's favourite timepass is spending time with his pup Brownie. Part of the same litter, Brownie was the weakest. So Niall ensures that he is well taken care of. Hours go in feeding the pup and forcing him to sleep under a thick bedsheet on a warm afternoon. But the pup seems to be happy. They love each other. Yes, we'll be bathing Brownie shortly as that's entered our goal sheets for the week, courtesy Niall.

That's not all. This camp just got a lot better. Catch up on the rest of the camp using the links below.

Activities of Day 1 - 5

Activities of Day 6 - 10

Activities of Day 11 - 15

Activities of Day 16 - 20

Activities of Day 26 - 30 (coming soon)