The Balu Sir Summer Camp, a yearly event, was conducted from the 28th April to 10th of May this year.
The inaugural function was held on 28th April 2025 at the BM dining hall. Members who attended the function lit the lamp, along with children. Ms. Kalpagam Narayan, our senior most member, addressed the gathering and fondly remembering ‘Balu Sir’ and the children from classes 1 – 5 sang the interesting songs taught by Balu sir. The programme was conducted by Karan & Sandhya, Senior children of the BM Home.
The camp was divided into two groups. Junior camp consisting 75 children from toddlers to UKG and senior camp consisting 84 children from classes 1 to 5, which also included children from BM MNC.
While many volunteers have been giving their time and expertise to the camps over the years, we have also been inviting resource persons who are renowned in their fields to lend their expertise to training the children during the camp.
On May 10 2025, the Valedictory Function was presided over by Mr. Joseph Xavier, Member, Child Welfare Committee, Chennai South Zone. The children showcased all their learnings during the camp, along with a display of the art, drawings and craft work that they had done.
The Junior children performed two dances, the children wearing props and dance costumes looked adorable performing their cute moves. The senior children performed 3 dances –the traditional Kathak dance, a Rajasthani Folk dance and a tribal dance. The mime performance this year was focused on ‘Inclusion’ where they showcased how ‘different’ children also have ‘different’ abilities which must be accepted by us.
The Chief Guest narrated a story about ‘The Ant, the Dove and the Hunter’, through which he explained how we should help others in need, and that we should not lose hope during difficult times. He also shared his experience with NGOs and with children, which was well-received.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Chitra, who praised the excellent work done by all the resource persons, volunteers, staff who were involved with the camp, and the children, the parents and visitors left, looking forward to the camp next year.
