Wednesday, 17th July 2024

4.30 pm – 6.00 pm

Għajn Tuffieħa

For children aged 8 to 10 years and their families

Animated reading, Creative writing, Reflective hands-on activity

On the evening of July 17, 2024, the Għajn Tuffieħa International Scout Campsite was abuzz with excitement as children and their parents gathered for a storytelling session entitled ‘After Camping for a Week’ from the book Spazju għal Qalbi-Beloved Space.

The Storytelling Begins

Divided into two groups based on language preference, Anne Marie Gatt guided the English-speaking group, while Silvana Cardona led the Maltese group.

At 6:30 pm, the session started with a warm welcome by Fr Reuben Gauci. Each child introduced themselves and wrote their names on the front page of their booklets. The animators then introduced the concept of QR codes, explaining how they could access other stories from the book Spazju għal Qalbi-Beloved Space on the SDS website. The children were encouraged to describe the cover, highlighting its title’s significance and the symbolism of the heart made of colourful flowers.

Engaging the Imagination

The children were asked about their recent reading experiences, sparking a lively discussion about their favourite books and genres.

Diving into the Story

The animators enthusiastically read the story, pausing to ask questions and engage the children in the narrative. The interactive approach kept the children captivated, and they eagerly participated in discussing the story’s themes and characters.

Prayer Space

Following the story, pastoral worker Matthew Gauci led the children to moments of stillness in the ‘Be Still’ prayer activity. He invited the children from both groups to sit in the camp in perfect silence and to appreciate the calmness and quiet time. In the soft background music, they practised breathing in and out slowly.

After moments of silence and peace in the camp, the children wrote a prayer to God.

Writing Activities

Children wrote responses to questions about camping experiences, what they enjoyed most while camping, the location of their campsite, who they went with, how they spent their time together, and any memorable moments that were funny, scary, or exciting.

For those who have never been camping, they wrote with whom they would like to go on their first camping trip, what three items they would take, how they would spend their mornings and nights, and which camping activity they think would be their favourite.

These questions were great for sparking conversations and creative writing about Camping.

Children enjoyed sharing their stories about camping adventures! 🏕️😊

A Successful Evening

The children and their families then joined a scout who had been invited to show them the campsite’s surroundings and talk about camping, answering all their questions along the way.

The storytelling session was a resounding success, leaving both children and parents with fond memories as they watched the sunset.

Finally, Ms Angele Marie Haber and Ms Diana Borg from the National Literacy Agency distributed a book to every child.

The session was a collaboration between Spiritual Development in Schools, the National Literacy Agency and the International Scout Campsite, Għajn Tuffieħa.

This event is part of the With Reading and Writing, I find a Beloved Space programme.