Children at the summer camp. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, June 6: More than 100 students are taking part in a two-week long summer camp organised by Vikash School, a private institute here. The camp began on June 4 and is on till June 19.

It is open to all school students from kindergarten to Class X. The participants are being trained in soft skills, calligraphy, swimming, photography, yoga, dance and music.

Mohit Anand, a Class V student of St. Joseph Convent School, Sambalpur, and a participant at the camp, said: “We are getting an opportunity to learn a lot of things and are enjoying it. During the soft skill classes, we are being trained on how to deal with different situations. I am also taking swimming lessons, which is very exciting.”

Swapnil Akash, a Class VI student of the Vikash School, who is taking lessons in music, also expressed his delight at being a part of the camp.

“My dream is to become a musician. And here, the trainers are imparting a lot of knowledge about musical instruments and basics of music. I have made many new friends too,” said Swapnil.

Professional trainers from across the country have been invited to train these students in each of the activities. “We had expected around 75 to 80 students to participate in this summer camp. But, we have already enrolled 110 children. We are not taking students from distant places as we don’t have provision for residential accommodation,” said Sanjeev Baboo, principal of Vikash School.

“The admission fee for the camp is Rs 1,000, which is considered by many as quite low for the facilities and exposure the students are getting here,” said a young participant’s father.

“The kids here are getting an opportunity to learn many things that would improve their confidence level. Moreover, they are getting the scope to meet students from other schools on the same platform, which would help improve their interpersonal and communication skills,” he added.

Baboo said students get weary with their curriculum and need something that would be relaxing and fun for them. “So, we have organised a programme which would be enjoyable for the children and, at the same time, hone their skills in the field of their choice,” he said.