In a bid to promote holistic development among vulnerable children, the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) under the District Administration of South Andaman, in collaboration with PANKH NGO, successfully conducted a three-day summer camp from June 12 to 14 at Seva Niketan, Dairy Farm, Sri Vijayapuram. The camp was designed to provide children from various Child Care Institutions across the district with a safe, engaging, and growth-oriented experience.
The initiative focused on fostering the emotional, physical, and social well-being of the participating children. A total of 36 children took part in the camp, where they were immersed in a series of well-structured activities meant to enhance life skills, build resilience, and develop confidence through fun and learning.
One of the most impactful moments of the camp was a session on life skills led by Swami Shuddhanand from Chinmaya Mission. Through storytelling and interactive discussions, he introduced the children to themes of positive thinking, self-discipline, and the significance of hard work. His approach, rooted in spirituality and values-based education, left a lasting impression on the young audience.
To keep the children physically active and encourage teamwork, the camp also included high-energy sessions of games and Zumba. Certified Zumba instructor Pooja Biswas led these activities, which were met with enthusiasm and active participation. The children’s engagement reflected the success of blending fitness with fun, an essential aspect of the camp’s structure.
The camp also incorporated wellness education through an introduction to Sujok therapy – a natural healing method that uses pressure points on the hands and feet to stimulate organs and restore balance. Yoga therapist Rajini conducted this session, explaining how Sujok can be a non-invasive tool for improving both physical and mental health. The inclusion of this therapy not only broadened the children’s awareness of alternative wellness techniques but also equipped them with accessible methods for self-care.
While the camp served as a refreshing break for the children, its deeper intention was to empower them with practical tools and emotional strength to navigate life. The focus was not only on enjoyment but also on imparting values and skills that would stay with the participants well beyond the three-day programme.
This initiative by DCPU South Andaman, in coordination with PANKH NGO, reflects an ongoing effort by the district administration to build nurturing environments for children in institutional care. It also underscores the importance of collaborative social work, where civil society organisations, wellness practitioners, and educators come together to create lasting impact.
By bringing together experiential learning, physical wellness, and emotional development, the summer camp exemplified how structured, inclusive programmes can contribute to child welfare in a meaningful way. With continued efforts like these, the administration hopes to inspire confidence, self-reliance, and aspiration among children who may otherwise have limited access to such opportunities.
