Camp Kreativ: Developing talent and rediscovering nature

In 2014, Power of Play, a leading local drama and puppeteering company, launched Camp Kreativ – an alternative summer camp that gave children a chance to develop their talents and discover how they could make careers based on their passions. This year the camp returns from 10 to 16 August with a whole new range of workshops and an exciting outdoor camping experience tagged on for good measure. 

From 10 to 14 August, children belonging to the 4 to 6, 7 to 13 and 14 to 19 age groups can sign up for workshops in dance, cartooning, photography, drama, craft, cooking and maritime history. The workshop segment will take place at #17, Wonder Years, Polhendoga Terrace, Colombo 5. 

On 15 and 16 August, families who want a taste of the outdoors can sign up for Camp Kreativ’s outdoor camping segment. Power of Play has partnered with Adventure Education for this segment of the summer camp which will be facilitated by Major Raajiv Wanigasekera who will create a physically engaging weekend designed to re-awaken participants to the possibilities of the great outdoors with mountain biking, kayaking, air rifling and more.

We spoke to Power of Play Founder and Artistic Director Sulochana Dissanayake about her hopes for the camp. Following are excerpts:   

Q: What made you decide to include an outdoor camping experience within the CK format/ what do you hope that will achieve for CK in the long run? 

A: Camp Kreativ long term initiative is to run complete summer programs from off-site camping spaces to provide participants the authentic experience of embarking on a transformative exploration away from their homes. We are following a step-by-step strategy where in 2014 we introduced a day camp and in 2015 we are introducing a day camp + weekend of outdoor camping and in future we hope to offer a fully off-site camping experience for participants above a particular age. So this weekend of family camping is a trial to see how successfully the international models of summer camps can be appropriated for our local audiences.

Q: What made you feel that Adventure Education was the ideal partner for this endeavour? 

A: Major Raajiv is a veteran in the field of outdoor education and we felt he would inspire participants of all ages to re-connect with nature and discover its ample resources while educating us on simple ways we can contribute to sustain our environments. Although his campsite was launched recently, it has received positive feedback from a handful of committed nature enthusiasts and the location is conveniently located within a 1.5 hours drive from Colombo. So it fitted perfectly with our logistical requirements for an introductory family camping experience.

Q: What will families who sign up for the camping gain/experience?

A: The adventure of spending a night in nature (in relative comfort) while being fully engaged with physically challenging activities that will keep all generations on their toes throughout the days. All participants are welcome to select which activities they’d like to engage in and people are free to just relax and enjoy nature if that’s what they wish to gain from the camp. So the schedule will be quite flexible with plenty of room for participants to pick and choose what suits them best.

Major Raajiv Wanigasekera rtd RWP RSP Director – Training and Operation at Adventure Education (www.adventure.lk) is a proud product of S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia and a graduate from Pakistan Military Academy. A paratrooper and a combat diver who has seen combat in many fronts, Raajiv retired as a Major after 15 years of distinguished service. A disaster management specialist, he has over 300 training programs to his credit. 

Q: What is the Adv-enture Education philosophy?

A: We launched in 2003 and the company is at the forefront of its field, with team development activities, adventure and out-of-the-box corporate experiential indoor and outdoor initiatives. Our key focus is on innovations, safety, sustainability and customer satisfaction. With experience of designing and delivering programs, events and solutions for major international and local corporate clients and organisations over the last 10 years, servicing over 1,200 adventure seekers, over 35 program formats and operations in over nine locations island wide, the company combines youthful energy with experienced expertise that forms our creative offering. 

Q: Describe the camp site where the CK outdoor camping experience will be held 

A: It’s a 50 acre natural teak forest situated just an hour’s drive from Colombo nestled on the edge of Maha-Oya. The facility has a tented sleeping arrangement for 60 pax, indoor and outdoor showers with clean flowing water, and flush toilets, separated gender wise. All gear used on the program is internationally certified. Qualified first respondents on site with an A grade hospital on stand-by just 15 minutes drive time away. Well stocked first-aid boxes on site. SLS certified drinking water.  

Q: Why were you keen to be a part of Camp Kreativ? 

A: My team has worked with school children before and are still engaged with some schools/students because it’s a unique and different experience for us as well as the participants. We want the next generation to grow up enjoying, loving and preserving the environment /nature. 

For more information, online registration and payment, log onto www.powerofplay.lk. For cash registrations, please visit Milk Bookstore (44A, Horton Place, Col 7). Registrations close on 8 August.  

(Photo credit Dinuka Liyanawatte)