Zippy goes on a Picnic at Cinnamon Lakeside’s Kiddies’ Camp

Saturday, 29 January 2011 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

At a time when almost every game for children has been simulated so that kids play partners are television sets or computers; Kiddies’ Camp introduces a return to good old fashioned human interaction. The monthly event was introduced with the hope of bringing a sense of adventure to learning and has become a quick success, with both children as well as parents looking forward to it.

Every month the camp takes on a new theme. This month, the children get to follow Zippy the Zebra on his picnic adventure. The hotel takes the opportunity to bring an element of environmental awareness into the agenda and into children’s minds at a necessarily early age. Zippy the Zebra is a member of Sulochana Dissanayake’s cast of puppets that have been featured at two of the previous Kiddies’ Camp puppet show and storytelling workshops. The puppets were an instant hit as was Sulochana who gave each one a unique and captivating personality. She draws inspiration for these characters from her travels to South Africa as well as during her education in theatre and economics at Bates College.

Zippy is a timid Zebra who begins to explore the world when he is met by other animals of various natures, both good and bad. During the puppet show, the children are invited to advise Zippy and question his choices. It has proved an effective medium to keep the children entertained while instilling valuable lessons in their young minds. The venue for the camp is the Waterside, a beautiful garden by the side of the hotel that overlooks the Beira Lake, making it an idyllic spot for a picnic. At snack time, picnic baskets will be brought out, and the children will be invited to sit on the floor, picnic style, to indulge in the treats prepared by the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo’s expert Chefs. The hotel’s professional gardeners who maintain the scenic venue, front lawn and nature strip leading to the hotel will make a special appearance during this month’s camp. The children will be allowed to make their little contribution to nature by planting a sapling in a pot with the guidance of the gardening team. They will be encouraged to take it home and advised on how to care for it. Many other craft as well as physical activities will be lined up during the course of the afternoon, suitable for children aged twelve and under.

This Sunday afternoon of interactive entertainment and lip smacking snacks is priced at Rs. 750/- ++++ for kids below twelve and Rs. 950/- ++++ for adults. This month’s Kiddies Camp will take place on the 30th of January between 3.00pm and 6.00pm. Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis, and will be required for all children and adults who wish to gain entry to the event. Reservations will be entertained on 2491016.