As the long summer holidays come to an end and children prepare for the start of a new school year, a three day camp was organized at the Father Ray Children’s Home for children living and studying at local charitable facilities.

Two hundred and fifty five children spent two nights sleeping under the stars, working for their meals, making new friends and learning new skills that will hopefully help them throughout their lives and having fun, lots of fun.

Students with disabilities from the Pattaya School for the Blind and the School for Children with Special Needs joined together with residents, from the Human Help Network, Father Ray Children’s Home and Children’s Village, Banglamung Boys Home, Baan Jing Jai and the Fountain of Life.

Sponsored by the Mayors of Pattaya and Nongprue the children of all ages were given talks about life, advising them on the dangers of smoking, drinking alcohol and taking drugs. The dangers of social media, mobile phones, sexual health and the importance of personal hygiene gave the children something to think about.

On the final morning the children listened in silence to a talk and watched a film on the subject of child protection, given by the leaders of the Child Protection Unit at Nongprue City Hall. It was a difficult film to watch, but one which gave the children the information they need to keep themselves safe.

But as the camp came to an end, certificates were presented and children packed their bags and said farewell to their new friends and it is hoped that not only did those who attended learn some new life skills they also had a lot of fun and a time to remember.
More information can be found at www.fr-ray.org or email info@fr-ray.org

Derek Franklin