Realistic Child and Youth Care Centre go out regularly with MCSA-CT volunteers to experience the freedom and wild spaces that their living environment doesn’t provide them.
The children often arrive quiet and closed, but within a few minutes of getting off the bus and seeing where they will be going for the day, their energy levels rise and excitement starts to show in their faces.
We always start with a group circle to discuss the ‘rules’ of hiking in the mountain, which include picking up litter, not picking any plants, greeting others as they pass us, being kind to one another, showing help when it is needed, and staying together as a group. The children then share something that they have been struggling with over the past week, and what they are looking forward to in the coming hike.
It is touching to observe them taking time to admire the view or helping one-another up a difficult path. We have many budding rock climbers who scramble up steep rocks with ease and have boundless energy.
The day always ends with queries when the next hike will be and with guarantees of a good night’s sleep ahead. Thanks to the support of MCSA-CT outreach for these opportunities.
