This year, Easter Camp Willingness had a special “Music theme.” The children had the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of musical activities and games. As always, the activities were in line with Camp Willingness’s fundamental goals. Which are none other than building friendships, cultivating mindfulness, enhancing the feeling of gratitude, stress relaxation, and physical exercise through yoga practices and teamwork.
Highlights of Camp
Musical hike and Scavenger hunt
We organised a hike during in which the children accompanied by the teachers walked in greenery and focused on all the natural sounds they could detect. The aim of this activity was to help children explore the unique melodies and sounds which are hidden in the natural environment and often ignored in our daily lives. Of course, the scavenger hunt was a very good practice of mindfulness as the kids took their time to calm down and trust their sensation of hearing.
Music activities with Scouts
During this day, the local scouts visited the children of the camp. After introducing them to the fundamental values of scouting, they showed them the musical instruments they use during the parades. Then, the scouts also performed live music to the rhythm of which the children played the popular games of “musical chairs”, and “musical statues”. However, the most interesting part of the scouts’ visit was that they gave the children the opportunity to play and have fun with their instruments. And of course, answer all their questions about how the instruments work and what makes them special.
Making Instruments
This activity was designed for children to have fun while expressing their creativity to the fullest. The children used recyclable materials such as coffee cans and plastic bottles. Where they painted them with their favourite colours and designed them in their own unique way. After this, they turned them into musical instruments and produced melodies and rhythms with them! Through this activity, the children learned that making a musical instrument takes hard work, detail and patience. And although it may be made of very simple materials, can create nice music and unique sounds.
Exploration of music genres
We designed this activity so that the children could become familiar with the different styles of music. The cultures they represent and what makes them special and explore their own preferences. The most important part was that the children were given the space to discuss which one was their favourite and why. As well as listen to each other opinions and express the emotions evoked by each genre. At the same time, the children learned that the same song can always arouse different feelings to each individual. It was interesting to hear that classical music can make them calm and sleepy. While a rock song makes them feel powerful and unstoppable!
Jam Session with Peter Paul
At the last day of camp, parents along with their children were given the opportunity to take part in a jam session with the loved singer Peter Paul. The participants used the instruments the children had made before. Thanks to Peter’s guidance they formed an “orchestra” and played all together in harmony. There is no doubt that music brings people together. We also believe that music can also play an active role in a child’s emotional development as it brings the person in touch with their feelings and represents a unique experience for each and every one of us!
Effrosyni Antoniadou is a Psychology graduate from Aristotele’s University. She is currently working as an intern at Willingness. She has volunteered in public mental health services and has done an internship in the field of drug addiction. She has also worked with children and adolescents and is interested in expanding her knowledge and experience in clinical psychology.