Clown Camp Galle took place at Alabada Sri Jinarathanaramaya temple in Galle, with 22 kids joining in on October 7th and 8th, 2023. The majority were from the Sinhala-speaking community. A notable and common thread emerged during the camp – the kids were reluctant for the Clown Camp session to end, expressing worry about returning to their regular lives.
As facilitators, we see this as a positive sign of improvement. It’s a different sentiment compared to what a child might say about school. The kids felt a sense of freedom to express themselves without apology, contributing to their mental well-being. They were genuinely happy to connect with us.
Among the various clown games, the Flying Cloth game stole their hearts. Additionally, the kids found joy in the simple aspects of their lives, expressing love for sharing meals with each other. Interestingly, in their reflections, some mentioned a preference for our sessions over regular schools or extra classes. This indicates a unique and positive impact on how they perceive learning and community at Clown Camp.