This morning was very special as today we would embark on our first day excursion.

We met at  the school to drive to the Maitland Dunes with the eight and nine graders of Fontein Primary School. The kids were shy and quiet, smiling at us but no talking that much. But as soon as we arrived and they saw the beach and the sea they started running towards the water, sand everywhere, some falling and getting up again straight away to run further down.

Some of the kids have never been to a beach before and especially for them it was an incredible experience. But even for us Young Explorers it was something special. When we saw them laughing, running around and playing in the water our hearts smiled. It’s so satisfying to watch kids being content and happy. A smile is the same in every language. 🙂

Before our group of 50 people took a walk along the beach the kids were introduced to the environment and nature around them by three guides who had prepared workshops. The kids were digging for snails and mussels in the sand and learned about their names and habits.

After the workshops the kids started playing again, went into their water fully dressed and got wet all over. But they didn’t care about it, probably didn’t even recognise it. These kids are full of energy when they get the chance to become active and do what they like.

This morning has shown us that it doesn’t need much to make a child happy. Just take them out into nature which is the biggest playground you can find in this world. Nature is powerful – it can bring a smile on every face!

written by Saskia Bauer and Lani van Niekerk