Blog Archives - CAMP Studio Kids

Happy Children’s Day

November 20, 2024November 20, 2024By Megan Edwards

Celebrating World Children's Day: The Power and Promise of Our Future

As we come together on World Children’s Day, we’re reminded that in the faces and spirits of children, we find a pure and precious promise. A promise of dreams not yet realized, voices that still sing with hope, and minds brimming with curiosity and wonder. World Children’s Day is more than just a date; it’s a call to honor, protect, and celebrate the incredible resilience and potential of children everywhere.

Today, let’s pause to remember that childhood is both a fleeting moment and a foundation. It’s a time when kids should be allowed to embrace the world with open arms and wide eyes, to see endless possibilities in the every day, and to chase butterflies and rainbows without limits. Every child deserves this experience, and they deserve it as a right, not a privilege.

As adults, we play a crucial role in shaping the experiences and opportunities that define childhood. And our responsibility is monumental. The dreams children hold today will be the realities of tomorrow. Their laughter, curiosity, and boundless energy are precious resources that remind us what it means to believe wholeheartedly. They teach us to love without conditions, to trust without suspicion, and to find joy in the simplest things.

World Children’s Day serves as a collective reminder to protect children’s rights and safeguard their well-being. While we see progress in many areas, we must also recognize the profound challenges millions of children face globally. Too many live without access to clean water, nutritious food, quality education, or a safe place to call home. We owe it to these children to build a world that respects and uplifts them, that allows them to grow up in peace and with dignity.

As we celebrate World Children’s Day, let’s commit to making the world a better place for all children, not just in the abstract, but through tangible actions. Let’s advocate, educate, and innovate for their futures. Let’s be the hands that lift them up and the hearts that keep them safe. Because the truth is, they are our future, but they are also our present. And today, they deserve a world filled with hope, opportunity, and boundless possibility.

So, to every child out there: We see you. We hear you. And we believe in you. Happy World Children’s Day. May your laughter continue to ring out, your dreams continue to grow, and your hearts remain forever bright.

11 Clever Ways To Stop a Bully!

October 10, 2024October 10, 2024By ptrancoso

Dealing with a bully can be tough since people rarely notice that they’re siding with one; thereby indirectly rewarding their behaviours. But there are effective ways to handle the situation. There are many reasons why someone may be a victim of bullying. Here’s a list of 11 Clever Ways To Stop a Bully in their tracks while maintaining your confidence and peace of mind.

1. Stay Calm and Confident

Bullies usually have underlying mental health issues and to solve this, they often gain strength from your emotional reactions, so try not to give them one. Stand tall, make eye contact, and respond calmly. Your confidence can make them think twice about picking on you.

2. Use Humor to Deflect

Humour can disarm a bully by shifting the power dynamic. A light-hearted joke or playful comeback can make the situation less intense and show that you’re not easily intimidated.

3. Ignore and Walk Away

Sometimes, the best response is no response at all. By ignoring the bully and walking away, you’re showing that they don’t have control over your emotions, which can take away their motivation to continue.

4. Find Strength in Numbers

Surround yourself with friends who have your back. This is one of the strongest techniques to ward off bullies. Bullies are less likely to target you when you’re in a group because it makes you seem less vulnerable.

5. Distract with a Change of Subject

If you’re confronted by a bully, try changing the topic to something unrelated. This can throw them off guard and diffuse the tension, giving you a chance to steer the interaction in a different direction.

6. Use Positive Body Language

Non-verbal cues like maintaining an open posture, standing up straight, and keeping a relaxed expression can communicate confidence, which can make the bully less likely to continue.

7. Get Support from Bystanders

If others are around, calmly ask for their support. Sometimes bystanders aren’t sure what to do, but when you enlist their help, they’re often willing to step in and offer support.

8. Talk to Someone You Trust

Sharing your experiences with a friend, family member, or school counsellor can give you emotional support and practical advice. You don’t have to face a bully alone.

9. Document the Behavior & Report To Authorities

Keep a record of bullying incidents, noting dates, times, and what happened. This can be helpful in reporting the behaviour to someone in authority. Don’t hesitate to seek help from teachers, administrators, or human resources if the bullying continues. They can take steps to address the situation and ensure a safer environment.

10. Stay Safe Online

If you’re dealing with a cyberbully, avoid engaging with them and block their accounts. Report inappropriate behaviour to the platform administrators, and consider adjusting your privacy settings to limit their access.

11. Stay True to Yourself, and Practice Self Care!

Remember that bullying often reflects more about the bully than about you. Focus on your strengths and what makes you unique, and don’t let anyone undermine your self-worth. Dealing with a bully can be stressful, so take time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. Self-care strengthens your resilience and helps you cope with challenging situations.

Each situation is unique, so consider which strategies might work best for you. And remember, you have the right to feel safe and respected. Never hesitate to seek help if you need it.

November 1st marks the International Day against violence and bullying at school including cyberbullying. It is an international commemoration observed by UNESCO. This day calls on learners, parents, members of education communities, education authorities and a range of sectors and partners, including the tech industry, to take a part in preventing all forms of violence and fostering safe learning environments, so important for the health, well-being and learning of children and youth.

What is Joke for Children: Understanding Why Bullies Bully & How to Spot the Early Warning Signs

October 10, 2024October 10, 2024By ptrancoso

In the Caribbean, the saying “Joke for children is death for Crapo” serves as a cautionary proverb, reminding us that what may seem harmless to some can have severe consequences for others. This wisdom rings especially true in the context of bullying.

The recent tragedy involving Jayden Lalchan, a 15-year-old from Trinidad who took his own life due to prolonged bullying, highlights the urgent need for understanding and action. It’s time to recognise why bullying happens, how to spot the signs, and what can be done to intervene early.

Why Do Bullies Become Bullies?

Bullying is a complex behaviour with various underlying causes. In many cases, children who bully others are facing issues themselves:

Home Environment: Exposure to violence, neglect, or overly harsh discipline at home can lead to aggressive behaviours. Children may mimic what they see or experience, using bullying as a way to assert control.
Personal Insecurities: Many bullies struggle with low self-esteem or unresolved emotional issues, which they mask through dominance over others.
Peer Pressure and Cultural Norms: In some Caribbean contexts, rough play or teasing may be normalised, blurring the line between harmless fun and harmful behaviour. Peer pressure can encourage children to act out to gain acceptance.

Early Warning Signs of a Bully

Parents and teachers can play a critical role in identifying bullying behaviours before they escalate. Some signs to watch for include:

Increased Aggression: Children who frequently exhibit physical or verbal aggression towards peers may be showing early signs of bullying tendencies.
Defensiveness or Blame Shifting: If a child often deflects blame onto others and refuses to take responsibility for their actions, this could indicate a need for intervention.
Social Manipulation: This can include excluding peers from groups, spreading rumours, or using social media to target others. Such behaviours may begin subtly but can escalate quickly.

Steps to Intervene and Turn the Situation Around

Taking early action can prevent bullying behaviours from becoming ingrained. Here are some steps to help:

Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue with children about their feelings and relationships. Let them know it’s safe to talk about anything that troubles them.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive behaviour modelling to encourage empathy and kindness. Praise actions that show respect for others.
Collaborate with Schools: If bullying signs appear, work with educators to create an action plan. Schools need to actively monitor situations and establish clear consequences for bullying.

Classic Caribbean Games: Red Light! Green Light, 1-2-3!

December 2, 2022October 10, 2024By Jodie Marie Williams

Do you remember playing Red Light! Green Light, 1-2-3! in the school yard? CAMP Studio does.

This classic Caribbean game helps kids to follow instructions, endure consequences and be active. It’s mostly played outdoors because of the running aspect, but can also be played indoors with a decent amount of space.

The concept of this game is simple: You can take turns being the traffic light, and if someone moves when on a red light, they have to go back to the starting line. The first one to cross the finish line wins.

Here’s the way kids played this game as a child (& still do today):

Step 1: An adult or a child stands at the finish line on the opposite side of the room or yard as a “traffic light”. The other game participants stand horizontally at the starting line at the opposite end of the room/yard and carefully listen for the cues to move or freeze.

Step 2: When the “traffic light”, at the finish line, turns their back to the participants and yells “Green Light, 1-2-3!” The participants can move as quickly as possible towards the finish line before the traffic light says “Red Light!” when they must freeze. Whoever reaches the finish line first – WINS!

To add an extra layer of fun, the traffic light can go around and closely inspect each participant to ensure they’re not moving. If someone moves, send them back to the starting line. You can also switch up how quickly you go between Green & Red Light.

How do you play Red Light! Green Light, 1-2-3? Tell us in the comments below.

Blog