Published: Thursday, 20th November, 2008 08:00
Leader: Children need to have adventures
By Reading Chronicle, the Voice of Reading
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THE tragic death of schoolboy Stewart McEwan on an organised school trip is every parent's nightmare.
Stewart like many 13 year-olds grabbed the opportunity of going on another of life’s adventures.
In a world of virtual gaming, video games and surfing the net, it is vital that children are given the chance to take part in organised school trips. Centres like Tirabad in Wales adhere to strict safety proceedures and parents are asked by the schools to fill in forms informing medical conditions food allergies contact details etc.
It is understandable that mums and dads feel apprehensive about sending their child on such trips - which may be the first time their offspring will be going without them.
But the positives far outweigh any negative aspects. Who would deny their son or daughter that magical moment of getting on the coach as they meet their friends laughing and joking as they chat about who shares the dormitary, who is the best cook, the tidiest and untidiest!
Of course some children are nervous about leaving mum and dad and home comforts but the majority soon adjust with the help of friends and not least the teachers who are highly trained and offer superb pastoral care. Indeed they enjoy the experience as much as their pupils.
Finally the long awaited phone call 'mum we’ve arrived Johnny was sick on the coach, he is ok now – it’s fantastic!’
What a relief now the parents can sleep easy in the knowlege that all is well.
Finally the day arrives when they return, parents chatting waiting for the coach to arrive. Who will get off first?
As they disembark there is a discernable change in the children, yes they are smiling and happy to see mum and dad but somehow they seem more grown up. Perhaps this was the best lesson the children have had – how to interact, communicate and make friends in the real world.
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