Harry's Waterpark

Last month the family embarked on a trip to Harry’s Waterpark to enjoy the outdoors. It was Matthew’s and my first time. He was reluctant to go (citing bugs and heat) and needed lots of coaxing.  It was also Saturday morning, and Stampy Cat’s latest Minecraft Youtube video would be missed.

When we arrived, we were amazed at how developed the place was and found similarities in the waterslides area to that of Legoland’s Waterpark in Florida. However, for some odd reason Matthew found it terrifying. Soon though he realized kids his age and younger were sliding down and quickly coming back for more slides so he put on his brave face and down he went. It was later to be called “the epic ride”.

There were kayaking and Paddle boats and short queues with excited kids waiting on their turn. When we got on the paddle boat Matthew was given the opportunity to drive but with my frequent manipulation of the wheel to avoid bumping into other boats. This sooner became a chore for me rather than a joy.

The lazy river was our final activity. It was exactly as the name says….lazy. After many minutes of slowly drifting around in a circle, it was time to exit but I was bombarded by PLEASEEE to stay longer and knew then of how much fun he was having. I gave in for a further ten minutes as he was actually enjoying the outdoors without complaints.

Harry’s WaterPark turned out to be fun filled and exciting as it had promised. Matthew did not once complain about the heat or better yet ask for a device to binge watch Stampy Cat on Youtube. Success!

Feel free to check them out on the link below and tell us of your child’s experience if you have gone before.

http://harryswaterparktt.com/

Archery

 

For parents and other adults who frequent toy shops with their kids, you may have seen the incremental innovation of the Nerf Gun. It started out some years ago as a small handgun and some Christmases ago, I saw an advertisement of it as a refined bow and arrow. Matthew was watching television with me at the time and his exact words were “how cool”. That Christmas it found its way under our tree.  Needless to say all objects in the house became target practice.

 

 A few months ago I ran into a friend who casually mentioned her daughter was doing archery classes after school. I was not aware that this was offered in Trinidad and started researching.  There are five clubs in Trinidad and Tobago and the Trinidad and Tobago Target Archery Federation is the National Governing Body for the sport of archery in Trinidad and Tobago.

Focus and Self-Discipline

When archers make mistakes, they are taught that the solution is to analyze their steps and focus on improving one thing at a time. This is a great recipe for success on the archery field, in the classroom, and in life.

 

The link below shows all clubs available in Trinidad and Tobago

List of Archery Clubs

Do you comfortable with kids learning this skill?

Chess



In today’s world where everything is becoming more instant – faster internet speeds, fastpass  to long lines at amusement  parks,  this generation is prone to become less tolerant and more impatient.

The game of Chess is perfect to help our children improve their patience and gain memorization.  A growing body of researchers have found that the game of chess helps young people to concentrate, think logically, overcome obstacles and help with the development of problem-solving skills, focus of thought and self-discipline.

The Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation is one of the few chess centres that offer training to those interested in learning. It was formed in 1936 and held its first Trinidad and Tobago chess Championships in 1937. They have since conducted After-School program and Weekend Training program.

After School Program
Resource Centre in Woodbrook
Contact:    868 678 0132

Weekend Training Program
Chess Resource Centre, # 13 Brabant Street, Woodbrook.
The Arima Boys’ RC School, Corner of Woodford and Sanchez Streets, Arima
Contact:     868 678 0132

Do you believe Chess should be introduced as a club in primary schools beside the usual cricket, football and music?

  

 

Robotics Club

Kids Focusing on build

With the renewal of Star Wars movie, this new generation of Sci Fi fans has found themselves totally in awe with the ever so cute BB8 robot.

 

NIHERST’s robotics’ club is perfect for budding engineers to learn how to build and program their own robots.  This club provides an ongoing non-formal education in robotics through which they can acquire basic skills in robotics programming software; learn and understand the various features and capabilities of robots e.g. robotic sensing and locomotion principles; and acquire mechanical skills in building robots.

Their classes are held at the National Science Centre located at the Corner Churchill Roosevelt Highway and Old Piarco Road, D'Abadie, Trinidad.

Ages:         13 years& up

Cost:          $150 per term

Contact:    642-6112 ext 257 nervene.bhagwandass@gov.tt

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Training Dates:   Jan 14^th, Jan 28^th, Feb 11^th, Feb 18^th, Mar 11^th, Mar 25^th

Venue:                  National Science Centre

Time:                     9am – 12 noon

Can you see this gaining in popularity if promoted more?

Science Club

 

Children today are fascinated by the what, how and why things operate. Last week Matthew asked what makes the cloud float and not fall from the sky. My answer is always the same - let’s Google to find out why. A science class I thought would be ideal to meet some of Matthew's curiosity.

NIHERST has a Science Club that caters to both junior and senior minds alike. Their programs aim to stimulate young minds for growth towards critical thinking, problem solving and to reinforce concepts taught in the primary and secondary school science curriculum.

Their classes are held at the National Science Centre located at the Corner Churchill Roosevelt Highway and Old Piarco Road, D'Abadie, Trinidad.

Ages:

Juniors:                8 – 11 years

Seniors:                12-15 years

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Cost:                      $150 per term

When:                  Every second and fourth Saturday during the school term.

Contact:              642-6112 ext 282 | swarsatie.lalman@niherst.gov.tt

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Training Dates:                   Jan 14^th, Jan 28^th, Feb 11^th, Feb 18^th, Mar 11^th, Mar 25^th

Venue:                                 National Science Centre

Time:                                    9am – 12 noon



Do you believe this can foster children's love for science rather than fear it as something difficult?