The Hazelhut Blog

We wish it could be Christmas every day!

21/12/2019

The weather outside was frightful, but these 5 think the Hazelhut's delightful at any time of year! We have had a fun-filled day making gifts to take home and enjoying winter time at the Hazelhut. Of course the first thing true Hazelhutters hope to do is see the animals...

...both big and small!

And of course walk though the dead leaves in the woods.

We already knew it but these 5 girls are excellent confectioners.

Later in the afternoon things got very festive.... as everyone spontaneously dressed up!

It seemed like they had found the perfect outfits for a beautiful Christmas themed karaoke!

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A fun-packed Sunday

28/10/2019

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The seasonal fun continued yesterday with our Halloween weekend as the children took part in new spooky activities such as brutal baking!

For snack we played a traditional Halloween game using the delicious pastries from our local baker.

The weather was wonderful and the children took advantage by running into the woods and looking at all the lovely autumnal gifts from nature. Then they came indoors to learn a spooky song with James.

The sun continued to shine, so we ate lunch outdoors - amazing!

After lunch the girls headed down to the art room to carry out their favourite activity - making things! We sewed Halloween beanbags and made magic potions.

We had so much fun, it was hard to say goodbye! This weekend we would like to thank our awesome helpers from Workaway, Alexa and

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Halloween is coming....

26/10/2019

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Today we opened our doors to zombies, witches, ghosts and ghouls as we celebrated our Halloween weekend with these fantastic children. There were creepy things to eat....

Strange things to make....

And fun places to explore.... even for the cats!

At the right time, the children got changed into their costumes and our party really began! We started with a parade of the costumes including a touch of drama. They were all so good, it was hard to choose three winners!

Next it was time for a very dirty and messy game - digging up body parts! Followed by a Hazelhut favourite - apple dooking!

Later we pulled out the karaoke machine and let the girls loose!

We followed all this with a delicious pizza dinner and then the prizes were handed out, now the children are enjoying 'Hotel Transylvania' and finally seem to be feeling pretty tired....

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The very last summer camp blog....

7/9/2019

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It was with very heavy hearts that we said goodbye to our final group of summer camp Hazelhutters for 2019: just look what a lovely bunch they are!

As usual we headed into Ronciglione to do some sightseeing and shopping and to have a celebratory meal at Marilena's wonderful restaurant. On the way we found some street art which the children enjoyed interacting with

Then it was time to spend those hard earned euros!

Once all the kids had found a little something to buy, we sat down for a delicious meal.

We ate so much that it was hard to get back up the hill to the Hazelhut!

The parents arrived at 4pm and we held our last ceremony of the year.... There were a lot of Sports Day winners this week - here they are with the cups.

Our Hazelhutter song was bitter sweet this week as we won't be hearing that crazy ukulele for another year, however the children did it every justice with a very cheerful rendition. It's been a great year! Thanks to all the parents for sending us your children and to the children: work hard at school and we hope to see you all again in summer 2020!!!!!

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It's not just art that sets this lot apart!

5/9/2019

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Today was our day to celebrate the arts and the first activity was making magnets in the art room. The children worked really hard and had so many different and original ideas.

But, for obvious reasons, this magnet really captured our hearts and attention!

For some reason snack time is the moment that these kids love to get close to the animals!

The next activity was a game of Jenga for all the Hazelhutters and this set the brave apart from the fearful!

Before lunch we had time for one more activity - the walkie talkie treasure hunt and this set the girls apart from the boys as they were better at following the rules and reaching the treasure; luckily they were good at sharing too!

After lunch we had to say goodbye to the Hazelhutters from the UK, who left early for the start of school... Everyone was sad to see them go and we wish them well in a new academic year.

The remaining Hazelhutters regrouped in the afternoon to pick fruit for the evening desert - apple/pear and blackberry crumble. It was delicious!!!

They also helped to bake banana bread and chocolate cookies for tomorrow's last tea party with the parents.

We have really enjoyed working with this group of children and can't believe they are all leaving us tomorrow.... :(

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Birthday Bonanza!!

4/9/2019

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One of the Hazelhutters had a birthday today and for two others it was their last full day with us, so we decided to squeeze a whole lot of fun into one day!

In the morning it was sunny but a bit windy, so we headed to the lake and first enjoyed some quiet activities. Then the wind dropped away and most of the children went for a dip. The water was lovely and warm.

The next treat the children had in store was hot dogs at lunch time and they went down very well - literally!

On returning to the Hazelhut, the children were keen to swim some more, despite the pool water being not quite as warm as the lake.... so we let them go ahead!

The next treat we had in store for our Hazelhutters was a karaoke party, which some of the kids just loved!

In the evening we celebrated our birthday boy - 11 years old today! We brought the pizza party forward and all the Hazelhutters enjoyed having an al fresco pizza dinner until nightfall....

...and then, of course, the cake!!!!

What a magical day!

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Horses, Campfire, Burgers....

3/9/2019

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Today we headed off to 'La Martingala' for our last horse riding experience of the year.

The children spent time preparing their ponies for the day before they got into the saddle.

Then, under the instruction of Irma and her team, they headed off on a series of equestrian exercises. At the end of the morning they each had the chance to do something unusual and special on horseback..... trotting, jumping, being foot loose and hands free?

Once the ponies were back in their fold, the children enjoyed Rita's lunch with yet another adorable animal - can you spot the puppy, Anita, in this picture?

As soon as we returned to The Hazelhut, the children were keen to get in the water and play their favourite game of water volley.

In the late afternoon we all sat around the camp fire to learn some bushcraft skills from James.

The children were great at taking risks and being courageous and each of them managed to learn some useful skills for survival in the wild. We ended the day with a delicious home-made burger and a game of yogurt bingo(!)

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Sporting behaviour at the Hazelhut today

2/9/2019

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We began today's sports with an exercise in observation and coordination during a Tai Qi session. Once the children were warmed up they showed determination and perseverance in a series of races.

Working as part of a team involved cooperation and consideration.

While frisby and football penalties required focus and occasionally the ability to laugh at oneself!

The children enjoyed relaxing at snack time and showed their comic and caring side with the animals.

The skipping activity was an opportunity for grit and personal drive.

While the nail game required strength and concentration.

Lunch time was another chance to leave the sports behind and enjoy the comfort of a tasty sandwich - Mmmm!

The kids had a swim after lunch and then they did a final sports day activity where they had to collect as many hazelnuts as possible - this required patience and strategy.

Later some children chose to walk in the woods in the hope of finding mushrooms and in order to spoil the donkeys once again!

What a super day!

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A new week and 11 new Hazelhutters!

1/9/2019

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It was an honour to welcome 11 more Hazelhutters for a week of summer camp - the last of the year! Unfortunately the sky was threatening us and the children didn't have much time in the pool before a storm broke.

However, it didn't take them long to find all the great equipment to help them pass the time indoors and we all enjoyed a game of 'Up Jenkins' before dinner.

Our Sunday night lasagna was a hit as ever and no one minded eating it indoors.

After dinner the children tidied up and got ready for a film. It is a Hazelhut favourite - 'Duplex'!

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Shopping and more....

31/8/2019

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Friday is the day when Hazelhutters go shopping and this week we had decided to head to Sutri.... however our plans were delayed when we found 3 little kittens in the woodpile!

The children named the stripey one Tiggy and this little girl Lucky; the third one didn't show his face much, but due to his shyness he has been named Timmy.

Finally we were ready to set off for Sutri and decided to check in at the chemist for yesterday's injury, which then turned in to a trip to the A&E followed by an X-Ray... Fortunately there were no broken bones, so it was full speed ahead to go to as many shops as possible before closing time!