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 We feel so blessed at the Hazelhut because every week we seem to get a super bunch of children who want to spend their summer camp with us! This week there are a LOT of girls....  ... and 2 awesome boys!  The heat continues to hang and so the pool was a big attraction.  Our evening menu was a huge hit as well.... as usual!   With a large and happy group of helpers too, we feel that this is going to be another smashing week at the Hazelhut! 
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 Once the children's rooms were packed up, they followed a treasure hunt designed by this week's helpers and the loved it! Then we all braved the hot sun and walked to Ronciglione, where the first stop was Tatiana's bar for some refreshing water and salty crisps.  Afterwards it was time to shop til you drop! The girls were especially good at this.  Once the gifts had been brought we all went to our favourite restaurant for a celebratory lunch.  We felt sure there would be some complaining on the way home, but these kids are true Hazelhutters as they all walked to the cemetery smiling, before getting a car ride up the final hill.  Before we knew it parents were at the gate and it was time to give out certificates....
...and prizes...  ...and to thank our teen helpers...  ....before the best rendition ever of our Hazelhut song! Of course this group of Hazelhutters is welcome back and will be missed very much! - Enjoy the rest of your summer!   With the thermometer hitting 36 degrees today, there was only one choice for our trip - the cool of Lago di Vico.  The children enjoyed splashing about in the fresh water and also playing games on the shady green banks.  There was a queue for lunch - chicken wraps and hot dogs, followed by refreshing melon - yum!  When we returned to the house, it was the boys turn to make something sweet for tomorrow's tea party: they particularly enjoyed crushing the nuts for the macaroons.  It turns out that they are excellent chefs, which the parents will discover tomorrow!  In the evening we enjoyed the pizza party and celebrating a week of new friendships and fun. Well done Hazelhutters!     Wednesday is the day we dedicate to the arts and this Wednesday started with the boys doing some woodwork with James.   At the same time the girls used washi tape to make gifts in the art room. Then the groups swapped over.
After another delicious picnic lunch, we the children rested out of the sweltering sun and later took a refreshing dip.   In the afternoon we had our first karaoke fun of 2019 and there were some great moments, for once the boys were the most adventurous!
 When the karaoke was finished 2 helpful girls joined the teenage helpers in the kitchen to make a delicious potato pie for dinner. It was great to enjoy a different version of fish and chips in the cool breeze on the terrace.  Today half of the group opted to stay at the Hazelhut while the other half went to see the horses as usual.
The horse riding group did all the usual activities and really enjoyed the experience.     As usual Rita had prepared them a very tasty lunch for afterwards.  The group who remained at the Hazelhut got involved in a totally different kind of activity.... first we went to see how Fidel and Belen were doing.  Then we headed out to pick up litter on the road. The children all knew about the negative impact of plastic and other trash materials on the environment and they were keen to pick up every last piece. It was a pleasure to watch them work so hard for the benefit of nature - and all with a smile.
Can you believe that by the time we returned to the Hazelhut, the children had found enough rubbish to fit in a bin bag?!!  At that point everyone was thinking about a nice cleansing and refreshing swim!  We also had pasta salad for lunch and later the horse riders returned and the group was once again united. Some children helped to make cherry muffins for Friday.
 The muffins seemed to make everyone hungry, so we fed them all some snacks.  Later in the afternoon there was a massive game of football, refereed by James and then it was time to light the barbecue for dinner!   Everyone enjoyed the home made burgers and eating in the new tree house and outdoor area.
While Mr. Jones and Nerino enjoyed some additional petting....
 These kids certainly needed to get their bodies ready for some real sport today, so what better than a big breakfast!  James got the sports underway soon after the room inspection.  As usual we were very impressed by the athletic abilities of this group.
Both boys and girls proved themselves capable in a range of activities.  Lunch time was, typically, a favourite moment.  Then the children had some free time to catch up with the animals.  Later they cooled off in the pool.  In the afternoon there was a brand new treasure hunt with a tasty prize!  Some of the children were very helpful and podded peas.  Then Sports Day was concluded in the cool of the early evening with a few more recognisable activities....
Do you think there was any pasta or ice cream left after such a high energy day? NO WAY!   Born just before midday yesterday, today was Fidel's first meeting with Hazelhutters and he is an instant hit!  Donkey aside, other things to marvel at were just how many children we have this week - 15 plus 2 teen helpers!  We have been impressed by the children's independence....  ....by their love of animals...  ... by their sporting skills....  ...and creativity.....    ....so of course we weren't surprised that they also loved eating Marilena's lasagna and Hazelhut salad too - Yum!   Friday came around so soon! The children prepared their rooms and suitcases after breakfast, then there was time for a photograph in front of the beautiful hydrangeas before we headed into Ronciglione for some retail therapy!  In truth these children had more class and wanted to learn about seafood and cheese rather than buy bits of plastic - clearly we're teaching them right at the Hazelhut!    Thanks to Marilena, our lunch was delicious and the walk up the hill seemed extra tiring with a full tummy! Back at the Hazelhut, the children had time to unwind before the parents came for our celebration of achievement party.  We announced our sporting champions, most improved English learner, Hazelhutter of the week and of course everyone received their certificate.  After a good rendition of the Hazelhut song, the parents went to say goodbye to Belen with their children and we all waved them off. What an amazing start to the summer camp fun! Thanks everyone.
 Hot sunshine gave us only one choice for today's trip - to the lake! 'Riva Verde' was even more green than usual as they have renovated and restructured since last year - wonderful!  The water was very clean and the children loved playing in the lake and looking at the wildlife.  James' barbecuing skills were up to their usual standards as we ate delicious chicken skewers in buns and some children even had a hotdog too!  After lunch there was time to learn the Hazelhut song and take another dip.  Back at the Hazelhut, it was time to bake some treats for tomorrow's tea party.
And then we had a party of our own - the pizza party!!!
 We're sure not all summer campers get to hug a beautiful donkey first thing in the morning, but our Hazelhutters did! They also enjoyed liberating the hens for the day.  Then it was time for the first activity - restructuring our tree house....  This involved planning and cooperation as well as hard work....  By lunch time everyone was hungry: time for a Hazelhut style picnic!  Some children continued working after lunch, then everyone had a cool down in the pool.  Later the children did an experimental colour based treasure hunt..... it looked beautiful....   ....but not all the children were convinced by the new style..... well you can't please everyone!  Later in the evening, while we were waiting for the burgers to cook, our helper, Rob, led a bamboo rhythm workshop - it was such an amazing moment when all the children managed to create a perfect symphony by listening to each other and playing their role perfectly.  Dinner was delicious - of course! And the children enjoyed the campfire while they made their evening phone calls.  |
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