Children's Summer Camp in Poland To my delight I was invited to Poland again in June by Sensei Tomasz Siewkowski to conduct trainings on their Children's Summer Camp at Bory Tucholskie Centrum, which is surrounded by woodlands and lakes. The instructors were myself and Sensei's Tomasz Siewkowski and Tomasz Golebiowski. I took the grading candidates every day and they took the children. I was very impressed with the organisation, discipline and attitude of the children, training would start at 8am with a short run for the children and I would correct the grading candidates in Sanchin kata and all the kaishu kata scrutinising every move, after training we would march together to breakfast. Sensei Tomasz Siewkowski was very vigilant with every child making sure they were in a safe environment and happy and enjoying themselves which is paramount, I was impressed with the parents and volunteers that gave their time so the children enjoyed each event. The children would experience teamwork, social interaction and life skills, which would promote and develop confidence and self – esteem. The children had free time to play and communicate with each other, they were also be treated to a visit every day to the local sweet shop which was a 20 minute walk which was well organised. Also present in the centre were 150 special needs children with an array of disabilities, I was so impressed with the efforts and time that all the parents gave their children and the effort of all the family members engaged in giving each member of the family respite, because this is a round the clock job in keeping the one you love safe and happy, my heart goes out to you. But it was not all about training, I was persuaded to go fishing which is not a hard task, I enjoyed being with nature but the fish had other ideas, it was the time for dating other fishes, primarily female fishes so my bait was insignificant. It was a pleasure to meet with new acquaintances and their efforts and their comments was to promote IOGKF in Poland and give every individual the opportunity to achieve their individual desires. Look forward to being with you all again in November. Love and respect Sensei George Andrews |