This past Saturday, April 9th, the Ilori Children’s Education program, the Scouts of Costa Rica, and 4 volunteers took 120 kids, from our program, and 30 of their mothers out for a day at the parque. At 9 AM, bus-loads of cheering kids and elated Mom’s arrived to Parque del Este, in San Jose. Note: This is a big deal because there are no such parks and large community playgrounds in the slums of Costa Rica.
The kids were divided into two groups based on age: the 6-10 year olds and the older youth, 11 and up. After a morning of group games and activities which foster discipline, community and team work, and are just good for the whole body, mind and soul, the kids went swimming. Everyone had a picnic lunch, topped off with sweet rice pudding (a crowd pleaser!) 
The Scouts of Costa Rica spent the afternoon preparing the older youth for their big weekend camping retreat, happening this August. Camping is completely a foreign concept to these kids, who spend their lives in the brick and concrete jungles of La Carpio. Most of their parents have never even been camping themselves. Camping and trips out to nature are a luxury. Therefore, the next workshop, the older youth will be learning how to pitch their own tents, as well as other camping skills. 
Again, a warm-fuzzy thank you to the Scouts of Costa Rica for your partnership and all the volunteers, Ethel, Julie, Annie, and Nina, that helped make this an unforgettable Saturday for the children, their mothers, and us as well! Gracias por todo!
WWD-F/Bien de Mujer 