Summer school De Maas
In 2021 we started a pilot of a Vacation School project in cooperation with Royal Yacht Club ‘De Maas’, one of the oldest water sports associations of the Netherlands. All parties involved were so enthusiastic about this pilot, that soon after the pilot we decided to make this excursion a permanent Work like a Horse activity.
Adventure
A lot of children in Rotterdam do not have the opportunity to go on holiday. Especially for children who live in a crisis shelter, it is of the essence to forget their problems for a while and to undertake fun holiday activities. With our Vacation School ‘De Maas’ we offer these kids an adventurous excursion day near and on the river ‘de Rotte’.
Water sports
The participating children discover a variety of water sports. They make, in imitation of the Dutch King Willem-Alexander himself, a boat trip with the honorary sloop of ‘De Maas’. Further, the brave ones with a swimming certificate can learn how to sail or can experience how it is to sit in a real competition rowing boat. On the river shore, the children can also join a competition on rowing machines or jump on a bouncy castle.
Holiday experience
Together with a group of volunteers of ‘De Maas’, we do our utmost to give the children an unforgettable holiday experience. And according to the participating youth care organizations, we successfully did that. The big barbecue for both the children and the volunteers at the end of the excursion surely contributes to that success.
