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“The Banyan Kids – Track out program – Cary, NC
The Banyan Kids™ is a unique and an exciting track out camp for elementary-aged children. The Banyan Kids™ is all about nurturing curiosity and helping kids develop the attributes, skills and habits that will foster lifelong learning.
We recently spoke with Vineetha Govindsamy who runs “The Banyan Kids”.
What does The Banyan Kids do?
The Banyan Kids is a structured track out program with lots of fun and learning. The children participate in many stimulating activities encompassing academic enrichment, creative play, moral/ethical discussions, physical activity, etc. The children also go on a field trip at least once a week. The Banyan Kids is all about nurturing our children’s natural curiosity and helping them develop the skills and habits that will foster lifelong learning.
Could you please tell us a little bit about your background and how you came into working with kids?
I have always loved working with kids and have tutored and babysat during my school and university days. I graduated with a BSc in Psychology from The University of Auckland, New Zealand. I then completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Special Education) at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.
Is there a minimum age for the children that can join the camp?
The Banyan Kids is for elementary aged children. Any child attending a year-round elementary school can enroll in this camp.
Is this program available only during track out for kids?
Right now, this program is only available during track outs. We are planning to offer summer camps and after-school care in the near future.
What are some of the things that you do differently than other track-out programs?
We offer a very unique program and pride ourselves in four following areas: teaching our children moral/ethical values; providing individualized coaching; encouraging creative play and challenging each child with something new everyday. All children are curious and are motivated to learn, however only the right kind of motivation leads to opportunity, discovery and contribution to the betterment of society. We bring to the children positive stories from around the world, discuss about great people and their achievements, inspire them to create new ideas, work with them in identified weak areas to help reach their full potential and keep their brains sharp and agile through plenty of games and learning.
Where are these classes held? How long have you been running this program in the current location?
We are conveniently located behind Turner Creek Elementary School, just off of Hwy 55. The Banyan Kids started about four months ago and we have received excellent feedback from children and parents.
How does your program tie into the common core standards?
During Individualized Instruction, I work with each student to provide individual educational support. Activities in Math, English, Arts, etc., are aligned with the Common Core Standards for each grade. Since the ages of the students enrolled varies anywhere between 5 and 10, I also promote peer tutoring and cross-age tutoring.
Why should one choose The Banyan Kids track out camp?
We supplement and complement the education children receive from school. Our low student-teacher ratio enables each student to get personal care and attention.
As Swami Vivekananda has said: “Everything in this world is like a banyan-seed, which though appearing tiny as a mustard-seed, has got the gigantic banyan tree latent in it.”
Each child has his/her own greatness and at The Banyan Kids, we believe in each child’s greatness, support them and empower them to be the best that they can be!
Thank you for Vineetha ji for taking time to talk to us.”