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To build
confidence on the boat, we involve all the children in every one of the
activities that make the smooth running of the boat happen.
 Some of the
children that come with us are lacking confidence when it comes to the
responsibility of operating a lock or a swing bridge. This we soon put
right by showing them how it is done safely and they soon get into the swing of
it.
It gives them a
great boost when they see the boat raising and falling by the
safe operation of a lock. Swing bridges can be as daunting but within
hours they operate them like they have been doing it for years.
We also involve
them in the day to day running of the boat. Washing up and keeping the
boat clean and tidy are high on our priority list as is cooking meals
for themselves all contribute to their training for later life.
We also take them
for walks in the countryside and the biggest surprise was when one child
said that she had not realised that cows and horses lived in fields.
We also sit for
hours just talking about anything. This can sometimes become very
upsetting as you realise that they are not children but young adults
with all the responsibilities that this entails.
We also encourage
all the children to talk to the other boaters and the lock keepers. This
helps them to learn to communicate with strangers who we trust and who
have known us for many years.
We try to help the children to
have a normal life even if only for a short time and they always ask to
come back so we must be doing something right.
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