This Wednesday, July 9th, at Fouont Cauda school, the City of Nice presented the summer leisure program designed for young people from Nice.
This summer, Nice is taking care of more than 6,000 children (3,200 in July, 3,100 in August). They are distributed across 22 leisure centers managed by the City or by partner associations (ADAM, Galice, Agora Nice-Est…) as part of the Global Territorial Convention with the CAF. As such, they benefit from full care from 08:00 to 17:00 (16:30 for kindergarten students): outdoor water games, fun activities, creative workshops…
A program dedicated to the theme of the sea
This summer, the activities revolve around the theme “Guardians of the Seas and Oceans”, in connection with the Year of the Sea and UNOC3, hosted by Nice last June. Each workshop and decoration is designed to raise children’s awareness of marine environmental protection. Nelly Zamponi, coordinator of events in Nice leisure centers, explains: “We have made a special effort with the decor, games, fields, and color codes. We are immersed in this oceanic universe. It’s in line with the UNOC.” Hula hoops, hot potato game, drawings… Everything is provided. Numerous outings are also organized (Parc Phoenix, beach, mountains, caves, Zoo Park…).
Teenagers are also considered in the equation. They can participate in week-long stays. “We have two types of stays. On one side, Mare’ventura, dedicated to nautical activities around the sea such as scuba diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding. On the other side, those who prefer nature can opt for Terra’ventura, a stay organized at Sclos de Contes, with hikes on the program. Other adventures await teenagers with Nice chef, Bouléga’Zic, and Ado découverte.”
Inclusion at the heart of concerns
The City places great importance on inclusion. Children with disabilities are integrated into groups thanks to the support of specialized facilitators: life and leisure auxiliaries (AVL), trained to meet specific needs. In total, 395 facilitators, both temporary and permanent, oversee the children throughout the summer, in collaboration with the permanent teams of the management. 41 of them support children with disabilities to ensure their participation in all activities.
They are distinguished by their blue t-shirt, in contrast to those dressed in red, in charge of children “without difficulties”: “They are trained to handle disabilities, even in leisure reception. Therefore, children with disabilities are included equally with others. They fully participate in workshops and leisure activities throughout the city with specific support,” emphasizes Jean-Luc Gagliolo, deputy mayor in charge of Education, Youth, and the Nice language.
“We take our role very, very seriously”
A rich program, comprehensive support. Nelly Zamponi does not fail to remind that food and hydration are also part of the main aspects of the program: “The meals are very complete and varied. Today, for example, those who do not wish to eat shepherd’s pie can have cheese sticks. Of course, children have drinks available all day. We have also adjusted our sports activities according to the weather and heat. Everything for the physical, moral, and emotional safety of the child! These are our three guiding principles. We take our role very, very seriously.”
If the parents of the about 6,000 young people from Nice are convinced, it is also thanks to the rates, ranging from €2.55 to €16.60. Jean-Luc Gagliolo continues: “We offer rates that are extremely attractive, adjusted according to the parents’ income. This allows all categories of children to find a leisure reception at a rate fully in line with everyone’s means.”
