Kids' day on the farm

I work for a maori organisation and most of the staff are bringing children up in town, although many of them have rural roots. So many asked if they could bring their children out to see the various animals, that I decided to have a "Whanau day at the farm". Its tomorrow. We have ponies for pony rides, quad bike, sledges, river, mud, water, cows, goats, pigs, dogs, more mud. Everyone is bringing their own food and work has loaned the BBQ. I think we may end up with about 30 kids through the day!!!! Ages ranging from 8 months to 16 years.

We mostly thought the older kids wouldn't be interested, but when they heard about it, they have all nagged at parents to change plans. A couple of 14 year old girls even decided to forgo shopping for the farm day!

I've been very clear that there are lots of dangers, but this is a great group of people who want their kids to have fun. They don't mind if they fall down, get wet, hurt themselves etc.

It should be lots of fun. No TV, computers, play station, ipods - just good old fashioned fun.
But the real question is, Am I completely stark staring bonkers, or will we have a great day?

Good luck sounds like lots of fun the kids will enjoy, I am sure.

Have some rubbish sacks so the last duty is to tidy up the place before they leave to show they are tidy kiwis.. good luck and have that wine ready for the headache after.. when my daughters had their 4th bufday party in the states, one of the mothers wipped out 6 garbage bags and within minutes the place was clean and sorted.. no mean feat with 40 kids under the age of 5

Yes you are bonkers, but they will have a wonderful day.

Anne all the best. You and they will have a wondeful day. I used to do much the same thing with Playcentre children but never the numbers you are talking. Can't see a problem though as long as there are enough adults willing to help out. Enjoy - the kids certainly will and great idea beedee - good thinking!

I bet you are all having the greatest of times. Good for you - and for the Mums and Dads for encouraging their kids. Now tonight will be a good time to put your feet up with a nice wine.

Well, everyone had a great day. Kids got wet and dirty. Fell off ponies, sledges, deck, trampoline, but no one got really hurt and it was all great. Fathers cooked a BBQ lunch and then some of the mums and nans stayed to clean up. I came back to a house and deck cleaner than when I left! Everyone also began picking up all the baleage covers and putting them in the recycling sacks I have just got.

Most of the kids have plans to come back - for eeling, swimming, more motor bikes and ponies. There were two kids who have never ridden before who had to be prised off the ponies - then when I turned around at least one of them was on another. Their mum hasn't heard the last of ponies! Most of the mums learnt how to hold, lead, walk beside a pony, how to show how to hold the reins and how to stop and steer.

So now my house and yard are tidier than they were this morning, I have more food than I usually have after going grocery shopping and all my work mates think I have done them a huge favour!!

Wow glad to hear all went well, and you have that tidy yard.. thats the thanks you needed, rather than a forced speech etc.. a mutual sharing and receiving.. If you have any other area needing tidying, have the next meeting there

That sounds like a great day....well done for being brave enough to suggest it

That sounds wonderful Anne. Glad everyone had a great time.

AWESOME Anne
Cheers

one thing I see missing in the account Where was the Hangi?

sounds like a great day was had by all congrats.