For children, a trip out of town always feels like a party, especially so for those who are not too spoiled. The children from the programme "Children's Initiative" cheerfully welcomed the news about a holiday at the preventorium "Cosmos". Early on a Sunday morning, thirty people boarded a comfortable coach which took them to the place of vacation.

  Many children already knew each other as they met on Sabbaths. Some of them are participants of the children's Club "Perurim" of the Jewish Community Centre "Shemesh". The atmosphere was friendly and merry. The head of "Children's initiative" Valentina Kuznetsova and the library co-ordinator Larissa Brodskaya were the trip organisers, who offered a holiday programme which was equally interesting for both the children and their parents.

  Everything was just great - logical games, a swimming pool and many competitions. Parents together with children participated in all the activities. Closer to the evening time a big bonfire of friendship was lit. There, beside the fire, children were told about the background of Lag-ba-Omer and of its traditional celebration.

  The feast of baked potatoes had completed the happy day. Everyone was in a fantastic mood, and even a sudden rainfall did not eliminate joy from kids' eyes. Parents thanked the community centre for their care and a well organised celebration.

  Both the children and their parents considered themselves a part of a large Jewish family, learned many new things and became friends with each other. And, of course, all had a good rest and a breath of fresh air which is so important for the urban dwellers.

Valentina Kuznetsova