Much to the delight of our Girls Group+ at Kensington, the Venny Sleepover made a welcome return to our program this year thanks to funding from the Matana Youth Foundation.
The excitement began weeks before the event itself. The planning of what to eat, where to sleep (trampoline, tent, inside, or …?), favourite activities and what to bring. Imagine the restless energy at home as girls packed their pyjamas and anticipated what might happen. When 4pm came round and 26 girls began arriving at The Venny, the air was charged with laughter and possibility, as if something unforgettable was about to unfold.
A flurry of activity, setting up tents, beds, tarps (just in case it rained) and the thrill in knowing bedtime rules don’t quite apply and that staying up late is part of the adventure.
Dinner was pasta bolognaise with salad and garlic bread followed by cake for dessert. The girls did karaoke, experimented with hair, make-up and nail polish, watched a movie, played spotlight and had a pyjama disco. Snacks were shared that somehow tasted better at midnight. When there was no sign of sleep staff took the girls on a run around Holland Park. Good try, but no luck, there was still too much excitement to sleep.
After some sleep, morning arrived sooner for some than others. During the month of Ramadan our Muslim girls and staff were up early for suhoor (breakfast) before daylight. Slowly they were joined by others with tangled hair, bleary eyes, soft smiles and the memory of a magical night. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, yoghurt, toast and cereal were enjoyed by everyone.
The sleepover provided a lot of firsts. First time sleeping outside, first night away from the family home and first Venny sleepover.
When asked what we could do to make it better, one girl responded, “Maybe a bit of a longer stay because I enjoyed it so much I just wanted it to happen all over again.” Another agreed but also suggested that it happen every four months!
Our Boys Group at Kensington are now planning their sleepover.
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