By Ms Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

 On May 20, 2025, Don Bosco Prafulta Psychological Services, Nerul, and Wading Through Life – Funtoosh, organized a memorable day out for children with special needs and their parents. The much-anticipated picnic to Aquamagica, Khopoli, was met with great excitement by the children and their families.

 Ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all participants was paramount. The event was meticulously planned in partnership with Adventure Education Tours. Key safety measures included assigning one parent to accompany each child and providing hand tags for easy group identification. Addressing parental concerns about food, water, and pool safety was crucial in building trust and encouraging participation. Ultimately, 16 children and 18 adults joined the outing. Rev Fr Barnabe Dsouza – Rector and Director DBA, Nerul, Ms Wenonah Castellino – Advisor Don Bosco Academy, Nerul and Founder - Wading Through Life, our team from Prafulta and the teachers from Ikshana – Therapy Centre joined in the outing.

 On the day of the picnic all arrived with dreams of having a great time and making memories. For some of the children this was a first time going on a picnic. For others it was a first picnic with other kids. The excitement was visible as they all climbed into the bus. Enroute we all sang songs and played games in the bus. The children couldn’t wait to reach the venue.

 Upon arrival, the group was welcomed with a delightful breakfast accompanied by tea and coffee. Changing into swimwear, everyone proceeded to the water park area, where the impressive water slides captivated both children and parents. The rain dance, with popular film tunes playing in the background, provided a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

 Lunch featured piping hot, delicious food, enjoyed by all. The afternoon was spent relishing the water slides and pool, fostering new friendships among the children. The smiles and laughter throughout the day underscored the success of the event.

 The return journey was bitter sweet as we came back with lots of happy moments and fun memories at the same time the good times were about to end. 

 We had some heart-warming Reflections from Parents. Their feedback highlighted the positive impact of the picnic. One father cherished the time spent with all the children, while a mother expressed gratitude for her son's opportunity to participate. Another mother expressed happiness that her son enjoyed the pool and slides. One more parent poignantly remarked, “We are taking along a load full of memories with us.”

 At Wading Through Life, we take immense pride in organizing events that bring joy and fulfilment to children with special needs. Witnessing their smiles and happiness reaffirms our dedication to creating inclusive and memorable experiences for these remarkable families. It just reaffirms our faith that we are going in the right direction.