MORE than 200 children in State care got one final taste of summer fun last Tuesday as KFC and Pizza Hut hosted the second staging of Summer Wrap’d, a special back-to-school treat held at Hope Zoo designed to give the children a memorable day out before they return to the classroom.

Children from several residential childcare facilities across the island — including The Nest Salvation Army, Reddies Place of Safety, St Augustine Place of Safety, Windsor Therapeutic Centre, St Monica’s Children’s Home and Jamaica National Children’s Home — their caregivers, and representatives of the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) were also present.

There was no shortage of excitement throughout the day, with the children given the freedom to move between games, amusement rides, and other forms of entertainment at their own pace.

They took a break from the action to take part in a tour of Hope Zoo, getting an up-close look at the animals and enjoying a train ride around the grounds before heading right back into the fun.

That same freedom of choice carried into mealtime, with the children able to select their preferred KFC and Pizza Hut menu items, enjoy treats from the concession stand, and choose their favourite Devon House I Scream flavour. Refreshments were also provided courtesy of Pepsi Jamaica.

Alongside the day’s activities, the wards of the State also received school supplies for the new term. KFC and Pizza Hut poultry partner Best Dressed Chicken also contributed items to the packages presented to them.

The Hope Zoo train gives the children another way to take in the grounds during their afternoon of exploration and fun.

The children were also invited to look ahead to the new school year through the My Hope for the New School Year wall, an interactive space where they could write and share a personal hope or goal for the months ahead.

With markers in hand they added everything from academic ambitions to personal milestones they hoped to achieve.

Kandine West, marketing officer at KFC, said the activity added a meaningful dimension to an occasion created first and foremost for the children to enjoy themselves.

“Back-to-school tends to focus heavily on getting children equipped with what they need for the classroom, but we also wanted them to leave with something they could carry with them beyond the day itself,” West said.

“The hope wall gave them a chance to think about what they want for themselves in the new school year, and for us it was special seeing those hopes take shape in their own words. Whether it was doing better in a subject, being on time, or achieving something new, we wanted them to know that those goals matter and that there are people cheering them on,” added West.

Members of the KFC and Pizza Hut teams pause for a photo after helping to deliver the second staging of the Summer Wrap’d back-to-school treat at Hope Gardens.

The day builds on work both brands have done with children’s homes over the years.

During KFC Jamaica’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year the brand donated $7 million to 14 children’s homes, while its ongoing support has also included food assistance through KFC’s Harvest programme where restaurants donate surplus food items at the end of each day to charity organisations within their respective communities all across the country.

Pizza Hut’s annual Christmas visits to children’s homes have similarly become a staple on its calendar.

This year’s Summer Wrap’d welcomed a different mix of homes, with The Nest Salvation Army returning from the inaugural staging. As the treat continues, both brands hope to extend the experience to as many children’s homes as possible, with the long-term aim of reaching homes across Jamaica.

Jason Brown, manager, alternative care services at the CPFSA, said experiences outside of the children’s usual environment have an important place in their overall development.

“Children in alternative care need opportunities to enjoy the experiences that are such an important part of childhood,” Brown said.

The Hope Zoo experience gets a little more hands-on as children take the opportunity to get up close with some of the animals during their tour.

“A day like this allows them to explore a different environment, interact with their peers, try something new, and create positive memories. Recreation and social experiences are also important to their development so we welcome partners who are willing to create spaces where the children can learn, connect and, importantly, just have fun,” added Brown.

Levene Sheriff, marketing officer at Pizza Hut, said giving the children room to make their own choices was an intentional part of how the day was planned.

“We wanted the children to feel that the day belonged to them and that they could enjoy it in whatever way felt most exciting,” Sheriff said.

“Whether that meant going back on a favourite ride, choosing which activity they wanted to try, selecting their preferred meal, or deciding on their Devon House I Scream flavour, they had that choice. Our teams were there to support them and help make those choices possible, rather than dictate how the day should go. Seeing them enjoy the experience on their own terms was exactly what we wanted,” Sheriff added.

With the new school year just days away the children left Hope Zoo with one more summer experience to enjoy and, hopefully, a few new memories to carry with them into the months ahead.