It has been three months since Nicholas and Antoinette participated in the Jollibee Mini-Managers Camp at the SM Consolacion branch. Yet up to this day, they still say, “Jolly morning! Welcome to Jollibee!”
The bee has definitely stung the twins and left indelible marks on them. I am not surprised. In the six-day duration of the camp, I was perhaps the most excited mother who could not erase the smile on her face every time we dropped off the children at the Jollibee store.
Attending the camp on April 2 to 6 meant packing everyone in one vehicle at 7:00 a.m. so we have plenty of time to get the twins to the Jollibee store.
Daily session began at 8:00 a.m. and ended at about 10:00 a.m.
The Mini Managers Camp was designed as a six-day workshop for children four to 12 years old. The main goal is to impart to children the importance of hard work and good moral values through various fun learning activities.
Nicholas and Antoinette were four years old when they joined their first Mini Managers Camp. Jeff Junior joined them from time to time but he was not technically in the program because he is only two years old.
Jeff and I listed down why we love the Jollibee Mini-Managers Camp and why your child (or children) should experience it at least once.
1. Affordable registration fee
The registration fee is only P650 and basically covers the uniform, meals and materials of the six-day workshop. Do the math: that’s only Php 109 per day. Each class is between 10 to 15 children only. I don’t think this is a program that Jollibee earns money from. But I am pretty sure they have done their cost-benefit analysis and the camp is one way for them to continue reaching out to families and make their Jollibee narratives more than just about food but really an experiental journey for families. The Mini Managers Camp solidifies the brand to the ones whose opinion really matters. Who else? The children.
2. Awesome uniform
When I was told that the registration fee is only Php 650, I expectedthat we will be given T-shirts as “uniforms.” BUT NO. The uniforms are legitimate uniforms. They are in navy blue color and you can totally brag about the fact that your children spent counter time wearing these uniforms.
3. A value-laden program
I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to teach our children about values. This modern age has made knowledge and skills within easy reach, often forgetting the good values which shape the character of a person. This is why I love how the camp rules were introduced to the children on Day 1. They were reminded to be friendly, cheerful, respectful, responsible and helpful. Aren’t these the values we’d love our children to espouse?
The twins learned about the importance of smiling on Day 2. They often say, “Smile all the time and say ‘Jolly morning. Welcome to Jollibee.’ Smile always.”
Good manners and right conduct are practiced in our home. Our children know that the magic words (please, thank you, sorry and excuse me) spell the difference between a nice person and a not-nice person. They relearned this on Day 3. I was so happy when Toni approached me after the session and told me that everyone was saying “please” and “thank you” in class.
The children had a cleanliness audit on Day 4. They approached diners and did a mini-survey as to the cleanliness of the store. They also made mini-picture frames with the family photos they were asked to bring to camp.
I was getting used to the morning routine of bringing the children to Jollibee by Day 5. They had a burger-making challenge and they also practiced the “Apat na Dekada” (40 Years in English) dance steps.
Day 6 was graduation day! There were games and as usual, the twins did not participate because their attention got wrapped up with the balloons which decorated the store. They got special awards: Nick was Mr. Smart and Toni was Ms. Cool.
During the entire camp, the children were exposed to counter work. They got orders and had the experience to touch the counters and ask questions. Nick was relentless in asking questions which the Jollibee managers and crew answered with amusement.
4. An army of warm “Ates and Kuyas”
One of the reasons why we love the Jollibee Mini-Managers Camp is the Jollibee crew who managed the children. They were genuinely warm and sincere. They cared for the children. It was not just a job for them. They were real people who spent time with our children. So… Metchelle Lavador, Flordeliza Seastres, Joseph Londer, Jessa Cabig and Wilbeth Lechido, keep up the awesome work!
The fun did not end after April 6 graduation day because all the mini managers from Consolacion and Danao were gathered last May 27 in a Mini Managers Convention at SM City Consolacion. The highlight of our children’s experience was taking their pictures at the photobooth and witnessing Jollibee and friends dance.
Will I enrol the children again next year? Definitely! At four years old, they were too young to maximize the Jollibee Mini Managers Camp experience. They just turned five years old a few days ago and already I am seeing the difference in how they talk and interact with people. I cannot wait for summer 2019!
Check out the Jollibee Facebook page for updates. A lot of exciting surprises are coming our way as the bee that we love celebrates 40 years of jolly service to the Filipinos!
Anyone out there with a Jollibee Mini Managers Camp experience?
