PETALING JAYA, MAY 9, 2008 - When a child visits the beach with his parents, the sounds of waves and the stretch of white sandy beach register in his mind together with the sounds of his parent's laughter.

Learning in the great outdoors, said Abbott Laboratories (M) Sdn Bhd General Manager Christopher Kirkham has been positively linked with the development of a child's imagination and sense of wonder especially when the learning is experienced as a family group.

Wonder, he said "is an important motivator for life long learning and outdoor environments are important to your children's development of independence and autonomy".

Speaking at the launch of Gain Family Discovery Camp at Sunway Pyramid today, Kirkham added that although right nutrition plays an important role in a child's development, but the right form of nurturing is vital for the growth of our children in today's fast moving society.

Clinical studies have shown that 80 percent of a child's knowledge is acquired through vision.

"Recognizing that a parent is a child's first teacher and guide to a world of sights and experiences, Gain has embarked on a journey to its very first family-centric learning adventure - The Gain Family Discovery Camp.

The discovery camp which will happen on Tioman Island in June will be led two experts from Sunway Medical Centre, Paul Jambunathan and Chow Su Lin.

Five families with children aged between one and six will be picked through a contest running from now till May 25.

Five families will be selected based on the creativity on answering two questions. Each winning family entitles to have two adult and two kids to participate in this family camp.

"The families will go through interactive experiential learning sessions and special workshops to help them bond and learn with their child.

"They will also gain knowledge about the importance of the right mix of nurture and nutrition for their children's social development and skills," he said.