ORAC Family Fun - Children's Story Writing Competition 2024
This year's winning stories

All of these stories were hand written and you can find the original copies of all the entries at the end of this document

Winner 1st Place:

What I love about Wahiba by Isabella

I really like Wahiba but the best part about it is the beauty. I like the conversations, the music on the radio, The Scenery and especially looking up into the sky.

It seems boring but its really magical for me. The most magical thing about the car ride is looking at the clouds, I like seeing all the different shapes and animals but it really just me using my imagination and making my mind see all the dragons in the sky move then tell my family about them.

I also really like arriving at the meeting point because i know im just a few minutes away from making memories. I love looking forward to the fun and exciting moment like Ziplines, setting up camp, roasting marshmallows, sleeping under the stars and especially watching the sun set with my loved ones… oh! And watching movies.

ORAC Committee Feedback

Isabella, your story about Wahiba is absolutely delightful! Your appreciation for the simple yet magical moments during the car ride, such as observing clouds and imagining dragons in the sky, demonstrates a wonderful sense of creativity and wonder. Your excitement about reaching the meeting point and the anticipation of creating lasting memories are wonderful to hear. Your love for activities like ziplining, setting up camp, roasting marshmallows, and watching the sunset with loved ones is heartwarming. Keep sharing your stories – your positive outlook and love for making memories are truly inspiring! Well Done

2nd Place:

My Adventure in Sama Al Areesh by Hassain

At the beginning i just took photos whilst the others were doing their own stuff while driving. I saw the sky was turning Pink. I saw a weird sand flag saying “EAT DIRT”. I played in the DunesI found a plank and tried sand surfing … it did not work. [5:09pm] The place is windy the camp is all set up. [5:09pm] [I LOVE TURTLES]. Now I am going to stop writing and do something else … I will return. [5:59pm] The tents inside are smacking and flying away, there is a heavy wind, I wonder how are the others.

ORAC Committee Feedback

Hassain, your adventure in Al Areesh sounds absolutely fantastic! Your use of colors for describing the sky, sands and surfing adds a vibrant touch to your storytelling, making it come alive. Your discovery of a sand flag saying “EAT DIRT” brings a humorous twist to your journey.

Your attempt at sand surfing with a plank showcases your adventurous spirit, and even though it didn’t go as planned, it’s brave that you gave it a try. The timestamps create an absorbing documentary style and the windy conditions whilst in the camp bring action into your story and it was kind of you to think of how others were coping with it.

Your expression of love for turtles was random but a delightful addition. Turtles are amazing creatures, and it’s wonderful that you have a fondness for them as we do.

Your vivid descriptions, playful style, and love for turtles make your adventure truly enjoyable. Great job.

3rd Place:

Once upon a Time we was going to the desert by Mohamed

Once upon a Time we was going to the desert. We stopped for lunch, after that we take the road to the campsite. We saw camels eat bushes, and a small village. When we arrived we stopped on the sand and hopefully we are safe. We chose a place behind a dune and we set up our tent.

ORAC Committee Feedback

Mohamed, your storytelling has a delightful charm that makes your journey come to life! Your use of “Once upon a Time” creates a classic and welcoming atmosphere. The simplicity of your language makes the story easy to follow and enjoy.

The details you include, like stopping for lunch, observing camels eating bushes, and encountering a small village add a lovely touch of local culture. The moment of choosing a spot behind a dune and setting up the tent creates a cozy and adventurous scene.

Keep up the fantastic storytelling, Mohamed!