Basseterre, St. Kitts (July 11, 2005): The creative and fun-filled learning environment of the Youth Departments annual summer residential programme returns on July 17 for ages 9 to 17.
The 22nd camp will be held at the Beach Allen Primary School and will cater for 200 young persons from St. Kitts, Grenada, St. Martin, St. Eustatius, St. Lucia and Antigua. The overseas campers as well as most of the local participants come from less fortunate circumstances.
They will be supervised by 38 group leaders, who underwent a three-day training period learning skills such as conflict resolution, first aid, CPR, and group dynamics. This weekend additional sessions will recap prior experiences and address concerns. 10 support staff members will also be on hand.
This will be followed by an opening ceremony on Sunday evening. Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS that the Minister of Youth Hon. Sam Condor, sponsors and contributors will officially welcome the campers.
Camp activities include classes on woodwork, basic computer, art and craft, dance, cooking, t-shirt design, pottery drumming and Spanish among others. Participants will also be taken on tours to the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force and Coast Guard Headquarters, ZIZ, St. Kitts Sugar Manufacturing Corporation, as well as businesses at the industrial site.
These sites were chosen to highlight the camp theme: Developing Our Children for Today and Tomorrow. We are trying to expose them to various opportunities (to show them) that they can have a job or form their own businesses. They just need to have a proper plan and the determination to succeed, Mr. Hanley said.
A church service, hike to Olivees, talent show, banquet at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort and bonfire and storytelling will keep the children entertained during the ten-day event. Healthy eating will also be stressed in keeping with the camp sub-theme Staying Healthy for the 21st Century.
The Department of Youth continues to reach out to private agencies for support for this developmental initiative. The Naismith International Basketball Foundation has maintained its role as primary sponsor along with support from TDC, Hobsons Enterprises and other individual contributors.
