Basseterre, St. Kitts (July 13, 2005): Running a residential summer camp for 10 days with 200 young people aged 9 to 17 is a daunting, taxing and expensive task, but the Youth Department is up to the challenge and has a impressive record of success to hang its hat on.
Introduced in 1983, the annual Summer Residential Camp has evolved over the years to facilitate greater numbers, the addition of personal and professional development activities as well as healthy lifestyles and the hosting of overseas campers.
Funding for the camp is critical. The main private sponsor since 1999 has been the Naismith International Basketball Foundation (NIBF).
I am overwhelmed by the support this foundation has been giving towards youth development in St. Kitts and Nevis, Youth Director Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS, while adding his confidence in the continuance of the relationship with the United States-based organization.
Local businesses have also step forward to partner with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to host this event slated for June 17 to 26, 2005.
I must express sincere thanks to the T.D.C. Group of Companies (which) has sponsored the camp over the years and they are once more onboard, Hanley explained, revealing that the provision of vehicles for transportation is a tremendous help. The director also singled out Damien Hobson of Hobson Enterprises for contributing to this years camp. He approached me and wanted to make his contribution to youth development, Mr. Hanley disclosed. He decided the camp was a good place to start.
The youth director expressed commendation to the above-mentioned contributors along with other businesses and individuals who have supported and continue to support the camp.
The 22nd annual Summer Residential 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.
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.
