Several camps in the National Summer Camp Programme were recently visited by officials from the Ministry of Youth, who toured and assessed the environs as well as interacted with the campers.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, kicked off the tour with a visit to the camp at the Shirley Chisholm Primary School, Vauxhall, Christ Church.
With just under 3,000 campers participating at 47 locations across the island, this year’s programme was expanded significantly to offer more than just traditional activities. It placed strong emphasis on life skills and specialised training for the island’s youth.
The 2024 Summer Camps Programme, a staple of the Ministry’s annual offerings, introduced a variety of new elements aimed at providing young Barbadians with valuable skills and experiences. Among them were camps that focus on areas such as digital media, culture and entrepreneurship, in addition to the more traditional arts and crafts.
Minister Griffith spoke to the improvements that were made to make the camp better. He said: “We’ve moved beyond just crafts; our camps now include life skills training and specialised camps aimed at fostering talents that could potentially lead to participation in NIFCA (National Independence Festival of Creative Arts).”
The Ministry also made significant enhancements to the programme this year, including the introduction of identification cards for all camp assistants and the provision of lunches in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training.
In explaining this, Minister Griffith said: “These additions reflect a more holistic approach to the summer camps, ensuring that the experience is not merely recreational but also developmental. We are committed to delivering valuable skills to all campers, providing a structured environment that benefits both the children and their families.
“One of the standout offerings this year is the digital media camp, which targets children as young as four years old, teaching them the basics of camera operation and video editing. Additionally, the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme is hosting a camp at Parkinson Secondary School, where participants will learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.”
The five-week programme is supported by a substantial investment, with close to half a million dollars allocated to ensure its success. “It’s money well spent, we are providing a safe, structured environment for our young people, particularly for those whose parents may not have other summer care options,” Mr. Griffith noted.
Officials also visited Hilda Skeene, Gall Hill Pavilion, Ellerton Pavilion and Community Center, West Terrace Primary, Bank Hall, and Church of the Nazarene.