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Preparations are "on track" for this year’s National Summer Camp Programme.

This assurance has come from Minister of Family, Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, who said registration forms were still being accepted from parents and guardians who were keen to enroll their children in wholesome activities this summer.

Mr. Lashley pointed out that just over 6,000 children had been registered and he expected the number to climb to about 11,000 at the start of the camp on Monday, July 9.

He disclosed that training for the Camp Assistants had started. "Every year we ensure that new Camp Assistants receive training and orientation so they understand how the camp works and their role within the setting," he explained.

Creativity Achieving Meaningful Progress is the theme of this year’s camp which will be held at 69 locations across the island, for children between the ages of four and 15.????

Mr. Lashley noted that this year’s curriculum would be linked to national development objectives as proposed in the National Youth Policy. "The programme is designed to achieve specific outcomes such as the development of social groups in sports, performing arts and innovation, to name a few. The children will also be exposed to science, religious education, reading, agriculture and digital media, among others," he added.

During the six-week camp, the children will also visit Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison. The Minister stated that four zonal cultural shows would be held at the end of camp to allow the children an opportunity to showcase their creativity.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Council and the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme will also be hosting camps and Mr. Lashley expressed the view that they would "add good value" to the effectiveness of the camp programme.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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