Fifty-eight young Barbadians are getting an opportunity to learn about persons of different nationalities who reside here, in an effort to help them acquire knowledge about various people and their cultures.
Around the World in 10 Days is the theme of the Barbados Defence Force’s (BDF) Camp Energy, which is being hosted by the BDF’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Committee for children of soldiers or civilian employees who are between ages five and 14.
Campers have been exposed to displays, demonstrations and videos that depict aspects of the countries’ culture, including foods, dress, language and places of interest, as well as their social, cultural, spiritual, physical, nutritional/dietary and military life.
Campers have interacted with representatives of Australia, Argentina, Britain, China, Ghana, Japan, New Zealand and Venezuela. They have met and were hosted by the Ambassadors of Argentina, China and Japan. In addition, they visited the Venezuela Institute, and learned about that country’s dance, food and language.
During the two-week camp, the children were exposed to lectures on hygiene, puberty and how to avoid drugs. Those campers between ages 10 and 14 visited the HIV/AIDS Foodbank and assisted the manager with a number of activities, including inventory taking.
Camp Energy’s programme gives children an opportunity to enhance self-discipline; build character development; develop an awareness of individual responsibility and appropriate social behaviours; reduce and alter any problematic attitudes that may be exhibited; increase their knowledge and awareness of community needs through service projects and increase interpersonal and conflict resolution skills through pairing of younger and older campers.
The camp continues to benefit from the philanthropic support of Sandy Lane Charitable Trust.