Some 7000 children are expected to attend approximately 60 Government?? summer camps, starting Monday, and according to Youth Minister, Stephen Lashley, plans are "on track" for their smooth running.
Mr. Lashley gave this assurance at a media briefing yesterday, at the National Sports Council’s My Lord’s Hill headquarters.??
He outlined that the camps will be run by some 800 camp assistants/counsellors, all of whom have this year received training in dispute resolution and other areas essential in dealing with the challenges that may arise in a camp environment.?? The ratio will be one counsellor to every 10 children.??
According to Minister Lashley, the obstacles experienced at last year’s camps have been addressed.?? Camp assistants have been screened, a camp manual has been prepared and a new system for the payment of wages is now in place.?? "All camp personnel will be paid every two weeks by cheque. This payment will be triggered by attendance and of course by them doing the work they are required to," he said.
While admitting that some schools would not be available due to remedial work being carried out by the Ministry of Education, he stated that he was "satisfied that there is good coverage".?? [In the Black Rock area, he said?? there were some challenges in securing schools.?? However, Minister Lashley added that children from this [area] would be accommodated at West Terrace Primary School as the Ministry sought to secure more locations in this vicinity.?? He divulged that Ministry officials would be "going out directly to households to communicate this to parents."??
In response to queries about how the Ministry would mitigate any security breaches, Mr. Lashley disclosed:?? "We did have some challenges last year and what we are determined to do is to put in place security at those camps to ensure that any particular problems can be dealt with. We feel very strongly that while our children are in camp, they should feel secure and we would put in place the necessary arrangements to ensure that they can be safe and to assure the parents who are leaving them in our care that we are taking the necessary precautions against possibilities of any incidents."??
The Youth Minister added that the Royal Barbados Police Force would also conduct regular patrols at camp sites that were believed to be "particularly vulnerable to acts of lawlessness". ????
Minister Lashley explained that a diverse camp programme had been designed to include a cultural programme to expose the youth to all elements of Barbadian dance, music, theatre, and a science and technology and sports programme.?? In addition he said, "Once again, various tours will also be organised."
The camps will culminate on Friday, August 13, with a sports day for campers at the National Stadium. The summer camp programme begins with a church service, tomorrow, Friday, July 2, at the Christ Church Parish Church at 10:00 a.m.. Lisa Bayley (LB) – lbayley@barbados.gov.bb??
YOUTH MINISTER:?? "WE ARE ON TRACK TO HOST SUMMER CAMPS"
Some 7000 children are expected to attend approximately 60 Government?? summer camps, starting Monday, and according to Youth Minister, Stephen Lashley, plans are "on track" for their smooth running.
Mr. Lashley gave this assurance at a media briefing yesterday, at the National Sports Council’s My Lord’s Hill headquarters.??
He outlined that the camps will be run by some 800 camp assistants/counsellors, all of whom have this year received training in dispute resolution and other areas essential in dealing with the challenges that may arise in a camp environment.?? The ratio will be one counsellor to every 10 children.??
According to Minister Lashley, the obstacles experienced at last year’s camps have been addressed.?? Camp assistants have been screened, a camp manual has been prepared and a new system for the payment of wages is now in place.?? "All camp personnel will be paid every two weeks by cheque. This payment will be triggered by attendance and of course by them doing the work they are required to," he said.
While admitting that some schools would not be available due to remedial work being carried out by the Ministry of Education, he stated that he was "satisfied that there is good coverage".?? [In the Black Rock area, he said?? there were some challenges in securing schools.?? However, Minister Lashley added that children from this [area] would be accommodated at West Terrace Primary School as the Ministry sought to secure more locations in this vicinity.?? He divulged that Ministry officials would be "going out directly to households to communicate this to parents."??
In response to queries about how the Ministry would mitigate any security breaches, Mr. Lashley disclosed:?? "We did have some challenges last year and what we are determined to do is to put in place security at those camps to ensure that any particular problems can be dealt with. We feel very strongly that while our children are in camp, they should feel secure and we would put in place the necessary arrangements to ensure that they can be safe and to assure the parents who are leaving them in our care that we are taking the necessary precautions against possibilities of any incidents."??
The Youth Minister added that the Royal Barbados Police Force would also conduct regular patrols at camp sites that were believed to be "particularly vulnerable to acts of lawlessness". ????
Minister Lashley explained that a diverse camp programme had been designed to include a cultural programme to expose the youth to all elements of Barbadian dance, music, theatre, and a science and technology and sports programme.?? In addition he said, "Once again, various tours will also be organised."
The camps will culminate on Friday, August 13, with a sports day for campers at the National Stadium. The summer camp programme begins with a church service, tomorrow, Friday, July 2, at the Christ Church Parish Church at 10:00 a.m.??lbayley@barbados.gov.bb