Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 29, 2019 (SKNIS): Over 300 registered children between the ages of 05 and 18 years will spend the next two weeks at a youth camp organized by the Community Policing National Intervention Team within the Ministry of National Security.
The 3rd annual event was officially opened on Monday July 29, 2019, by Acting Minister of National Security, Attorney General Honourable Vincent Byron Jr., during a ceremony at the Dr. William Connor Primary School. He commented on the theme: “Building a Better Future with a Strong Foundation” and said that by hosting the camp the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has embraced the changing role of policing by enhancing community engagement.
Most of the participants are members of the nine Explorers Group implemented under the community policing umbrella. The clubs are based in Molineux-Phillips’, Lodge, Shadwell, Old Road, St. Peters, St. Paul’s, Trinity, Cayon, and Newtown. Honourable Byron Jr. expressed hope that the young people at the camp, who are not yet members of any group or an Explorers Group, would encourage their parents to let them become members.
“Youth camps such as this is one type of programming that reflects an experiential learning model that has been shown to generate interest in young people and by which they develop varied life skills,” he noted. “Camps such as this not only include fun activities but provide hands on learn-by-doing activities that build capacity in young people for youth development.” Through involvement in youth camp activities our youth become equipped and prepared for future educational career and life successes.”
The programme of activities for the July 28 to August 04 camp includes guest speakers from the Police High Command and community leaders; a train ride on the Scenic Railway; a walk-a-thon; fun-day; fire safety; spelling bee; camp march; and community cleanups.
“I wish to stress the importance of volunteerism as a critical part of youth development programmes,” Attorney General Byron Jr. stated. “If we are to build a strong foundation as the theme suggests volunteering by those in the community is of paramount importance. We must train our young people to cross the gap that is communicating across generations, working with people of all ages, including helping older folks in our community. We must assist the young people in building communication, and conflict resolution skills.”
The youth camp will be held at the Dr. William Connor Primary School.
