Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 20, 2022 (SKNIS): The popular Summer Residential Camp kicked off at the Beach Allen Primary School on Monday (July 18, 2022) after a two-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The seven-day camp experience is designed to help develop youth between the ages of 8 and 16 years into productive leaders who positively contribute to national development.
Director of the Department of Youth Empowerment, Pierre Liburd, highlighted that the camp has helped to produce many professionals over the years who are making their mark in multiple industries.
“You will be experiencing a full week of family fellowship, friendship, health, physical, emotional and skills development while having a good time in a safe, fun and disciplined environment,” Mr. Liburd shared at a brief opening ceremony on Monday.
The 37th camp is being held under the theme “Your Image is Your Brand, so Let’s Create Good Impressions – Summer Camp 37, Full of Hope and Positive Expressions.”
Valencia Syder, Permanent Secretary of Youth and Sports, gave the summer residential camp an excellent review, often recalling positive interactions with staff and volunteers while she was an educator several years ago.
“By being enrolled and attending the camp, you’ll gain resiliency by learning to endure setbacks and by trying new things, you develop lifelong skills from the activities that are designed to enhance your abilities in sport, your artistic talent, and your sense of adventure,” Ms. Syder stated.
She added that being disconnected from devices such as televisions, tablets, and smartphones will serve the children well.
“You are going to get the chance to engage with real people, experience real emotions and experiences, and engage in real-life activities. In essence, you will be immersed in the real world,” the permanent secretary stressed.
The Summer Residential Camp runs from July 18 to 25. This year’s camp honours the memory of the late Austin Duncan otherwise known as “Saltfish” or Austin Warner of Sandy Point. Mr. Duncan was a “reliable partner” of the Department of Youth Empowerment.
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