Approximately 4 000 children are enrolled in the National Summer Camp Programme (NSCP) this year at 43 venues across this country.
This is according to Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Ruth Blackman, who delivered remarks on behalf of Minister Stephen Lashley, at the launch of the National Summer Camp Programme recently at Restoration Ministries.
She stated that there will be specific areas of focus that the organisers of the NSCP would be targeting and they have partnered with various organisations in order to get the expertise that would be required to teach the young ones these skills.
“This year, we are continuing our commitment to our young people by rolling out the NSCP at 43 venues across Barbados, attracting in the region of 4 000 children. It is to be noted that in addition to our general camps, we will also be having some seven specialist camps...
“Moreover, it is to be noted that over a nine-year period that the Ministry has also facilitated some 433 camps with approximately 57 443 campers; provided short-term employment opportunities for an average of about 500 young persons per annum as well as business opportunities for other young people engaged in catering, etc.; and introduced a number of specialised programmes to meet the needs of young people.”
In thanking the congregation at the church, parents and volunteers, Blackman stated that their participation is vital to the success of the camp every year.
“We cannot begin to emphasise how critical it is to have community involvement in the raising of our children as the transmission of our traditional cultural values and more is still very relevant and necessary today, in a society which is still undergoing social transformation.
“Let us continue to empower them and train them in ways that they can grow up to be solid, well-rounded, competent and decent citizens.” (PJT)