Shanya Gottshalk, Gleaner Writer
These young boys from various communities in St. Thomas proudly show off the T-shirts they designed after learning the skill from two experts from Miskeen Originals. The designers came to Jamaica to conduct classes for Upliftment Jamaica, the St. Thomas- based non-profit organisation.
1. The Young Men Christian Association (YMCA) summer camp started the first week of July and will end August 25. It is for children aged 5-14. It costs $2,000 weekly and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. five days a week.
Camp counsellor and general secretary of the YMCA, Mrs. Sarah Newland Martin, stated that "the objectives of the summer camp is relaxation, education and development". A leadership training programme is held 10 weeks prior to the summer camp for individuals aged 14-26. This is to teach them how to effect change in society. The camp counsellors are volunteers.
Participants will do art and craft; play football, table tennis and cricket; and attend drama and sign language classes. There are also have field trips to places, such as, Wynters Park and Apple Valley Farm.
The main sponsors of the YMCA summer camp are Allied Insurance Brokers, GraceKennedy, Office of the Prime Minister, Port Authority, Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, National Youth Service and the YMCA.
2. The Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) summer camp runs from July 10 - August 18. Mrs. Ariandne Collyier, executive director of the YWCA and camp counsellor, said that the summer camp programme started in 1990. At first the activities were only social and recreational. Then Mathematics and English were taught at parents' request.
Camp activities also help to develop memory, and promote group work and guided discussion on issues affecting the country. Conflict Resolution is discussed and participants are taught to solve their conflicts. Activities include art and craft, music, dance, games and cookery. An experienced counsellor offers classes.
3. The National Department of Youth and Christian Education at the New Testament Church of God is in charge of the annual summer camps. National director is Rev. Dr. Roy Notice. Miss Sharon Campbell, one of the camp counsellors, said that children's camp began on July 18 and continues to July 22, for those aged 4-11. The cost is $3,000, which includes accommodation. Camp director is Miss Paula Plummer.
There is a teens camp, which lasts for two weeks - July 24 -28 and July 31-August 4. The age group here is 12-18. It costs $3,500 a week and Rev. Leslie Pinnock is the camp director. The theme of the camp is 'G-rated Teen on the X-rated Scene'.
There will also be a young adult retreat from August 10-13, which will be held at the campsite in Golden Grove, St. Ann.
Tamika Cathy, one of the camp counsellors, said that the main purpose of the camp is to bring young people of all denominations together. At the same time, it will cater to the whole man and keeping them grounded in Christ.
Activities include Bible study, sports, small group discussions, lunch-hour concerts, and this year there will be a hike and exciting chapel sessions at night.
