Barbados Today

Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Stephen Lashley, today expressed pleasure with what he saw when he visited a number of summer camps now being hosted by his ministry.

The tour began at the Ann Hill Primary School and took in Vauxhall Primary in Christ Church and at the end Lashley expressed gratitude to the camp directors and assistants, declaring: “I’m impressed!”

The minister explained that his visit was to get a firsthand look of how the camps were being run, noting he was pleased with the level of instruction and planning that had gone into the undertaking. The ministry is hosting 64 camps across the island, and they cater to about 9,000 children.

He said the aim was to incorporate fun and education within the camps, and this was being achieved through a curriculum of drama, dance, science, maths, English, a variety of sports and technology training. According to the minister, a strong emphasis has also been placed on clean surroundings, supported by recycling and the teaching of proper disposal techniques.

The emphasis of recycling was also brought out in the art and craft section at the Ann Hill school, where plastic bottles were lined with string and cereal boxes were decorated with magazine scrap.

Lashley, at each location, interacted with the children and took part in their art and craft sessions. The Ann Hill camp is catering to 115 children, including a number with challenges that include autism and various physical disabilities. This children have the additional benefit of being joined at camp by their siblings.

Camp Director Donna Holder said she was happy with the proceedings of the camp and that everything was going “quite well”. She explained that they obtained help from the National Disabilities Unit and parents, but there was a general need for more material with which the children could work.

The Vauxhall Primary School is catering to 265 students ranging in age from four to 15 years.

Meanwhile, Lashley indicated that their would be a zonal cultural shows where the children will showcase what they learnt in such areas as art and craft and dance. (CJ)