Students Grateful for 2017 Eco Camp

A group of students sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation to participate in the 2017 Eco Camp, have expressed gratitude for what they described as a “fun and educational” experience.

The 10 students, aged 15 to 17, selected through their participation in the Ministry’s Youth Environmental Advocacy Programme (YEAP), attended the ‘Planeteers Camp’ from July 23 to 28, at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Marine Lab in Discovery Bay, St. Ann.

The camp provided participants the opportunity to learn more about the marine environment through talks, video presentations, hands-on activities, games and field trips. They were also given the opportunity to swim and snorkel at the dockside.

A student from Buff Bay High School said the experience was his best ever, adding that he was able to overcome his fear of snorkeling.

The campers noted that due to the interactive and helpful guidance of the camp counsellors, they were barely able to miss home.

First-time camper, Tianna McDaniel, of The Manning’s School, described it as amazing, and was delighted to participate in the fun and educational aspects of the activities.

Three passes were presented to York Castle High School as a reward for the only video submitted in the Eco Solutions Competition run by the Environmental Risk Management Division of the Ministry.

The remaining passes were distributed to high schools across Jamaica that participated in the YEAP.

Students were nominated by their school administrations based on merit, environmental interest and leadership qualities. The accommodation for each student was valued at $18,000.

The Ministry requested that each student record a brief video recounting their experience at the camp and sharing what they learnt while they were there. The videos will be disseminated on the YEAP’s social media pages.