150 Children from Spanish Town Benefiting from Summer Camp

Over 150 children from communities in Spanish Town are benefiting from a two-week summer camp organised by the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Jamaica 4-H Clubs.

The camp got underway on Monday (Aug. 13) at the SDC offices in St. Catherine.

Parish Manager at the Greater St. Catherine SDC office, Samuel Heron, told JIS News that the youngsters, ages 5to 12, are engaged in various activities aimed at imparting critical social skills that will help them become better individuals and citizens.

The activities include sports, through which they are learning to win and lose gracefully, and working in groups to develop team-building skills.

Mr. Heron said that a key objective of the camp is to build partnerships and friendships that are lasting, thereby fostering a culture of togetherness and good living in the communities.

He commended the parents for allowing their children to participate.

“The fact that we aimed for 100 students but we got 150, speaks volumes about the parents, that they are trying and looking for opportunities to open their children to better experiences,” he told JIS News.

Parish Manager for the Jamaica 4-H Clubs, Elaine Campbell, noted that the camp, which was renewed after several years of inactivity, has the potential to bring about positive social change.

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“The more of our young people that we can reach at this early stage (to) channel them into the right direction, certainly, they will be empowered to resist antisocial groups,” she pointed.

4-H Team Leader for St. Catherine, Sandray Mille, told JIS News that the camp “encourages youngsters to remain sober and to do things that are right. When you come to a camp like this, you learn lifelong lessons.”