Creating Summer Camp Memories in Diamond Village

“What can you do to help build your community?” The children of the Diamonites Summer Camp were asked this question on the first day of camp as they traced and cut out their own hands.{{more}} On July 11, over ninety children in the Diamond Village Area gathered at the Diamond Government School for a two-week camp programme under the theme “One hand kwah clap.” Community members, the Ministry of Sports and Culture, along with Peace Corps volunteers have helped to educate children on the traditional economy of agriculture and husbandry, the songs and dances of St. Vincent, the bible, the art of weaving and drumming, and the importance of teamwork and athleticism through the sports, football, netball and cricket. Furthermore, children have had the ability to become acquainted with historical sites and areas by taking a hike up the Bubby Stone Trail and visiting Fort Charlotte and the Botanical Gardens.

In the mornings before the camp day starts, children of all ages may be observed dancing to “Gypsy in the Moonlight”, which Michael Peters from the Ministry of Culture taught to the ingoing form one and two campers. And, in the afternoons, girls can be seen practicing the bounce pass, chest pass and shoulder pass with Ministry of Sports instructors and community members. Children also have the opportunity to further their education through interactive and fun math and reading programmes. One Peace Corps Volunteer, Chad, had all of the children make masks and dramatize the story “The Three Little Pigs”.

The Diamonites Community Organisation is happy to provide a place for children over the summer to grow and develop their education, leadership skills, and teambuilding skills. Summer camps offer children unparalleled opportunities to take positive risks and become independent, strong members of their community. They have the power to transform children’s lives through their interactions with their peers and community rolemodels. Additionally, camps that incorporate educational programmes can help stem the learning loss that occurs in children over the summer months. Summer camps enable children and families to benefit from a learning experience that contributes to their overall education and development.

The organisation will celebrate the camp programme and achievements of the campers today, Friday, July 22, at 1:00 pm, at the Diamond Government School, with a talent show and slideshow presented by our very own children. The organisation hopes that members of the community will come out and join us for the event. The organisation’s ability to host this programme for the youth in the community would not be possible without the support of the National Lotteries Association, Courts Ltd., and the Community Development Division of the government. It has also been possible because of the support of various government ministries and the Diamond Government School. Diamonites hopes that the campers will leave with a renewed sense of community spirit that will ripple through the Diamond Area.