SJCM Elite Business Club Inaugural Induction Camp 2012

After months of intense planning, the St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua (SJCM) Elite Business Club held its inaugural Induction Camp and Awards Dinner in Bequia.{{more}}

Early on the morning of July 16, campers began gathering at the Ferry Terminal to board the Bequia Express for the journey on the seas.

As anticipated, much cleaning had to be done before the venue was ready for the campers to unpack and settle in. Monday saw the campers cleaning, going to the beach and also being briefed on camp rules, as the camp was officially declared open by the C.E.O.

On Tuesday morning, campers woke to the sound of a bugle call and readied themselves for the walk to the Admiralty Office in Port Elizabeth for an educational tour. A tie-dyeing workshop was done on Tuesday afternoon, much to the delight of many, who tried to display their creativity in this new art. A tour of the island was done on Wednesday and included a visit to the Old Heg Turtle Sanctuary, where the owner educated campers on the importance of saving the hawksbill turtle. Wednesday night climaxed with a presentation by Nicholas Sandy on the importance of setting goals, after which campers settled down to a night of movies and popcorn.

Thursday was the most anticipated day of the camp. By 6:15 a.m. all were awake and ready for their early morning swim. The morning session was done by Joan Davis, who is no stranger to the club. She presented on the need for ethics in business and how to start your own small business. Thursday afternoon was picnic time, but before the picnic campers helped to clean and decorate the Rotary Building for the awards dinner. At around 7 p.m. the buzz could be heard as persons began arriving for the dinner and induction ceremony. During the evening’s proceedings, the Club’s Founder shared his reflections on the year past, before inviting the senior members to recite their induction oath. After the induction ceremony, awards were presented to club members for service in various areas of the club. A sumptuous three-course dinner then followed. Friday was a day of planning and evaluation for campers, as they decided the way forward for the club. The camp ended with a bonfire on Lower Bay, where campers sang folk songs and listened to old-time jumbie stories. This is indeed another historic occasion in the life of St Joseph’s Convent Marriaqua and the Elite Business Club. Members of the club would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of the club in one way or another.