LISA AWOKE earlier than usual. She was excited and eager to start the day. Usually, her July/August vacation would be spent primarily in front of the T.V; she would become a seasonal couch potato. But this time, it was different; there was somewhere to go. She was attending a Summer Day Camp.
Thirteen-year-old Lisa English attends St. Winfried’s Secondary. She had been told by a close friend that there was a nice Day Camp in Sophia. Going there and listening to the first day’s activities, Lisa knew she had to attend. She looked around the crowded room: Children were chatting and laughing. They had come from many different areas and schools, both primary and secondary. Some came from as far as the East Coast Demerara, and others from the greater Georgetown areas. Most of the participants, however, came from the Sophia community. With ages ranging from six to seventeen, they all came for a common purpose: To have lots of fun and learn new skills.
The mouth-watering aroma of good old Guyanese cooking floated around the assembly room, making everyone aware that sooner or later, lunch would be served. As they chatted and socialized, bonds of friendship, like a strong intricate tapestry, began to form and solidify.
The participants were divided into four skill groups: Masonry, Joinery, Craft and Agriculture. Maths and English were also part of the core content.
Stephon Hickson and Clint Francis, both thirteen and from Tucville Secondary, heard of the programme from friends and decided to go. For these two boys, the chance to do joinery for the first time was irresistible. They both displayed excitement and pride at being able to create rolling pins, and help with the construction of a bed. The delicious food was another enjoyable part of their Day Camp experience.
Tiffany Andrews , a fifteen-year-old from Sophia Special School, worked in the Agriculture Department. She loves ‘Agri’ and the outdoors, and is proud of herself for having attended the camp. “My most enjoyable experience,” she said, “was playing cricket; it was great fun.”
Andelex Forrester is sixteen and very popular with all the students at the Day Camp. A regular livewire, he had this to say of the Day Camp. “When I came to the camp, I saw plenty of new faces and made friends with everybody. It was nice meeting them. We exchanged information like telephone numbers and names. I also experienced different behaviours. Some participants worked well, while others were a bit lazy.
Craft Instructor, Kennard Brown specializes in Visual Arts. He does exceptional work in leather craft. This was the area he worked in at the camp. Using cow and sheep hide, he helped his charges to explore their creativity, and the results were plaques, slippers, wallets, hand Bands, Belts, Purses and Bags. Kennard was pleased to see the creativity and high standard of work from these beginners.
Melanie Adams and Tateanna Brown are two ten-year-old primary school students who attended the camp. Though from different schools, they quickly became inseparable buddies. For the closing concert, they recited a poem named ‘My Dog’ by Emily Lewis. The verse was laced with plenty of action, laughter and gesticulations. Melanie loves using her hands, and found this to be her most rewarding experience. Tateanna, on the other hand, enjoyed using the hot-and-cold dyes.
But the stars of the concert were little Shillesha and Quilla Lewis, six and eight years old respectively. To loud applause, they danced their way into the hearts of all present, moving gracefully to a Miriam Makeba tune. The large audience showed their appreciation by calling for an encore.
According to Chief Schools Welfare Officer, Mrs. Carol Melville, the objectives of the Day Camp were to:
(a) expose children to vocational skills and help them to explore their creativity;
(b) use sports and games as a vehicle to challenge students to be competitive; and
(c) encourage positive social behaviour. She feels confident that these have been achieved.
The Day Camp, a G.O.G/ILO TACKLE PROJECT, targeted 100 students. Because of the interest shown, admission had to be stopped at 105.
Participants were drawn from twelve different secondary schools in Georgetown, and ran from July 25 to August 5.
Meals were prepared daily for all participants and officials.