MORE than 70 children from communities across the West Coast of Demerara participated in the fifth edition of Camp BRO (Boys Respecting Others) and GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) hosted last weekend at the Uitvlugt Community Centre.

The transformative youth-development camp was organised by the Rotary Club of Stabroek in collaboration with Peace Corps Guyana and brought together 26 students from the Leonora Dormitory, 34 from the Uitvlugt Outdoor Library and 10 from the Cornelia Ida Primary School.

The participants, aged nine to 17, engaged in a series of empowering workshops and activities designed to build confidence, nurture emotional intelligence and promote healthy lifestyles.
Ten Peace Corps Volunteers facilitated the weekend workshops, while the Rotary Club of Stabroek funded all materials, meals, and transportation for the young attendees.
Sessions were tailored to suit the developmental needs of the age-diverse group, covering critical topics such as goal-setting, respecting the environment, mental health, nutrition, and self-esteem. The curriculum also integrated team-building exercises and lively games to encourage participation and peer interaction.

One of the standout achievements of the camp was the noticeable transformation of some of the quieter participants, who by the end of the weekend were confidently sharing their thoughts, asking questions, and engaging fully in discussions.

Originally conceptualised by Peace Corps in Romania over 27 years ago, the Camp BRO and GLOW initiative has been locally implemented by the Rotary Club and Peace Corps Guyana since 2016, reaching youth in communities such as Bagotville, Little Diamond, and now Uitvlugt.
At the closing ceremony, each participant received a certificate of completion. Charlene Garraway, Coordinator of the Uitvlugt Outdoor Library and Matron of the Leonora Dormitory, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to all who made the camp possible.

“This experience has helped our children to develop greater self-worth,” she said, while extending gratitude to Regional Education Officer Akbar Chindu and supportive parents for their continued commitment to the children’s well-being.

Peace Corps Volunteer Cristi Diaz, who coordinated the volunteer facilitators, remarked on how rewarding it was to witness the children’s growth over the camp’s duration. “The opportunity for these kids to have engaging, meaningful conversations in a safe and supportive environment is invaluable,” Diaz said.

President of the Rotary Club of Stabroek, Marva Benjamin, also shared her enthusiasm for the camp’s success and reaffirmed the club’s dedication to youth development.
“The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” she noted. “This camp serves as a catalyst for transforming the lives of these young boys and girls, preparing them to become productive and empowered members of our society.”