National Summer Camp- Cultural Programme
Research indicates that the National Summer Camp Cultural programme would not only keep children safe and out of trouble but it will also improve their self-awareness, self-confidence and cultural awareness, which improves their knowledge of our Barbadian culture.
The aim of the National Summer Camp Cultural Programme is to create awareness to young people in the following disciplines: art, craft, dance, drama, drumming and stilt walking. Through the programme Barbadian youth would be encouraged to assert their cultural identity, generate resources and make a unique contribution to the emerging Caribbean society. The role of culture as an integral part of daily life and not only for leisure or entertainment would be emphasised.
Short Term Objectives of the Programme
- To provide a safe, enjoyable, exciting and learning experience for all campers in our care.
- To give campers and camp staff the opportunity to gain new skills through activity involvement, as well as life lessons from community living and team building.
- To develop a cultural programme which would expose campers to the following disciplines: Dance, Drama, Drumming, Stilt Walking, Arts & Craft
- To build expressive communication and conceptual skills.
Long Term Objectives of the Programme
- To use culture as a means of developing the youth.
- To build stronger communities through culture.
- To create employment through culture.
- To encourage campers to assert their cultural identity.
- To generate income and make a unique contribution to the Barbadian Economy specifically the declining Tourism Sector
The National Camp Programme is held annually for five weeks during the summer holidays. These camps are designed to cater to youth from lower to middle income households who are between the ages of 4-15. The camps have been free to the participants since 2009 as an initiative of the Ministry of Youth in order to facilitate those campers whose parents could not afford to enrol them if a registration fee was charged.
The programme emphasises that culture must be understood to be a part of us and therefore can be used as a tool to empower and energise our youth and to offer an opportunity to develop a sense of self and identity. The National Summer Camp Cultural programme would not only keep children safe and out of trouble during the summer holidays but it will also improve their self-awareness, self-confidence and cultural awareness, which improves their knowledge of Barbadian culture.
It is hoped that during the five weeks of training offered through the National Summer Camp Cultural Programme that campers would enjoy a well balanced, happy and safe vacation experience which introduces them to a variety of cultural activities e.g. art and craft, drumming, dance, drama stilt walking and educational tours.
It is also hoped that the Camps will create a special experience by establishing memories and developing skills that could lead to future opportunities. It is expected that the programme will also offer opportunities for new and positive friendships, which would develop an understanding and appreciation of different cultures as well as strengthening the young individual’s moral character.
Finally it is anticipated that through programmes such as this Barbados will see a rising number of groups entering cultural competitions and participating in community, parish and national events showcasing their talent.
US$ 32,500