Many spin-off ‘camp benefits’

GOVERNMENT’S National Summer Camp Programme is not only good for the children and their parents, it’s also easing unemployment.Minister of Youth Stephen Lashley yesterday revealed that “just about 1 080 people are employed in the National Summer Camp Programme; 62 directors, 62 assistant directors, 822 camp assistants and we have introduced cleaners this year for the individual camps. We also have approximately 65 small businesses [caterers] working with the programme”.His comments came after touring camps at Hindsbury Primary School, Melbourne Cricket Club, Ellerton Special Unit and Foundation School.“We are poised to have a very successful camp this year. There have been a few concerns, but they have been addressed. We had a few security issues in some of the camps, and where those issues have arisen, we have deployed additional security.“There is good response [to the programme] and I think the parents are very pleased. The programme is bigger than last year and each year we will continue to look at the content and revise it to make sure it is interesting, and offers fun and excitement,” said Lashley, who noted that a record 9 823 children were participating in this year’s programme.The minister underscored the importance of the programme, noting that it relieved parents of the trauma associated with going to work, but not knowing who would take care of their children and how they would spend their time.He promised that more specialist camps would be introduced next year, so as to give young people an opportunity to hone their skills.“I had a meeting recently with an NBA player and we are planning to have a special basketball camp next year. He is keen on partnering with the ministry to deliver the camp and we are looking forward to it,” he said.There will be a cultural competition for campers on August 6 at the Wildey Gymnasium in the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, and a sports competition on August 10 at the National Stadium. (SP/BGIS)