Belize Defence Force hosts camp for kids
The Belize Defence Force’s second annual Youth Summer Program is well underway. About seventy-six happy campers from primary and high schools around the city and between the ages of eight and seventeen are attending the music camp at the Wesley College Compound. And according to Lieutenant Colonel Ganey Dortch, the entire summer program is costing the force over one hundred thousand dollars to put off. Dortch says the B.D.F. is planning other camps with a different theme.
Lt. Colonel Ganey Dortch, Chief of Staff, B.D.F.
“Other camps we have to offer this year is the driving camp, we have the painting camp, we have the football camp, we have the expedition camp and then we have the introduction to computer and also the youth challenge program which will be held in the Mountain Pine Ridge Area.”
Staff Sgt. Kevin Campbell, Coordinator Music Camp
“We are offering children an introduction to music.”
Duane Moody
“What different areas are you targeting?”
Staff Sgt. Kevin Campbell
“We are looking at the steel pan, recorders, we are looking at voice, guitar as well as some percussion but that’s next week. Some are already skilled. Some come with previous knowledge and some come totally green. So for those that are semi-skilled, we expect that they will go to a different level—they will have a greater knowledge and appreciation of music holistically. For those that are green, hopefully the recorder, they can continue to practice on that because music is a skill and the more you practice it the better you will get.”
Duane Moody
“Why did you come to the camp this year?”
Jinel Flowers, Participant, B.D.F. Band Camp
“To learn the steel pan.”
Duane Moody
“And you like it so far?”
Jinel Flowers
“Yeah.”
Brevel Holder, Participant, B.D.F. Band Camp
“I began learning how to play guitar and I got really interested and my sister was teaching here so she encouraged me to come and play. I’m learning how to play cords which I didn’t learn when I use to play it. I just learn little baby songs for beginners.”
The music camp culminates on July tenth with a musical performance at the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts. There are still spots available in the summer program and to apply, you can log on to the B.D.F. website at www.belizedefenceforce.com.
