YWCA ends first phase of summer camp
Over the past few years the YWCA has successfully hosted annual summer camps that cater to anyone from toddlers to teenagers. This year’s camp began on June tenth and today the closing ceremonies for the first phase of the camp were held. News Five’s Faralee Gabourel was just in time to catch some of the closing action.
Faralee Gabourel, Reporting
The YWCA’s annual summer camp has become a tradition, with over two hundred kids learning to be all that they can be. Here that includes learning to read, cook and even swim.
Melanie Gideon, Coordinator, Aquatics Program, Summer Camp
“It’s important just for the fact that we are a coastal country and we have many cayes and rivers and kids love to go swim in water. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, there are a lot of kids that don’t know how to swim and it’s just safety wise the let them know the proper safety measures.”
Faralee Gabourel
“What kind of swimming techniques do kids learn here at camp?”
Melanie Gideon
“Okay, there are several levels and most of them for this session one that was completed, they are Beginners One. They learn how to do the basic floats, the back, the front, jellyfish floats. How to do the front dives and different simple techniques. But then there is Beginners Two and Advance Beginners, Intermediate and Advance Swimmer and etc.”
According to the camp’s coordinator, Norma Sutherland, summer vacation is a time when children need something positive in which they can participate.
Norma Sutherland, Coordinator, Summer Camp
“We saw the need for having children during the summer to have something to do and so we… This is not the first year, but we have added some more things. Having our swimming pool, we added that and we had the cooking before, but we have educational and remedial classes from Infant Two up to Standard Six.”
And as for the kids? Well according to them, YWCA’s Summer Camp is a boost to their ego.
Faralee Gabourel
“What kinds of stuff did you learn at this camp?”
Geanna Sosa
“I learnt no running, no diving, no peeing in the pool and no eating.”
Faralee Gabourel
“How do you feel to have that certificate in your hand right now?”
Christopher Estrada
“I feel good, very good and I feel proud of myself.”
Proud and smiling, the kids seem content with the classes and the coordinators satisfied with the results. For instructor Jose Espat, he believes it’s all about caring and sharing.
Jose Espat, Instructor
“Well it’s just a love for the kids. On my behalf, I love to give to people what I know. I know to swim, I’m a good swimmer and I want other people to know what I know.”
Reporting for News Five, I am Faralee Gabourel
The second phase of the camp will include lessons in arts and craft. If you’re interested in joining YWCA’s camp as a student or volunteer then it’s not too late. To register contact the YWCA at 44971.
