250 kids complete phase one of BDF summer camp

The B.D.F. summer program started out as a regular jungle camp for youngsters. But over the years, the number of participants has increased and the camp has broadened its scope. It now teaches the kids different skills and discipline. The coordinators have found a balance between the fun and educational aspects of the activities. News Five’s Delahnie Bain was on hand for the closing of the camp.

Delahnie Bain, Reporting

Today was the close of the phase one of the 2010 B.D.F. summer camp, which offers an array of activities to make it a learning experience that the kids can enjoy. Two hundred and fifty kids proudly displayed what they have learnt in the first half of the multi-dimensional program.

Lt. Ivan Lucario, Asst. Director, B.D.F. Summer Camp 2010“We focused on intro to aviation, intro to computer. We looked at cooking. If you guys take a peak you’ll see all the different food that were prepared by the kids at the camp. If you take another look, you’ll see the models of the planes that these kids made themselves. We looked at football, if you talk to the kids from computer, they’ll tell you how to cut and paste and the different things from the computer. We also had camps in Cayo and Punta Gorda; expedition camps.”

dario tapia

Brig. Gen Dario Tapia, Commander, B.D.F.

“I think the program has gone on well. I like when the kids become enthused and we get them involved productively. And I think our program was aimed at productivity and hence the programs that we run are like cooking, playing football and learning music; things that the children could take on beyond this camp.”

It may seem like a lot, packed into two weeks, but the kids take with them lessons that will benefit them long after this summer vacation.

Carlos Perdomo, Minster of National Security “We firmly believe in this kind of youth camp and in the B.D.F. youth core because I think a lot of times the younger people, the school aged kids, need to work along with adults that are already in the world of productivity, of hard work, of discipline and I think it’s good for them to have good examples of people who are working towards a career.”

Brig. Gen Dario Tapia

“Three things that I think is the overall aim; one is to keep them occupied during their summer break, the other thing is to make them become productive Belizean citizens and thirdly so that they also get to meet people from around the country, meet other friends and learn from each other.”

In the coming weeks, phase two of the camp will give another large group of youths something constructive to do with their holiday.

Lt. Ivan Lucario

“The second phase you can look forward to assembly of computers, you can look forward to small boat handlers, two more expedition camps along with other camps that will be held. We’re looking at how to mix them, integrate them and let them understand that yow, life is real. It’s up to us to make Belize a better place.”

Considering the crime situation in Belize, summer programs like the B.D.F.’s are key to keep youths out of trouble. As Lieutenant Ivan Lucario says “it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.” Delahnie Bain for News Five.

The camp caters to youths between ages nine and seventeen.

carlos perdomo

ivan lucario