Jul 20, 2012

Fun and First Aid at the Red Cross’ 1st Summer Camp

The Belize Red Cross today held its closing ceremony for its first ever summer camp that catered for school age children from the south side. The students were engaged in a fun and educational camp that fostered good behavior and equipped them with first aid skills. News Five’s Andrea Polanco has the story.

 

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

Sixty young children from the Jane Usher Community were recruited by the Community Disaster Response Team to participate in the first ever Belize Red Cross Summer Camp. The initiative equipped the students with first aid tips and an avenue for self expression through performing and creative arts.

 

Evelyn Landaverry, Project Officer PSRUY, Belize Red Cross

“This is a new one we’re doing that we started this year and we’re hoping to keep it as annual event. We saw that the kids really enjoyed it. They learnt a lot and a lot of them were asking if we can do it for a whole month; so definitely we can see that they enjoyed it.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“How long was it this year?”

 

Evelyn Landaverry

“It’s six days; last week we did four days and this week we did two days.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“What are some of the activities that they did?”

 

Evelyn Landaverry

“Well the children learned first of all, the Belize Red Cross History; the fundamental principles, well the values;  they also learned of first aid, psycho-socials and emotions. They also had an opportunity to express themselves through art so we had small competitions as you’ve seen some of the small presentations that we were doing too; dancing; drama and a little bit of everything.”

 

On the camp’s closing day, the eager participants entertained the crowd and were rewarded with prizes for their achievements.  From first-aid tips to creative displays, they all felt the impact of the six day summer camp.

 

Marco Itza, 11 years old

“I learn about first aid; what first aid means; how to deal with people if they have nose bleed and what to ker if a hurricane is coming and what to.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“So you think you fully prepared?”

 

Marco Itza

“I ready.”

 

Kamryn Hines, 11 year old

“I decided to be a part of the Red Cross Summer Camp because Red Cross they care for you; they love you and they help you in many ways they could. The just inspired me.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“Okay so tell me what are some of the things that you did this year?”

 

Kamryn Hines

“Well this year I painted. I did like use play dough and did my own stuff. I paint and draw and those kind of stuff.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“Was it fun?”

 

Kamryn Hines

“Yes.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“How did you become an agent of good behavior?”

 

Josue Duran, 11 years Old

“Because I behaved well in class.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“Tell me a little about what you did in class?”

 

Josue Duran

“I painted and I played games.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“So did you meet new friends?”

 

Josue Duran

“Yes ma’am.”

 

John Linarez, 11 Years Old

“Miss ih mi fun, miss, all kinda thing ; all new games and all kinda thing like  painting, drawing, dancing, singing, ballet. Lotta thing miss cyaa even explain everything right now.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“So the summer camp kept you very busy?”

 

John Linarez

“Yes ma’am.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“So tell me about some of the friends that you made?”

 

John Linarez

“Lot; all kind.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“So now I know that you learnt some very important tips; share with us some of the things that learnt?”

 

John Linarez

“I learn if yuh got wah buss nose yuh nuh fi tilt yuh head back way yuh fi tilt it forward cause the blood could drown yuh and thing miss. I learn if yuh drop down inna the sun hot, nuh wet yuh head with alcohol, just tilt yuh foot up  over yuh head mek the blood run back to yuh brains suh that it start function more good miss.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“Okay so you think you could apply some ah den ya things inna your community?”

 

John Linarez

“Yes ma’am.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“So are you guys looking forward to coming back next year?”

 

John Linarez

“Yes ma’am.”

 

To wrap up the camp, the participants each made hand prints on a banner pledging to be agents of behavior change. Several were recognized for their good conduct.

 

Evelyn Landaverry

“Our theme was ‘Children as Agents of Behavior Change’. We saw through-out the six days the differences we had with the children but as the six days progressed we saw big change in their behavior; we saw a lot of them were more respectful; they were well-behaved. So we wanted to highlight that by the banner and also by giving them prizes. Some of the kids as you noticed they had ‘agents of good behavior’ and we wanted to highlight that and these kids are able to interact; build friendships; play and express themselves but also do it in a peaceful way.”

 

Andrea Polanco

“I also notice that there are parents here as, so you’re trying to involve the community as well?”

 

Evelyn Landaverry

“Yes, we want to highlight that children are very creative and we wanted the community and their parents to see that children have so much to give; so much to learn and give and in each of the class they displayed some of the work they’ve done over the six days.”

 

This year’s camp was made possible through funding of the Norwegian Red Cross and the support of The Jane Usher CDRT’s along with The Belize Red Cross Volunteers and the St. John Vianney School. Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.