Information about the Jamaica Summer Camp
Our community partner in Jamaica, the Association of Clubs, has been running a 4-week summer camp in July for the past seven years. Themes for past summer camps have included "Intervention Today for a Crime Free Tomorrow" and "Proper Parenting: the Key to Positive Minds and a More Productive Tomorrow." This year's theme was “Empowering Youth through Reading, Writing & Social Interaction.”
Summer camp activities include computer training, debating, arts & crafts, drama, reading classes, indoor and outdoor games, goal setting for the next five years, conflict resolution sessions, personal and dental hygiene, motivational talks, parenting workshop, film shows, field trips and sessions on the history of Jamaica along with other activities. The goal of the camp is to sensitize and educate the children on a wide range of issues and provide them with life skills necessary to adjust and cope with the social and economic problems that beset them. The children range in age between 6 and 16 and last year the AOC had an average of 143 participants each day. This year camp had about the same number of kids in spite of funding shortfalls. The community greatly appreciates having volunteers assist with summer camp and as participants, you would have the opportunity to build relationships and mentor youth.
You will have the opportunity to live with a local family which will deepen your cross-cultural immersion experience. Cultural and recreational activities in Jamaica may include visiting a local sugar cane factory; attending community meetings held by the AOC; swimming at Roaring River, a natural cave where slaves historically tried to escape; and going to a local beach. Participants are often invited to attend local cultural events such as church meetings, weddings, and festivals.