Approximately 40 clients on Ministry of Social Transformation Citizen’s Welfare Division program are engaged in a two–weeks monitoring and counseling camp at the New Winthroupe’s Primary School.

Clients representing the Boys’ Training School, the Sunshine Homes for Girls and other clients not institutionalized are represented at the camp which  got underway, Monday and will run until the 27th July.

14 new campers are participating in the activity, this year, which is ongoing since 1997.

Junie Ruddy, Welfare Officer encouraged the campers to be focused and develop good attitudinal practices during camp. “Your attitude will determine how successful camp is for you,” she said.

Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Social Transformation Cicely Philip told campers to examine the experiences garnered from the personal and youth development perspectives, which could enthuse areas of strong personal values and characters, positive sense of self –worth and usefulness, caring and nurturing relationships with parents, adults and peers, a desire to learn, productive and creative use of time and social skills.

"…Camp is more than just a place to have fun, it offers participants the opportunity to be involved in physically and intellectually challenging activities..."

and introduces new and rewarding experiences and provide supportive and caring relationships, ” said Philip.

Meanwhile, Cindy Price Chief Welfare Officer gave an overview of the camp. She spoke of the correlation between the low economic downturn and decreased in the numbers of the participants.

"We have seen many changes to the camp over the years. The number of campers has decreased, the camp duration has also shortened and the money available to fund the camp has also mirrored the realities of the day. However, we press on…our staff and assistants have been dedicated," Price said.

The camp integrates socialization, culture and education to promote the values among participants and provides them with the opportunity to progress skills, such as leadership and other hands on activities such as cooking, food preparation, swimming, craft, martial arts, computer and sports.