Partnerships key for Camp Energy’s success

The Morale, Welfare and Recreation Committee (MWRC) of the Barbados Defence Force will be seeking to forge greater partnerships in the coming year, to make Camp Energy which is now in its 13th year, a greater success.

Coordinator of Social Services, Harriet Clarke acknowledged the above, whilst giving an overview of Camp Energy 2019, during its Closing Ceremony held at the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Paragon Base in Christ Church on Friday.

Noting that 57 children participated in the Camp which focused on the theme, “Around the World in 10 Days”, she told those gathered that the BDF’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation Committee (MWRC) was humbled this year by the response of the diverse international communities living in Barbados, to its requests to engage and educate campers about their customs, practices, language, food, dance and dress.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in eight days and with 20 chaperones, our Camp Energy and counsellors had the distinct pleasure of being hosted by and interacting with representatives of eight countries, namely Australia, Argentina, Britain, China, Ghana, Japan, New Zealand and Venezuela,” she stated, acknowledging that two days were lost due to the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian.

“The MWRC continues to seek new relationships that will redound to the benefit of new and exciting camp experiences for the children of our soldiers and members of the public, who are assured of safe learning environments for their children and charges,” Clarke commented.

“The association forged with the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust in the past four years continues to ensure positive and meaningful camp experiences for our camp participants and our counsellors. The new relationships forged in 2019 via our theme “Around the World in 10 Days”, are a reminder to all of us here at the Barbados Defence Force, Barbados’ foremost service organisation, that contributions of time and knowledge can be equally important as financial support, in making an impact on the lives of others. We certainly hope that representatives in Corporate Barbados who may receive our Camp Energy proposal to review in 2020, may be so encouraged to reflect on how they too can partner with the BDF in non-financial ways, to facilitate our work with our nation’s youth,” Clarke further stated.

A number of outstanding campers meanwhile received awards, as the camp came to a close.

The Most Helpful award went to Dre Johnson, whilst Anthoria Cumberbatch received the Most Improved award. The Camp Energy Spirit Award went to Pioneer Melissa Joseph, whilst Caleah Crichlow was declared the Champion Girl in Athletics. The Champion Boy in Athletics was Shaquan Payne and he also captured the award for Best Camper Overall. (RSM)