Camp Inspire benefits dozens

The curtains came down on an exciting week of activities at Camp Inspire 2018 when the campers travelled from their base in Spring Garden, Trelawny, to Green Grotto Caves in St Ann.

This unique camp, which is the brainchild of Trelawny native and former Gleaner Editor-in-Chief Wyvolyn Gager, is now in its fourth year.

It is designed to stimulate children of Spring Garden Primary School to explore subjects such as science, mathematics, communication and art, while having fun.

Over five days, camp facilitators engaged the students in a variety of exercises which seek to inspire them to focus on their work and to stay on track to achieve the best results in their educational journey. There were 35 participants this year.

The children have high praises for the creative activities designed by the youngest facilitator, Makayla Chambers, an American whose Jamaican parents have enabled her participation in the last two camps.

SHOWING COURAGE

On their visit to the Green Grotto Caves, the excitement and anticipation was evident and the students demonstrated that they were far more courageous than they thought.

Gager decided four years ago to give back to her community and that an educational project would be the best way to inspire future generations.

Over the years, visitors have reinforced the message that they can achieve whatever they set out to do by working hard and being focused.

"Year after year I have relied on my family and friends who are here or overseas to support me in this effort. My cousin Loretta of Creative Teachers has come from Los Angeles for three years to help with the programme. Michael Chambers and his daughter Makayla have added a great fun element to the camp," she said.

Gager also praised her Westwood colleagues, including Dr Dawn Stephenson, who is co-camp director, Bridgett Small-Wilks, Doreen Dietrich, Marjorie Scott-Anderson, Jacqui Binns, Pauline Taylor, and her many friends who have donated time and cash.

"I could not have done it by myself, and I am thrilled that so many people have rallied behind me with donations of money, school supplies and books. It's an investment in our collective future," she said.