4-H Clubs’ summer camp teaches discipline through agriculture

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs' summer camp held its first staging since the onset of the pandemic.

Clubbities from across the island converged at the Denbigh Showground in May Pen, Clarendon, for six days, July 10-15, for several activities under the theme 'Using agriculture to promote discipline'.

Training and placement coordinator at the Jamaica 4-H Clubs and camp coordinator, Bernetta Kerr, told JIS News that the focus on discipline was to prepare the youngsters for the realities of the future and the careers that they will take on.

"In our society today, discipline is of high importance, [and] we want them to see that in being a nurse, doctor or agriculturalist, you must exercise some level of discipline," Kerr said.

As such, the camp positively engaged 4-H members and unattached youth by getting them in one safe space where they were able to network, learn character building, and be guided on a path of productivity from early.

A small group of campers made up the 2023 cohort, who formed close bonds during their six-day stay at the 4-H Club Training Centre. Kerr said the organisers, still mindful of COVID-19, scaled back on the number of participants this year.

The youngsters, all between ages 12 and 18, participated in activities such as a dance battle, culture night, farm experience, career expo, a semi-formal dinner and a sports day.

There was also the crowning of a camp king and queen, who were selected based on the discipline, behaviour and deportment observed among participants.

National 4-H Boy and Girl of the Year, Ishmael Smythe and Natoya Williams, respectively, told JIS News that the platform allowed them to interact with, listen to, and mentor their fellow club members.

"I have made friends from as far as Westmoreland. We had a presentation from a youth farmer and the insights that she gave us, I don't know if anybody else felt it, but I felt it. Her story was just empowering," said 18-year-old Smythe, who is from St Ann and specialises in agro-processing.

Williams, 17, said, "It is my first time, so I wanted to come for the experience, and carry out my role as an ambassador for the club. I wanted to interact with my clubbites to know more about them and to hear of some challenges they may be facing, and where I can assist."