Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
July 18, 2007): The most popular camp in St. Kitts and Nevis begins on Sunday, as the Department of Youth hosts its annual summer residential camp.
Director of Youth Geoffrey Hanley told SKNIS that preparations are being finalized for the ten-day event which will be held at the Beach Allen Primary School. The theme for the camp is “Developing Children for Today and Tomorrow” with the sub-theme “Dare to Make a Difference.”
A number of innovations will be added to enhance the educational and recreational offerings for the 200 plus children that are expected. Local participants will also have the opportunity to exchange cultures with counterparts from Guadeloupe. Hanley confirmed that 15 persons including three group leaders from the French territory will attend.
This year’s camp will be held in honor of Renee DiGuilio-Naismith. Renee and her husband Ian of Chicago, USA are the primary private sponsors of the camp which they co-fund through the Naismith International Basketball Foundation (NIBF). Renee died in late February after a prolonged battle with breast cancer.
Director Hanley revealed that the life of Renee will be celebrated throughout the camp. The first commemoration takes place on Sunday with a memorial service at the Zion Moravian Church at 5:00 p.m. Persons wishing to pay respects are invited.
Hanley also paid tribute to the local companies which partnered with his department to sponsor the camp. Newfound Developers are the latest to confirm support. Managing Director Owen Pritchard presented a cheque to Mr. Hanley on Tuesday.
Other camp sponsors include Beaumont Park, T.D.C., FirstCaribbean International Bank, The Cable, Social Security, Development Bank and the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan). J. Deanes and Associates, KDP Enterprises and the Commonwealth Youth Programme were also thanked for their contributions.