ELEUTHERA, The Bahamas: In 2007 a group of concerned Harbour Island citizens joined their resources and like minds to give students of their community an exciting summer.

All novice instructors but dedicated, the small team managed to stage an ambitious showcase of talent in drama, music and dance while paying close attention to the academic needs of the students for the upcoming school year.

A grass root organization centred on community building, environmental responsibility and social consciousness and justice, Space to Create has grown in size, experience and professional training. Headed by educator William Simmons of Harbour Island, teachers, artists and community builders from all over the Bahamas and internationally have been invited to be instructors of the camp now in its eighth year.

“Starting a project is easy, maintaining and developing it over time is the real challenge. Returning each year to inspire and empower our kids is the true value of Space to Create. Campers can depend not only on the fact that camp will happen each year but also that it will be even better than the year before. These diverse and talented role models (instructors) have brought an outlet that many children can only dream of and the best is yet to come,” camp director William Simmons said.

The non-profit organization consists of four disciplines, Space to Create which focuses on developing and nurturing the artistic abilities and interests of students in music, dance, drama, photography or art.

Space to Learn, which centres on academics, prepares students for the upcoming school year in mathematics and English studies.

And lastly, two very successful pilot programmes called Space to Taste and Space to Explore. The latter teaches students the importance of environmental conservation and protection within the context of the unique marine environment of Harbour Island while the former exposes students interested in the culinary field to a fun and interactive, hands-on experience in the kitchen. As most of the counsellors are young but have been practicing in their specific fields for a number of years, the Space to Create Summer Programme allows counsellors the opportunity to hone their skills and learn new ones over the two weeks.

“Space to Create is more than just a camp. It’s a space to dream and a space to defy the limits of your circumstance. Each student comes with their own unique background and I have learned not to paint every student with the same brush and how to be more tolerant of differences,” this year’s music instructor Donovan Bowe said.

This year, Space to Create was focussed on illuminating the unique quality of each child with the theme “Shine Your Light”. Whether it involved academics, science, drama or visual arts students were encouraged to find the light that resides inside of them and given the complete space to let it shine.

At the end of two weeks, the Space to Create campers staged a grand variety show shedding light on some of the social issues and problems affecting the world and the Harbour Island community at large.

 In a very thought provoking and engaging display, parents get to see what their children have done at camp and for most parents the show reveals to them a different side to their children.

“I enjoyed the variety show from beginning to end. It was so great seeing my son on stage acting and being himself. Space to Create has built his self esteem. On stage, he’s not ashamed of being shorter than everyone else. He’s just free. This is a wonderful programme and there should be a Space to Create for parents so that everyone becomes more involved in our community and the upbringing of our children,” parent, Denise Riley said.

As Space to Create grows it is hoped that a new generation of critical thinkers and conscious community builders are reached through the camp’s efforts making for a better community in Harbour Island and ultimately the Bahamas.

“The mission of Space to Create is to empower children and communities. Ultimately the whole experience is about hope and optimism. Every person should walk away from our camp feeling inspired and equipped to shine just a little brighter,” Simmons said.