The whole gang with instructors in the Hunters YMTA Building

The exciting journey started for Colleen Irving and Sara Pancio last January when two seniors from St. Bonaventure University, New York were selected to complete their 7 week student teaching practicum at Mary Star of the Sea and St. Vincent De Paul Primary School.   Throughout their challenging, but exciting 7 weeks on the island the two along side with three other student teachers also conducted an after school program at the YMTA building in Hunters.   The after school program was held three days out of the week, the five student teachers served as mentors, tutors, and supervisors for the local youth.   Due to the impact that the children had made on the student teachers, two of the student teachers had high hopes of coming back in the summer time to continue their teaching by carrying out a Summer Camp at the YMTA building.   Their biggest goal was to provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable facility for the children.

This vision became a reality with the help of the Rotary Club of Freeport, whom became a large factor in providing  resources needed to get the student teachers back down and the camp running.   This was also possible with the generous community leaders in Hunters to allow us the opportunity of using their YMTA building.

Community clean-up

On June 25^th the two girls along with another St. Bonaventure student, Bethany Ryan, began week one of their six week summer camp. The first few days students were sparse, but soon rapidly increased, reaching numbers over fifty. The girls quickly began to organize many different educational and recreational activities for the large age range of campers. Activities included math and writing exercises, science experiments, computer training, character education, and the Rotary four-way test.

The girls’ primary focus was preparing the campers for their upcoming school year which was the focus for the first hour and a half of camp. Students then engaged in activities such as basketball, relay races, scavenger hunts, water activities, and various outdoor games. Students were also given the opportunity to experience what it is like to run a small business; Operation Lemonade. A short session on business concepts was introduced to the campers as they split up in to groups to create their very own lemonade stand. They created a poster advertising their business, came up with a slogan to help sell their product and decided on a price. The campers then ventured out into their community to sell. They project was a huge success, as the students profit doubled what they had invested.

Operation Lemonade

Beach field trip

Along side of scheduled activities, several field trips were planned to help educate the campers about their community and possible opportunities for their future. Students were brought to Xanadu beach to complete their required community service beach clean up. This was a huge success and the campers were able to collect eight large garbage bags. The girls strongly encouraged their campers to give back to their community and set up a community service day every Friday. Future field trips include; Bahama Rock, Bahama Power Company (wildlife experience), Fun Day (with all of the camps in West end)  and a tour of the vessel Atlantis II. The students were also given the opportunity to listen to speakers which included a nurse, members of a local Junkanoo group, and community workers.

Thus far, the summer camp has been an increasing success and is changing the lives of each individual camper. It’s safe to say that the three ladies from St. Bonaventure University are going to truly miss the smiling faces running through the doors each and every day. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Freeport and their continuing encouragement, the girls have learned the true intentions of the Rotary Club and helping the community in which they live in.

Bethany, Colleen, and Sarah

If you have any questions, you can contact the camp directors at panciosm@sbu.edu, ryanbn@sbu.edu, and irvingcm@sbu.edu.