Adventure-Themed Camp Inspires Boys
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Intrepid youngsters participated in activities and games during a recent three-day excursion on Darrell’s Island as part of an adventure-themed camp.
Organised by Fun Camps BDA for boys aged 8 to 12, the event encouraged positivity, self-esteem, critical thinking, bonding and trust building.
More than 30 boys attended the programme, organised by former local footballers Keishen Bean, Trey Bean, his brother, Darius Cox, Aaron Williams and leading educational therapist Anthony Bascome.
“The youngsters were encouraged to fish, be explorative, and ask as many questions as possible,” Keishen Bean told Bernews. “We had a fishing tournament – the categories were the biggest, smallest and most colourful. It encouraged the boys to be as creative as possible.
“We want to stretch the boys and provide them with different experiences as well as the jet skiing, the snorkelling and the tubing.”
Initially, the summer camps, which started two years ago, offered a recreational experience for ‘at-risk’ boys, but Bean said they had dropped that phrase as some parents were not overly fond of it.
However, he points out that living on an island with a 21-square mile landmass means Bermudian boys can become easily entangled by social ills affecting the island.
The programme also runs a sponsor scheme, encouraging donors in the community to cover camp fees for those boys who will benefit from the experience but are in financial need.
“We were targeting the ‘at-risk’ population, and we still are, but we don’t want to box ourselves in,” Bean added. “The camps have become more diverse than ever.”
A three-day sports-themed camp was to be held on Darrell’s Island this weekend but postponed because of Tropical Storm Franklin, which is likely to reach its closest point to the island on Sunday and is expected to be a Category 2 hurricane at that time.
Fun Camps BDA are sponsored by Allied World and Life through Sports.
