WeSpeak Hosts Largest Ever Teen Boot Camp
WeSpeak Bermuda hosted its largest-ever Teen Boot Camp, bringing students together for a full-day programme focused on confidence, communication, and leadership.
A spokesperson said, “WeSpeak Bermuda successfully hosted its largest-ever Teen Boot Camp last week, bringing together students from across the island for a dynamic, full-day programme designed to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and inspire the next generation of leaders to own the room.
“Held at Butterfield’s Rosebank Centre, generously provided by WeSpeak’s partner sponsor Butterfield, the Boot Camp welcomed a diverse group of young participants aged 15 to 17 years old for an immersive experience centred on public speaking, self-expression, and personal development. Participating institutions included BCCL, Bermuda High School for Girls, The Berkeley Institute, Bermuda Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Chatmore, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Somersfield, Saltus and Warwick Academy.
Teens pose for a selfie between sessions at Teen Boot Camp.
“The day’s programme combined practical learning with interactive experiences, including peer-led panel discussions, team-based coaching sessions, and live speaking opportunities. Students explored WeSpeak’s Teen framework of the ‘3Cs’ – Confidence, Competence, and Calm, equipping them with tools to communicate clearly, connect authentically, and manage nerves in high-pressure situations.
“From the outset, participants were encouraged to reflect on their relationship with public speaking, with interactive polling capturing their evolving confidence levels throughout the day. By the close of the Boot Camp, students were stepping forward to take the mic, delivering short speeches and demonstrating their growth in real time, as a powerful reflection of the programme’s impact.
Learning the 3Cs – WeSpeak’s custom curriculum for teen empowerment.
“A highlight of this year’s Boot Camp was the launch of the 3rd annual WeSpeak Teen Video Competition, providing a platform for students to apply their skills creatively beyond the day itself. The competition invites participants to develop and submit original video content, extending the Boot Camp’s learning into storytelling, digital communication, and personal voice.
“The event also featured a student panel with Zoei Burgess and Alexandria Crippen from The Berkeley Institute, Nh’Lae DeRoza from Warwick Academy and Zarah Siddiqi from Somersfield Academy, offering peer insights into the challenges and opportunities of finding one’s voice as a young person in Bermuda today.”
Sarah Dunstan, Teen Chair and WeSpeak Board Member, reflected on the significance of the initiative, “The Teen Boot Camp is about more than public speaking. It is about helping young people recognise the value of their voice and giving them the tools and confidence to use it. Watching students arrive unsure and leave willing to stand up and speak is incredibly powerful. This is how we build future leaders, by creating space for them to be heard.”
WeSpeak Coach Dr. Sandy De Silva awards boot camp completion certificates to participants.
The spokesperson said, “The success of the 2026 Teen Boot Camp was made possible through the support of a strong network of partners and sponsors. Butterfield’s continued commitment as a platinum partner enabled the use of the Rosebank Centre, providing an ideal setting for the day’s activities. Additional support was provided by OneComm, who awarded a brand-new iPhone as part of a content-driven prize initiative linked to the Boot Camp experience, alongside valued event sponsors Athene, Mosaic Insurance, and Sompo.
“Prize contributions from Tuck Shop, Inclusive Identity and Sade Milan further enhanced the day’s closing celebrations, recognising student participation and achievement.
Panel Discussion, Patrina ‘Powergirl’ O’Connor-Paynter, Alexandria Crippen, Nh’Lae DeRoza, Zarah Siddiqi and Zoei Burgess.
“WeSpeak Bermuda extends its sincere thanks to all coaches, volunteers, speakers, and supporters who contributed their time and expertise to the programme. Their collective efforts continue to play a vital role in empowering Bermuda’s young people to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
“As the organisation continues to expand its youth programming, the Teen Boot Camp remains a cornerstone initiative — fostering a generation equipped not only to speak, but to lead.
“For more information on WeSpeak’s programs and upcoming events, visit www.wespeak.bm.”
Commendation. This is a critical period of confusion in our island. Black men are at the bottom of the ladder yet almost all programmes and activities are for women. When told about the adverse impact smartphones were having on children years ago we…????.and when told about the break down in the family structure we…????.
We did nothing and now there is a group who say it is slave trauma which is nonsense. At least top notch social and psychological experts with experience,should be in the room analyzing body language what they say and how they say it etc. How they use their breaks. Etc etc or this will only be photo op highlights with no report on the real facts reported by these experts. Or we will have another charity trying to do what families and churches used to do. Wonder if they will stop and think about these comments or stay headed for another cliff. Time for a snowball.