The Tribune

By ETHAN KNOWLES

UNDER the summer sun, you’re either sporting a sweat or swimming and wet. And at Camp Carmichael, on the corner of Bishop Alfred Hepburn Drive and Bahama Avenue, kids aged seven to 17 are doing both.

Whether during co-ordinated activities such as basketball, softball, dancing, tennis, sewing, boxing and judo or field trips, campers are active and busy at the bustling Carmichael Community Athletic Centre.

As a joint effort between the community and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Camp Carmichael has returned this year under the leadership of Minister Daniel Johnson who, over the past three years, has turned the premises from what he called a degenerating “war zone” into a thriving local initiative. The centre has undergone structural updates and refurnishing in an effort to facilitate progressive and expressive productivity amongst local youth.

At the community centre, the project has been going strong for years and attracts about 600 campers on average during the summer. This national youth programme has been in full swing since last week and will continue until July 31 on weekdays, from 9am to 3pm. And on Saturdays all year round, sporting activities continue on the grounds, offering locals a chance to get out and stay active.

The centre’s Director of Activities, Levan Hinsey, organised the myriad endeavours offered at the establishment and is assisted by instructors and professionals in teaching and guiding the youth. Coaches include Jackson Brennen, Bradley Demeritte and Carmal Cooper, who are all prominent and proficient in their respective sports of soccer, tennis and judo.

Members of staff value the initiative deeply and told The Tribune that the campers “are at peace”. Chief of Security Patrick Mills added that he thinks “the camp is magnificent, and it’s only going to get better with time, like fine wine”. He feels the minister has “taken this (facility) to another level”.

Boys and girls are honing skills on the path to adulthood with this free programme and the opportunity to join in remains. Contact 676-5995 for details of registration.