Camp Inclusion: A Successful Two-Week Programme for Differently-Abled Children
About the Camp
The Camp Inclusion, a two-week summer program designed to provide differently-abled children with opportunities to interact with each other as part of embracing diversity, recently came to a successful conclusion in Nassau, The Bahamas.
In addition to in-house sessions, the children participated in a number of field trips and other activities aimed at ensuring that all participating youth learn about living with mobility and intellectual disabilities, advocacy, inclusion, and accessibility. The camp was facilitated by the Community Affairs Division of the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting at Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre.
(caption: BIS Photos/Patrice Johnson)
Objectives
The camp aimed to provide Camp Instructors and facilitators with the opportunity to address the twin issues of access and inclusion for all at an early age. The program intended to teach children with different levels and types of disabilities, along with student advocates, skills and knowledge about living with a disability, advocacy, inclusion, and accessibility.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, Mrs. Phedra Rahming-Turnquest said, “Camp Inclusion allowed its participants, some of them differently-abled, from different communities, different schools, different families, and different exposures, to come together as children and celebrate their diversity, celebrate their differences, while showing love, respect and understanding for each other.”
Conclusion and Follow-Up
The association between the camp participants did not end with the conclusion of the camp. Camp participants will continue to build upon the friendships and relationships developed during the two weeks, with follow-up sessions planned.
FAQs
Q: What was the objective of the Camp Inclusion?
A: To provide differently-abled children with opportunities to interact with each other as part of embracing diversity.
Q: Who were the facilitators of the camp?
A: The camp was facilitated by the Community Affairs Division of the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting at Flamingo Gardens Family Life Centre.
Q: What were the outcomes of the camp?
A: The camp produced positive outcomes, including increased understanding of inclusive practices, improved communication skills, and friendship development among participants.