The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Recreation provides a wide and varied selection of summer activities for Bermuda's young people that are both educational and recreational.

Ten summer day camps around the Island this year will cater to approximately 1000 primary level students, aged five to 12, according to summer activities coordinator Mrs. Hilary Boden.

The summer day camps are based on a particular theme with this year's being "Bermuda: My Island, My Home'', said Mrs. Boden, adding that last year's theme was "Health is Wealth''.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation the Hon. Pamela Gordon said the young people's summer programme last year was a great success. "Summer Day Camp continues to be a safe haven for your children where they are allowed to develop their interests and it is also a fun place to go,'' she noted in the summer day camp newsletter.

Director Mr. Anthony Roberts added: "Through this programme we try to inform our young people about the many recreational opportunities that are available to our community.'' This year's summer day camp programme will explore different aspects of the Island including its culture, flora and fauna, sports, music and the arts.

"The counsellors will be sure to develop the summer projects and activities around the theme,'' said Mrs. Boden. "And outings or field trips will be related to the theme.'' This year, the number of students allowed in each camp has been reduced to a maximum of 100, said Mrs. Boden. "We are still catering to the same number of students. But we have added on two camps in order to spread the children out.

We have 10 sites now instead of eight,'' she said.

The summer day camps begin in July and last for five to eight weeks, depending on the camp.

Child-study college and university students will be employed as counsellors and junior counsellors. "This gives them the opportunity to gain work experience in their field,'' said Mrs. Boden.

All ten summer day camps are run on the same premise and include art, music, dance and sport.

"We want to provide children with activities that they don't get to do a lot of in school,'' said Mrs. Boden. "Also we want to teach them a skill. We're not just baby-sitting, we want them to learn.'' The camps will unite during the summer for major events including a Mini Cup Match, which is a reenactment of the real game, a swimming event, various Open Houses and a Dancerama held in Bernard's Park, which is open to the public.

Said Mrs. Boden: "We try to arrange big events around the theme where all camps can get together and participate.'' The registration date for the summer day camps is on May 29 this year. But they fill up fast, especially in the central parishes, so it is important to apply as soon as possible, she noted.

FUN IN THE SUN -- The Ministry of Youth, Sport & Recreation summer day camps schedule various outings for primary level students including beach trips.