During their school vacation they have been painting finger nails and massaging feet and the students who are between eight and 12 years-old couldn't be any happier.

They have been participating in the Pura Vida Spa camp, which offers more than just instruction on how to give manicures and pedicures.

Denise Carey, who co-owns the spa with Gary Raynor, instead hopes the children will learn life skills, which they can take with them when they leave the week-long camp.

She said: "The concept was to invite the children into the spa to work on self-esteem building and also learn to perform manicures and pedicures.

"It teaches them to work as a team and to interact with others. Each day we set goals and ensured these were met. They learned to greet customers so they are becoming quite competent.

"They got homework and they each have different strengths and they share it with each other, so they learn new skills. If they make mistakes we all come together and explain and ask 'what are your suggestions'."

Mentoring the girls is a student herself, Jalicia Crockwell, 17, from CedarBridge Academy who became interested in cosmetology when she took the Personal Care elective class at school.

She plans to not only continue working at Pura Vida, but also to study cosmetology at school in Toronto when she graduates from Cedarbridge next year.

"It has been fun. It has been a nice experience for the young ladies. It helped me understand what to do and when I showed the young ladies I knew exactly what to do," she said. "I enjoyed the instruction side and I hope to own my own spa one day."

When The Royal Gazette visited Pura Vida Spa, on King's Street, Hamilton, some of the students' friends and other volunteers had surrendered their feet and hands to the capable girls.

Antonio Dean, 10, who attends Gilbert Institute, couldn't stop giggling as Tierra Wolffe, 11, from Sandys Middle School tried out her pedicure technique.

"We had some hard times doing the nails, but once we got used to it I really enjoyed what we were doing," said Tierra.

One student who was unsure about her time at the camp was Kinslyn Lambert, 12, who said her parents had signed her up.

It didn't take the Bermuda Institute student long though before she was thoroughly enjoying herself and considering working there as an afternoon job.

She said: "I learned how to take care of myself and learn how to do manicures and pedicures. It was really awesome, it was fun.

"I didn't want to come at first but it started to be really exciting. Over the summer I will probably do it as an afternoon job."

Ms. Carey said she hoped to offer the camp again in August and anyone who would like more information can contact her at: 295 4773.