Campers will be exposed to the tourism industry while participating in affordable, fun and safe summer programmes this year.

"Parents who are still looking for a programme or camp that their children can attend this summer will be pleased to know that once again the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation has several camps and programmes from which to choose," Youth and Sport Minister Randy Horton said yesterday in a press conference at the Cabinet Office.

The theme for the department's 12 summer camps, which began this week, is "At Your Service - Tourism".

Each camp will be adopted by a hotel and campers will be able to explore all facets of the hotel industry, Mr. Horton said.

The Minister said that enrolment of these "traditional" summer camps catering to children of all ages from preschoolers and teenagers was at 1,000.

However, vacancies are still available at Harrington Sound, Prospect Primary, Gilbert Institute, Purvis Primary and Port Royal .

These camps cost $30 per week and "which is no where near what it cost to cover the cost of the camp" he said.

And Mr. Horton also pointed out that a "Boys to Men" teen camp at Devonshire Recreation Club and a "Girls to Ladies" camp at St. Paul's Christian Education Centre in Paget have vacancies as well.

Both of these camps cost $60 per week and will focus on the theme "At Your Service in Tourism" and participants will be introduced to careers in tourism with activities such as job day release, overnight camping and social etiquette.

The summer programme will run for six weeks.