Hub Resource and Community Center Wraps Up Successful “Summer of Fun” Program

This morning, the Hub Resource and Community Center held a closing ceremony for its “Summer of Fun” program. The camp proved to be a resounding success, engaging children in a range of activities and classes designed to enhance their social, educational, and cultural development. News Five’s Azain Heredia visited the camp at Lake Independence Boulevard to capture the highlights. Here’s the story.

 

Azain Heredia, Reporting

At the start of summer, fifteen-year-old Jamesha Arnold was shy and uneasy in crowds, but fast-forward four weeks, and tonight, she thrives in social settings. It was during her time spent at the Summer of Fun programme that she was able to break out of her shell and be a social butterfly. She says that learning to interact with others was her biggest takeaway from the camp.

 

Jamesha Arnold, Participant

“From the beginning, I was a little bit nervous to be around a lot of people, but then, during the middle and the ending I started warming up to people. We played sports together, we went swimming, we went on trips, we had fun, we talked, and everything.”

 

 

 

 

 

The success of the “Summer of Fun” programme attracted many children from outside the camp’s designated communities. Arthur Usher, Manager of the Hub Resource and Community Center, told News Five that this is the largest programme the team runs annually. However, it’s not their only initiative. During the school year, the Hub also offers a range of after-school programmes.

 

 

 

 

Arthur Usher, Manager, The Hub & Resource Center

“These types of programs, I think are extremely important, generally for outside school learning. So some things that you might not have picked up during school you can pick up during the summer, things that you learned during the school you can apply during the summer, so it’s a cohesive, coherent programming that consistently push these kids to another level.”

 

 

 

 

The programme attracted participants from across Belize City, fostering a strong sense of community. It provided opportunities for individuals to share their opinions, step out of their comfort zones, and enhance their social interactions.

 

Paul Lopez

“Why is it important to have these types of events for kids to come together and have fun and get to know each other?”

 

 

 

Jamesha Arnold

“Because it gets us out of our shell. We get to connect more, talk, get more social, and what’s not.”

 

One of the activities featured a visit to the Mayan archaeological site of Altun Ha. Arnold says that this experience provided valuable insight into how the Maya utilized ponds as a crucial water source.

 

Jamesha Arnold

“The Mayans used a pond for their source of water income.”

 

Azain Heredia for News Five.