Rising Stars Having Fun at Summer Camp in Belize City

We don’t hear much about children’s summer camps these days, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, over at the Hub Resource Center on Independence Boulevard in Belize City, the staff is engaging that community’s children in meaningful programs.  Rising Star Summer Blast Camp is in its first of three weeks.  News Five’s Paul Lopez stopped by to see what the children were up to on their second day.

Arthur Usher, Manager, Hub Resource Center

“This program specifically is our flag ship summer program. So we try our best to meet the needs of our kids during this program. Right now it is collaboration with the Belize City Council, Belize Family Life Association and other partner agencies.”

Paul Lopez, Reporting

The purpose of the Rising Star Summer Blast is to engage a minimum of sixty children for three weeks. The group is split into two groups of thirty children, which is then further split into groups of fifteen, for COVID-19 regulation purposes.  Organizers want to help children in skills building and character development.

Arthur Usher

Arthur Usher

“Traditionally your normal summer program fills the gap between school closing and reopening. So, providing some kind of stimulus for the kids during the summer, other than watching tv or entertaining themselves. We all know that kids like and need structure. So, the program provides some level of structure, some level of learning, but in a more creative, ease of flow, so the child can then interpret the information we are giving them over the three weeks.”

Today, several children were doing math lessons, working at their own pace to improve their skills in that area. Another group of children was learning to play drums under the guidance of Creole culture facilitator Musa Abdul Shaeed.

Musa Abdul Shaeed

Musa Abdul Shaeed, Creole Heritage Facilitator

“When it comes to them, they want it. I might love teaching them and playing the culture and drumming with them. But, it is a reciprocation that is much needed from their part. When they show, sir show mih this, sir mek wih sing a song, sir show me another riddim. Sir, how I could solo like you?  I love that. So a much as they need me, I need them.  So, the children basically call for it. They request it, they want it. More than I want to work with them they want me to come to play for them and teach them so that they could go in their community and do it again.”

From math classes, and drumming to the gymnasium for some warm-ups and volleyball skills training, this program offers these children a chance to break a sweat on the court, before they are sent off with a freshly cooked meal. Whatever they are engaged in, these little rising stars are clearly having a blast this summer break.

Arthur Usher

“We have creative staff, we have engaging staff, and we have a space that is very open to them. So, for the most part you will have kids want to be kids and open up, especially if they are getting very comfortable with the staff, they understand the role and the level of systems they have in place. For new kids who is not familiar with the systems in place, it is kind of difficult, there is a learning curve, but once they understand that we care and that discipline is a part of caring, then they understand and become a part of the system. And for the most part they love it.”

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

The facility is also equipped with full-time social workers and councillors to address any behavioural issues among the children.