UNDER the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage as We Engage our Youth for a Safer Bahamas,” The Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Summer Youth Programme celebrated 20 years of excellence as more than 200 children, between seven and 16 years, entered the programme this week.

One of the programme’s coordinators Sergeant 2350 Charmaine Leadon said their mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances to realise their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens through the medium of academics, music, sports and community involvement.

This year Vitamalt presented a cheque to the programme to assist with the cost of facilitating the activities. Vitamalt Brand Manager, Stacy Mackey said such positive programmes for young people are always in demand.

“We congratulate the police on undertaking a mammoth task, particularly during the summer. The programme’s activities are engaging and diverse allowing the students to not only focus on positive attributes but also be safe while they are out of school.”

Sergeant Leadon noted that the programme’s objectives are:

• To create a positive environment where young people are able to interact and foster positive relationships with police and youth leaders.

• To create a place where a child can be a child while learning to understand themselves and others.

• To create an atmosphere where children can feel important and a part of something good.

• To create a place that provides leadership, development and positive decision making.

This year’s camp continues until August 9th at Stephen Dillet Primary School.

Weekly activities include: leadership and conflict resolution seminars, speech competition, safety awareness workshops, educational field trips, sewing classes, carpentry classes, arts and craft, basketball tournament and talent explosion. Each year the programme receives anywhere from 200-300 children and free lunch is provided daily for each child.