155 Children Enrolled in United Way Summer Enrichment Camp

At the launched of the United Way Turks and Caicos Islands Summer Enrichment Camp on Monday, July 13, 155 children were registered, with the organisers bracing for additional children.

The camp will run until July 24, offering a mix of academic support and fun-filled activities aimed at building confidence and a love for learning, and Chief Executive Officer Claudine Ewing said registration has already surpassed the organisation's target of 150 students.

"This is an all-inclusive camp," Ewing said. "Normally our programmes cater to children with remedial difficulties in government schools, but this camp is open to children from both public and private schools. They don't have to have a reading disability. We just want to make sure they come together, have fun and develop a love of reading."

The two-week programme combines daily Maths and English sessions with themed activities including Science Day, Art Day, Sports Day and Communications Day. Community professionals with expertise in each field have been invited to lead activities and engage the children.

Despite the wider range of activities, Ewing said improving literacy remains at the heart of the programme.

Students completed reading assessments on the opening day, allowing organisers to identify those who need additional support. Children who are behind their expected reading level will receive targeted instruction from a remedial teacher throughout the camp.

"Our goal is that those students leave here at least moving one reading level up," Ewing said. "Some children still don't know their alphabet, while others lack confidence in reading or communicating. We want them to leave with stronger skills and greater confidence."

The camp has grown steadily since its launch three years ago. Organisers initially planned to accommodate 50 children in the first year but ended the programme with around 100 participants. Last year, the target increased to 120, but attendance reached 130. This year's goal of 150 has already been exceeded.

Ewing also highlighted growing support from the community, saying the organisation's impact has attracted more volunteers and corporate sponsors.

Around 40 volunteers have signed up to assist during the two weeks, including former campers, students from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College completing volunteer hours, and visitors from overseas spending part of their summer in the islands.

She added that all of last year's sponsors returned to support the initiative, with approximately 10 additional sponsors joining this year's programme.

By the end of the camp, organisers hope participants will not only improve academically but also become more confident and engaged learners.

One of the programme's highlights will be Authors Day on Friday, when local authors will visit the camp to inspire children and encourage a lifelong interest in reading.