Unique Salvation Army Camp in Bermuda Prepares Youth for Life
As The Salvation Army in Bermuda gears up for another season of camping ministries, a new program will set children up for success and prepare them for life as adults.
“We are excited to launch our pilot version of STEAM, a week-long camp that uses hands-on activities to teach youth skills that will last a lifetime,” says Lieutenant Adriane Cartmell.
STEAM camps promote the integration of arts with science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. In a safe and inclusive environment, students learn structured work habits, fundamental concepts and skills, and participate in fun projects.
“This year’s STEAM activities include making candy-stained glass, which explains angles and math and colour co-ordination, and building a city out of cardboard, which instils teamwork,” says Cartmell. “While teaching new skills, we strengthen relationships with each other and God and offer a place of community and belonging.
“At camp they have a chance to talk about hard issues.”
“For some children, camp is the only time they get to be like everybody else and where pressures from school and home are off,” says Cartmell. “Camp breaks down barriers, and children often become honest about their feelings such as loneliness, fear, and relationships. At camp they have a chance to talk about hard issues and feel good about who they are and what they can do.”
In addition to STEAM, The Salvation Army offers camp in a box and Vacation Bible School, which give families on a tight budget peace of mind and an opportunity for their children to play, have fun, learn and interact.
“We look at the impact of camp in a child’s life over time.”
“The success of camping ministries isn’t in the numbers,” says Cartmell. “We look at the impact of camp in a child’s life over time. Here, we see evidence of growth not just in skills and information, but in healthy relationships, self confidence and those feelings of being known, accepted, loved and—yes—a sense of belonging.”
By Linda Leigh
