Bigger, bolder Old Harbour Bay summer camp returns

Now in its second year, the Youth Interactive Fun Summer (YIFS) Camp is back with even bigger plans. Spearheaded by community promoter Paulette Coley, the camp — which last year offered daytime fun and learning for children in Old Harbour Bay — is eyeing a major upgrade: transforming into a full residential experience that keeps children engaged around the clock.

Set to run from August 11 to 15, this year’s camp aims to double in size, from 19 to as many as 50 children, aged seven to 15. The focus remains firmly on fun, learning, and behaviour change, with a packed schedule of activities, guest speakers, and field trips.

“We heard the children loud and clear. They wanted a residential camp, and this year, we’re working to make that happen,” Coley said. Previously youth from the community were welcome free of cost, Coley noted, but due to rising overhead expense a $2,000 registration fee will apply this time. 

The organizer is also actively seeking sponsors and donations to support meals, accommodation, branding, and transportation. Hopewell Gardens is currently being considered as the hosting site, Coley added, following challenges in securing Camp Verley. She further stated that discussions are ongoing with several companies all of whom have expressed a willingness to support in various ways. 

At the heart of the camp is a clear mission: ‘transforming young lives’. With crime and gang activity still plaguing the Old Harbour Bay area, the camp serves as a critical intervention tool.

“This is not your typical summer camp,” Coley explained. “It’s a behavioural change programme. We specifically target children with behavioural challenges. The camp is fun and interactive, yes, but its real purpose is to instill better habits, expose them to new career paths and change the mindset that limits their potential.”

That mission is designed to play out through daily workshops and hands-on sessions led by professionals from sectors such as health, justice, national security, education and conflict resolution. In addition to engaging in personal development sessions, campers are expected benefit from field trips, designed to broaden their understanding of life outside their community, build lasting friendships and promote networking.

“There are children who’ve never been outside of Old Harbour Bay except for school,” Coley noted. “We expose them to the rest of Jamaica — and to possibilities.”

To participate, children must be recommended and approved by parents or guardians through a signed consent process. This year’s intake will also include a pre-camp consultation with parents to better understand the needs and challenges of each child.

Aside from structured sessions, the final day of camp will feature a cultural exchange showcase where parents, community members, the media and sponsors will be invited to witness the campers’ growth and achievements — a community celebration of progress, learning, and unity.

Last year’s campers were gifted branded T-shirts and backpacks filled with goodies, and thanks to the generosity of sponsors, this tradition is set to continue, especially with branding support from potential sponsors. With an increase of seven to 12 volunteer on board to manage the larger group and the new residential component, the camp is well on its way to becoming a permanent fixture in the community. 

Coley remains driven by a simple yet powerful mission: “We want to break generational cycles. We want to show them that there’s more to life than what they see every day. Too many children fall into the same path as those before them. This camp is a seed and we’re determined to help it grow.”

Sashanya Grayson, a community-based social worker and member of the camp’s conceptualization team, had her then four-year-old daughter attend the programme last year. Though her child was among the youngest participants, the impact was clear.

“She learnt a lot… how to share, how older children should treat younger ones. There was a real ‘big brother, big sister’ dynamic that helped shape how she sees other children and how she should be treated,” Grayson shared. 

Having observed most of the sessions firsthand, she was particularly impressed by the camp’s use of police officers, nurses and other professionals to provide real-life lessons. “They weren’t just talking to the children, they were helping them build a sense of value and respect for themselves and others.”

Grayson strongly recommends the camp to other parents. “This camp has taken on a holistic approach to not only behavioural change, but community parenting,” she said. “The team is made up of passionate community members who want to see Old Harbour Bay rise. If your child needs help with social skills, behaviour, or even just peer connection, send them. The stakeholders are good at what they do, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness.”

With its growing impact and bold vision, the YIFS Camp is quickly becoming a beacon of hope and transformation for the children of Old Harbour Bay. For more information and updates, follow Youth Interactive Fun Summer Camp on Instagram and YouTube.