The 2016 KPP Summer Camp was held at the Ecole Nationale de Figuiers , from July 4th through July 15th.
As in the previous year, 60 children, who had been selected by the administrators of the seven local schools on the basis of academic achievement, enjoyed two weeks of fun, togetherness and learning.
The camp was run by FrantzJean, President of Konbit Pou Potapiman and by Mrs PauleEdline Orcel, Inspector in the local school system. They were joined by a staff of monitors, security personnel, cooks, helpers, janitors, bus driver to ensure a safe and valuable experience for the children.
The camp participants started each morning with a prayer, and a talk by Mrs. Orcel and Mr. Jean , discussing one or more points of the Theme of the week.
For the first week, the Theme was: SavoirEcouter (Learning to Listen), how to give full attention to capture a message; how to transmit a message and interpret the information received.
And for the second week, the Theme was: Savoir Choisir (Learning to Choose); making choices based on one’s preferences, one’s needs and one’s morals.
From 8AM to 2PM, the children enjoyed different activities which included:
Daily bus rides from and to the center of town, Physical Activity (Aerobics, Soccer, Rope Jumping, Races…, Singing, Dancing
Embroidery, Crochet, Sewing, making paper flowers and necklaces, coloring, Puzzles, and using discarded plastic bottles to make brooms, flowers, jewelry boxes.
Swimming Trip to the Labeyi River
Raffles
Practicing for Graduation
The children and Staff also enjoyed two hot meals a day.
Many guest speakers volunteered to join us again this year to share their expertise with the children. They included:
Mrs. Violette Jean, Mrs. Witza Francois, Mrs. Leunine Lorcy, 3 nurses from the local hospital. In one session, the nurses discussed the spread of the Zika virus and the characteristics of the Aeges mosquito. The next week, they discussed the Typhoid Fever, a disease familiar to most of the children. At both sessions, the nurses reviewed the symptoms of the disease, treatment options , and they placed emphasis on what children can do to prevent the spread of Zika and Typhoid.
Mr. Abraham Gentil, teacher of Social Sciences, addressed the children on two occasions on the early history of Haiti, up to the Emperor Dessalines seeking to meet the challenges of consolidating Haiti’s independence and shoring up the economy of the new nation.
Mr Phedeau Lubin, a specialist of the environment, spoke of the types of objects in our world, and the types of relationships that exist between them. He also met the children at the Labeyi river to discuss the importance of plants; their different components, and how to grow plants effectively.
This year, Judge Bernardin Alcindor joined the roster, and advised the kids on the workings of the Tribunal de Paix, as well as the functions of the different people who work there.
These were very informative sessions not only for the children but also for the staff, who joined the kids in asking and answering questions from the guest speakers.
The children also got to appreciate a visit from Mayor Raymond Pierre Louis and his assistants. They encouraged the children in their efforts to do well in school.
Graduation day was the occasion for the staff of KPP to thank the parents for the trust put in us; to command the children on their academic performance and encourage them to always do their best.
In turn, the children executed many songs, dances, a sketch, to the delight of the assistance. They eagerly accepted the gift of a school bag for the coming academic year. They and the parents expressed their thanks to the staff, and enjoyed sandwiches and refreshments.
Another year, another successful Summer camp for KPP.
Our special Thanks go to Mrs Carolle Paul,Mrs Nicole Jean and Mrs. Paule Edeline Orcel for coordinating the work and to the Camp staff for their devotion to the children.
Konbit Pou Potapiman expresses their deep appreciation to :
JGR LLCopa of Hollywood, FL
Mrs. Marie Therese Boulos, Mr Fenold Appolon , Mrs. Danick Verret, Mr Adeemir Dacenay, Mrs. Doris Izmery and Mr Jacques Frasil
for their unwavering support.
Konbit Pou Potapiman also thanks all the KPP members and supporters who helped make the Camp d Éte 2016 an unforgettable experience for our high academic achievers.
This year something new was introduced “A Summer Camp For Adults 65 and Beyond”
The idea of having a summer camp for elderly people was conceived by Danie Lubin, a member of KPP who lives in Boston. Danie came up with the idea of a summer camp for kids five years ago which today is a great success. She figured she could do the same for this forgotten group of people of Port a Piment.
When she called the president of KPP, Frantz J Jean, to make him aware of her intentions, the idea was well received. It was then presented to the board who did not hesitate to rally behind her to give her both moral and financial support.
On Monday July 18th it became a reality. The Adult Summer Camp was a place where elderly adults could go for a week to receive two meals each day and socialize with their peers, doing arts and crafts and singing.
On the first day twenty-eight adults attended and Dr. Eddy Jean Baptiste was on hand to check their blood pressure and also offer medical advice. They were then served breakfast and seated on a patio where they listened to KPP’s president Frantz J Jean and vice president Carolle Paul who shared with them the great idea proposed by Danie Lubin.
On Wednesday night Danie had a party for them where people from the town of Port-a-Piment were invited, including the new mayor, Raymond Pierre Louis, and natives who had traveled from abroad. They were treated to appetizers and were serenaded by young guitarists who sang and played music where the adults were able to reminisce and participate by singing and clapping.
One week and the participation of 28, this is only the beginning. I know Danie is looking forward to next year where she will increase the number of participants and will be very successful in achieving her goal.
Best of luck to you Danie and wishing you great success.
