The KPP Summer Camp program has now completed its 8th year. The 2 week camp ran from July 1st through July 12th. Grateful are we to have been granted use of the campus of the College Stella Maris for the duration of the camp. The campus sits in the center of town and is readily accessible to all.
The 80 campers had been selected by their school directors on the basis of academic achievement, and came from 8 schools of the commune. They all boasted of their high average and their class standing. The children readily acknowledged that admission to the KPP Summer Camp had been a strong motivating factor for doing their best in school.
Mrs Paule Edline Orcel fulfilled the role of Camp Director. An energetic, motivating, fun filled figure, she led a staff of 21 and a group of 80 campers through days that were designed to stimulate their minds, condition their bodies and sharpen their social skills.
The 80 campers were divided into 6 groups, each under the guidance of a monitor chosen from the educational staff in Port-a-Piment. Each group had a name, and its own motto. The campers were reminded daily of the theme for the week.
For the first week, the theme was “Faites de l’Education la Source de votre Réussite.”
For the second week, the theme was: “Engagez-vous pour être des modèles pour la Société”
Each morning, Mrs. Orcel and Mr. Frantz Jean, KPP President, held a pep talk with the campers to reinforce the theme of the week and discuss how to become better citizens.
A daily schedule included a Prayer, Aerobics, Memory games, Puzzles, Songs, Poems and Jokes. Under the guidance of the monitors, the children practiced activities such as Coloring,Origami, Crochet, Sudoku. They also delighted in practicing Soccer, Jumping rope, Badminton, Frisbee, Osselets.
And the campers also had the opportunity to increase their learning on different topics.
Mrs. Orcel, who is a member of the “Protection Civile “Corps held a talk on Natural Disasters and Preparedness for the Hurricane season. She also held a seminar on Dental Health, and a special session for the teenage campers on Hygiene for the changing body.
Mr. Phedo Lubin, our local “environmentalist” spoke to the campers on Ecosystems and on how responsible citizens can best protect the environment.
Mr. Abraham Gentil, a teacher by profession, spoke on the demands and the benefits of higher education, and how to be a model in one’s society.
Dr. Marc Andre Letang advised the campers on 6 principles of Hygiene to preserve and ameliorate the health of children.
The campers and staff enjoyed two meals daily. Breakfast consisted of Bread, Peanut Butter and Chocolate milk, or Spaghetti with Herring, or Flour Porridge with Bread and Peanut Butter.
Lunch would consist of Sausages, “Legumes” or Herring, with either Cornmeal or Rice with Bean Sauce, or with Rice and Beans “Kole”, and Fruit Punch as a drink.
At the end of the day, the campers would hold a Rehearsal for Graduation.
They came in their Sunday Best !!!!
Friday the 12th marked graduation day. The campers dressed their best and came in accompanied by a parent. They each received a Certificate of Attendance and the gift of a schoolbag and educational supplies.
In the auditorium, the parents had a chance to admire the arts and crafts produced by their children. The kids then performed a show that demonstrated their skills at storytelling, dance, reciting poems. The campers also expressed their thanks to KPP with a song.
A reception of sandwiches and Punch was appreciated by all. At closing, one parent expressed everybody’s gratitude to KPP for its efforts at motivating the schoolchildren.
We separated with dreams of an encore in the coming year.
Konbit Pou Potapiman thanks Sister Marie Jeanne of the Sisters of St Anne for her kindness and for the use of the facilities.
A special Thank You goes to the South Broward Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority for their substantial donation of educational supplies such as drawstring bags, puzzles, notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers which were used to stuff the school bags at graduation, and in preparation for the next school year. Their donation of deodorants, sanitary napkins, toothbrushes and toothpaste were also used in the teaching of good health habits.
Thank You to JGR Copa of Hollywood, to Mrs. Rashida Sidney, Mr. Guy Antoine, Mrs. Marie –Thérèse Boulos, Mrs. Doris Izmery, Graphics Solutions of New Jersey ,for their contributions.
Thank You to our guest speakers, Mr. Phedo Lubin, Mr. Abraham Gentil, Dr. Marc Andre Letang for sharing their knowledge and their expertise with a younger generation.
Thank You to the members of KPP, especially Mr. Jean Jules Musac, who volunteered time and goods whenever needed.
Thank You to the parents who trusted KPP with the safety of their children. We are proud to have run a 2 week camp, with no negative incidents..
Thank You to the staff of monitors, sports director, dietary personnel, cleaning crew, security personnel for their caring and professionalism.
Thank You to all who supported us with your contributions, your encouragement and your concern in these difficult times.
And a very sincere Thank You goes to Camp Director, Mrs. Paule-Edeline Orcel for a job well done!!!. Her enthusiasm, her sense of order and of discipline, her “people “skills ensure that the KPP Summer Camp Program will remain an invaluable asset in promoting the value of Education in the commune of Port-a-Piment.
