This summer, Member of Parliament for South Beach Bacchus Rolle visited several youth camps across Nassau, meeting with instructors and observing programs that give children and teens opportunities to explore their talents and develop new skills.
With the Ministry of Youth offering a diverse slate of camps for children and young adults, Mr. Rolle encouraged South Beach residents to take full advantage of these opportunities. He also used the visits as a chance to listen, learn, and imagine new possibilities for the constituency’s own programs.
“We have incredible summer camps throughout Nassau, featuring talented instructors and a variety of workshops,” he said. “I seized the opportunity to learn from our nation’s finest as they shared their experiences, lessons, and projects completed this season.”
At Government High School’s dance camp, he watched students work through their routines for the summer’s productions. The focus and dedication on display reminded him of the era of the national dance academy — and strengthened his belief that it’s time to bring it back.
He also visited an art camp for children aged 5 to 13, where creativity took many forms. Recyclable materials, seashells, cardboard boxes, pastels, paints, and ceramics became works of art in young hands. Mr. Rolle noted the value in exposing children to varied artistic mediums, emphasizing the breadth of Bahamian culture and the many ways children can learn to express themselves.
While many think of camps primarily as childcare, summer camps are far more than a way to keep children occupied during school breaks. Studies consistently show that structured summer programs can boost academic retention, improve social skills, and foster long-term interests that shape future careers. For many young people, they provide access to resources, mentorship, and experiences they might not otherwise encounter.
Mr. Rolle said the visits offered valuable insight into how South Beach’s own summer programs can continue to grow in the years ahead.
As the summer draws to a close, the South Beach team is preparing for its Back to School Giveaway on August 22 and invites all constituents to attend. Residents are encouraged to follow the constituency’s WhatsApp Channel for updates and announcements on Back to School and other community initiatives.
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