For Ryan Donovan, the Kids and the Sea summer programme is more than just a day camp.
It’s a training ground for a potential career.
“It’s a very good experience,” the 15-year-old told the Beacon. “I like having to learn to tie all the knots, because I want to be a boatman when I grow up.”
Mr. Donovan was among more than a dozen youths who graduated from the week-long summer camp on Saturday during a ceremony at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Marine Centre.
But before certificates were handed out, the graduates showed off their newly acquired skills during boat races and capsize drills in Paraquita Bay as their parents and other supporters looked on from the shore.
New advanced level
For the first time since the camp launched three years ago, this year’s programme included an advanced level as well as a basic level. The advanced students took part in sessions on sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, knot-tying, Shipping Registry inspections, and more.
The camp also hosts “Captains in Training” who move through the ranks to become instructors through a two-year development process.
This year, two out of four CITs graduated to the instructor level. These new instructors worked alongside the programme’s lead instructors, Jmari Fahie and Bjon Smith.
“The most rewarding part is sharing my knowledge to the kids, watching them perform it, and knowing that they know it and they can teach as well,” Mr. Smith said.
‘Something I wish I knew’
Mr. Fahie, who has been with the programme for two years, described a similarly fulfilling experience.
“I love working with kids,” he told the Beacon. “The most rewarding part is seeing them learn something I wish I knew at their age.”
After taking part in the activities hosted by their instructors, the kids received certificates and other awards. Among them was Braeden Brodie, 11, who said his favourite activity was learning how to handle a capsized boat.
Like Mr. Donovan, he is interested in pursuing a career related to the sea.
“I want to become a captain for this or maybe a fisherman or something,” he said.
Partnerships
Camp director Julie Schneider said the summer programme is a partnership with HLSCC and other sponsors.
“Without our sponsors, none of this would be possible.” Ms. Schneider said.
HLSCC President Richard Georges said the college is happy to oblige.
“As far as the college is concerned, we are ardent supporters of the KATS programming, particularly the learn-to-swim and the water-safety programmes, because we believe vehemently that it’s integral and essential for young people to be able to gain these skills so that as they come of age, they can take their rightful place in the ownership of our local industries,” he said.
Preparing ‘for life’
KATS Chairman John Lewis thanked parents for trusting their kids to the programme’s leaders.
“This programme prepares your children for life,” he told the Beacon. “Everything they learn is applicable.”