Every year, Haitian Connection sponsors three summer camps, one in Jeremie, the other two in the countryside. These summer camps are very meaningful for the children who have so little opportunity for distraction and organized group activities. Our staff is very dedicated, and while they are compensated for the work, they go above and beyond the call of duty, calling on meager resources to work creatively with the children.
Camp is a reprieve from the everyday grind of poverty and scarcity. Each day the children are engaged in play, crafts, bible study, and, most importantly, a daily hot meal. For some it is the only meal they have for those days.
The impact attendance at a summer camp has cannot be exaggerated. The campers can play like regular children, gaining in self-esteem and cooperating with others.
Summer Camp #1: The Jeremie summer camp, for 15 children from 7 to 12 years old, took place under the direction of Eliasme Jean Silfin, who is our after-school coordinator. In addition to arts and crafts, a nurse taught about the common illnesses in Haiti and explained ways to prevent illness, such as handwashing.
Summer Camps #2 and #3 in Deschamps: Pastor Erik, one of our community mental health agents, led two very successful 1-week camps. The children had games, Bible study, and maybe the most important item, a warm meal every day. In rural Deschamps, while food is plentiful, people do not have money to buy it. Pastor Erik believes that the summer camps are a great marketing tool for the school that is right next to his church.
We would like to do more summer camps and are looking for financing to fund them.
Haitian Connection 