Ellerton camp puts cultural talent on display

Ellerton Community Centre came alive with dancing, gymnastics, stilt walking and creative arts as campers brought the National Summer Camp Programme to a close with a cultural showcase in Ellerton, St George, on Friday.

The showcase gave campers an opportunity to put the skills they developed during the summer on display, with participants performing routines incorporating Barbadian culture and entertainment.

Camp director Kahlyka Catwell said she was proud to see the children overcome their initial reluctance and embrace the experience.

“I was very proud of my kids, ‘cause normally, you know, the big ones that say, ‘Oh, I don’t want to do nothing. I don’t want to do nothing. My parents forced me. I don’t want to be here.’ By the end of the day, they had a good time. And I’m very proud of them.”

Catwell said the cultural camp exposed the children to a variety of activities, including “dancing, shaggy bear, stilt walking”, as well as crafts, painting, sand art and papier-mâché.

The campers also performed to music from some of Barbados’ biggest artistes, while Mother Sally was among the cultural elements featured during the showcase.

Between 25 and 40 children participated in the camp under the guidance of five counsellors.

Among those taking part was nine-year-old dancer, gymnast and stilt walker Kelianna Mason, who said she was introduced to the camp through her sister and grandmother.

“It was very amazing,” she said.

Mason said the campers participated in “gymnastics, stilt walking, and we also had sports”, but stilt walking quickly became one of her favourite activities.

“I wanted to go to stilt walking ‘cause I seen people on stilts before. I wanted to know how to do it.”

She encouraged other children to take part in the programme, saying: “You should go to this camp because you will make new friends. You will have a bunch of activities to do of your choice and crafts to make that you can keep.”

Ten-year-old dancer, gymnast and stilt walker Oliya Thorne said she returned to the camp after participating the previous year.

“I live in the area and I went here last year,” she said.

Thorne explained that she had gained greater confidence this year, particularly through working with stilt-walking coach Michael Trotman.

“Last year I didn’t had all of my courage, but now this year with Mike as my coach, I have more courage.”

She said the campers were taught how to stay safe while performing on stilts, including how to fall properly.

“Yesterday we actually learned how to fall. We wanted to fall if we got on stilts. So, yesterday was the day we actually got to fall. We actually got to fall safely.”

Fellow stilt walker Jakari Cadogan said the early stages of learning were challenging, but persistence helped him improve.

“When I first went on stilts it was hard and it was easy, but all you want to do is keep on marching left, right, left, right. That’s what you want to do.”

He said the experience had given him greater confidence following Friday’s performance and indicated that he would be interested in continuing the activity.

Campers from the Ellerton Primary School summer camp also joined the showcase, performing a cheerleading routine.

The cultural activities were conducted under the guidance of gymnastics facilitator Michael Taitt, dance facilitator Geraldine Lynch and stilt-walking facilitator Michael Trotman.