A Summer To Remember - 2024 Recap

This summer, 21 learners aged 8-16 came together for SUSTAINABLE STUDIO, our 4-week camp designed to educate and empower the next generation of global citizens.

The 17 United Nation SDGs

For a second year we were able to offer a transformative program centered around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which provided hands-on projects and experiences and made learning about sustainable living engaging, accessible and fun.

This year we dove deeper into developing social justice business plans with the campers. In our inaugural year, we lightly touched on the topic of entrepreneurship and knew it was a theme we wanted to go further with as it could tie into several SDGs such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (8) and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9). Thanks to this year’s partnership with the Change The Tune organization we were able to add four full weeks of ideation, research and marketing classes to our curriculum all through the lens of social justice, which culminated with a pitch competition.

All projects highlighted one of the Studio’s four pillars; People, Planet, Peace and Partnership. The campers also received squash lessons led by the instructors at Four Walls Squash Club where the camp was held.

Week 1: Embracing Sustainable Food Practices

The program kicked off with a focus on sustainable food practices, aligned with SDG 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger) , 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Children learned the importance of reducing food waste and how small changes can have a significant impact on the environment. The sessions were designed to be both educational and enjoyable.  On a field trip to the Hands for Hunger pantry, the campers sorted and organized incoming produce and even assisted in gathering food items for pantry recipients. They also spent their afternoons working on vision board and life map projects which honed in on how they could use their interests and passions to form a profitable, needed business.

Week 2: Advocating for Gender Equality

In the second week, the program shifted focus to SDG’s 5-9 which included themes such as Gender Equality (5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (8) and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (9). Children engaged in activities and discussions that fostered a deeper understanding of challenges related to gender inequality and gender roles. They participated in role-playing games that encouraged critical thinking and had a special visit by disabilities advocate Erin Brown. By the end of the week, the participants had a stronger grasp of the importance of equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender and differences. They also worked in groups to create T-shirt designs that promoted their favorite sustainable development goal and took turns presenting their ideas to their peers and counselors.

Week 3: Developing Responsible and Sustainable Cities

The third week was dedicated to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life Below Water (SDG 14) while still focusing on social justice and entrepreneurship. Our campers continued developing business plans for social enterprises that addressed issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. We also took a field trip to the New Providence Ecology Park where we received a guided tour and were taught about the park’s waste management practices and sustainability goals.

Week 4: Partnerships, Pitches and Celebration

For the final week of Sustainable Studio, campers had the opportunity to revisit their projects, share what they had learned, and discuss how they could apply their newfound knowledge to their daily lives. We learned about responsible governance and also had a lesson on backyard farming, companion planting and everyone enjoyed making hanging planters from upcycled one-gallon water bottles.

The week culminated in a “pitch day,” where participants presented their business ideas to a panel of judges and each other. The creativity and passion displayed by the young entrepreneurs were truly inspiring, with ideas ranging from eco-friendly jewelry lines to community-supported agriculture programs and sustainable sports equipment.

The success of this summer program was evident not only in the projects completed but also in the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants. By focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the program provided a framework for young minds to think critically about global challenges and their role in addressing them. As the children return to their regular routines, they carry with them the skills and knowledge to become champions of sustainability in their communities.

We are so proud of this years campers and encouraged by the support we received.

Ava and I would like to extend our gratitude to our awesome counselors, conservationist Ranique Forbes (Certified Conch) and educator Ursula Wells (The Leadership Academy), and all guest experts and partners, including Dr. Charli Kemp (Change The Tune), the Organization for Responsible Governance and Noelle Nicolls (Four Walls Squash Club) as their contributions were instrumental in making this camp a success. We also thank the Lyford Cay International School for their generous donation of iPads, which greatly enhanced the learning experience; and Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin and Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister representative Anne-Marie Davis for sponsoring campers.