Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Pearline Barrett (right), manager for education and outreach at Food For the Poor, addresses some of the children catered forat their seventh annual summer camp. The camp, which lasted for two weeks, with children from eight communities in and around Spanish Town, were taught conflict resolution, etiquette and youth counselling. The camp was held at the Food For the Poor headquarters in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

SPANISH TOWN:

More than 300 children were given a grand treat by Food For The Poor at the end of their two-week summer camp in Spanish Town on Friday.

The Gleaner went to the Food For The Poor building and saw children ages three-17 years old being treated to music and scrumptious meals provided by the organisation.

According to manager for outreach and education, Pearline Barrett, the exercise is the seventh of its kind - a labour of love that has multiplied. "We started seven years ago with only Ellerslie Pen and it has blossomed to the extent where several other communities are now benefiting," says Ms. Barrett.

She went on to say the exercise had helped to foster healthy relationships among the children, as well as to bring different communities together.

Camp features

At an estimated cost of half a million dollars, the summer camp included addressing HIV and safe-sex awareness, personal hygiene and core courtesies, values and attitudes. The campus was supported by volunteers, as well as sponsors Wisynco, Juici Patties, Jamaica Broilers and Tastee Patties.

Several of the participants who spoke to The Gleaner described the summer camp as a goodwill gesture. According to Barrett, the spirit of volunteerism will continue to grow, and come next year, they hope to include some communities in Kingston.