Mountain Quest day camps making ‘magical’ moments for students

Subsequent to its receipt of a US$25,000 grant from the United States (US) Embassy in Jamaica, the Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust (JCDT) is well on its way with the implementation of a project designed to enrich the lives of 500 underserved youths, with the endorsement of the Ministry of Education and Youth.

Dubbed Mountain Quest, the project is dedicated to empowering underserved communities by offering children and youths a unique opportunity to connect with Jamaica’s natural heritage through an immersive day camp experience in which they get to explore the Holywell Recreation Area in the Blue Mountains, guided by trained volunteers and camp counsellors.

The programme, which started in March, combines structured activities with unstructured, soul-refreshing moments in nature, fostering both well-being and educational growth. Up to April, five camps had been conducted, impacting approximately 250 campers from 15 schools (nine high schools and six primary schools).

Speaking at the camp’s Press Day on May 14, Michael Lavallee, public affairs officer for the US Embassy in Jamaica, shared from his own background and encouraged students to take full advantage of one of the camp’s key offerings, a moment to pause and reflect on their lives.

“We believe in the youths of Jamaica and the potential that you have,” Lavallee noted. “This type of project, this experience that you have, builds your future. You get a chance to get out of the everyday doldrums of school and life and the rat race that is being a teenager. It gives you a chance to self-reflect, a chance for self-awareness, a chance to think of who you are and who you want to be, and to expand your horizons.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Lavallee added, “I came from very humble beginnings, as well. I’m the first in my family to graduate college … When I was 10 years old, I had dreams, but a lot of people in my family thought I’d be working in a factory. I didn’t want to settle and I looked for ways to expand my mind. And that’s what [Mountain Quest] is all about … We really believe in the potential here in Jamaica, and you need to believe in yourselves.”

Making reference to the recent uptick in school violence, Richard Troupe, acting director for the Safety & Security in Schools Unit in the Ministry of Education and Youth, implored campers to use the Mountain Quest opportunity to think carefully about their life choices.

“Boys and girls, your circumstances must never define you. You have the capacity to dream and dream big. You have the capacity to do anything you want to do,” he said. “Choose your friends wisely. Give targetted attention to your work. Let today be an example of what is possible when we come together as young Jamaicans in harmony, learning and growing together.”

Troupe also praised the JCDT for ideating and executing the day camps, and thanked the US Embassy for funding the endeavour.

“When we at the ministry heard about this, we were super-excited to endorse it and to ask the organisers if special consideration could be afforded to students from schools located within inner-city communities,” he noted.

He went on to explain that, as a “product of an inner-city community”, he understood the value of opportunities to experience and enjoy natural outdoor environments. “What we’re doing is creating a space for our children to see something different. This is exposure for them. This is a big deal for our students. It is appreciated.”

Speaking in response to the speeches, one camper explained, “For me, it’s a breath of fresh air, literally. It’s like a place that you dream of where you get to meditate on your life.”

Another camper expressed appreciation for the opportunity “to get away from the noise in the classroom and be able to clear your thoughts”, noting, “When you have time to consider and think about your life and your actions carefully, it can help you in your everyday life”.

Acknowledging the students as the day’s most special guests, JCDT Executive Director David Walters reflected on how at nine years old, a similar outdoors experience transformed his appreciation for the benefits of nature on mental health and well-being, and love for the Holywell Recreation Area.

“I can attest to the magical space that we have here. Take it in. Immerse yourself in the nature, the trails and the trees … it’s good for you. We’re really happy to have you here, and we’re really proud of the Mountain Quest initiative so far.”

A total of 10 day camps are being implemented under the project, each hosting 50 students and teachers from primary and secondary education institutions in Kingston, St Andrew and Clarendon. The camps will run until September 2024.