The island’s “fragmented” summer camp system has fallen short in catering to special needs children, the youth minister has said.

Tinée Furbert said summers should be a time of joy and growth for children.

She added: “However, for too many families, this season brings an added challenge — the struggle to find summer programmes that welcome and accommodate children with special needs.

“As a community, we must do better.”

Ms Furbert said that inclusion “must not be an afterthought” but a priority in the planning and execution of summer camps, school break camps and other youth programmes.

She said parents of special needs children struggled to find options outside of the summers, including school breaks.

“Too often, they encounter camps that are unequipped, staff that lack necessary training and, in many cases, outright rejection when attempting to enrol their child,” she said.

“Children with special needs deserve the same opportunities to learn, play and thrive as every other child. When we embrace inclusion, all children benefit.”

Ms Furbert called on camp organisers to examine ways of broadening their programmes, and urged those with training in supporting children with special needs to explore ways of contributing expertise.

She added: “Help is available. The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors is eager to collaborate with interested organisations to provide training and guidelines that will equip staff with the necessary skills to foster inclusive environments.”

Appointments can be booked with officials at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation website.