two camps for teenagers -- a variety camp and a fashion, dance and drama camp.

But the Ministry saw a need to focus more on teen camps this year, according to The Centre's youth and camping coordinator Mr. Keith Smith. Many parents requested that more activities be available for their teenagers, whose age bracket is not generally well catered to, he said. "Also teens can't get jobs like they used to. And they're often left with little to do in the summer.'' The Centre, a division of the Ministry of Youth, Sport & Rec reation, has therefore organised 11 new Summer Teen Camps this year.

The camps are specialised so that students can concentrate on one skill or a group of related skills, said supervisor of The Centre Mrs. Karen Marshall.

For instance, the "Splash '95'' camp will teach the participants how to water ski, canoe, perform basic first aid and water safety skills.

"Students must be strong swimmers to join this camp but they will come away with a water sports and safety certificate,'' said Mrs. Marshall.

The camps will run from the beginning of July until August 18 and each session will last for one week. Times will vary from two to five hours per day. And most camps will be conducted from The Centre.

Said Mrs. Marshall: "We're trying to offer teens a variety of activities which are set up so they can take a couple at once. Or they can take part in a different camp each week.'' She added that professionals will be instructing the classes. "We are tapping into Bermuda's skills by employing authorities on the various disciplines.

The Summer Teen Camps, which were organised by staff at the Centre, are bound to be popular. A successful programme this summer may lead to even more teen camps next year.