Camp where fun and learning go hand in hand.

Located at the Pembroke Community Club, the camp accommodates Primary one to Primary seven level students with special emphasis on children who are entering primary school for the first time, according to camp director Senator Neletha Butterfield.

The camp runs daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. throughout the summer. Morning activities are academic and afternoons are set aside for fun, said Sen.

Butterfield.

Children start every day with prayer. "It's the most important thing we do in the camp. Every morning, the children form a circle. We say a prayer and talk about what's been happening in the camp. And we don't let anything slip by,'' she said. "We also reward the children for their good deeds.'' Students take lessons in mathematics, English, comprehension, spelling and problem solving every morning. They attend computer classes three times a week.

Said Sen. Butterfield: "I don't advise children to take computer classes all day every day so we plan the classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

"Mondays and Fridays are saved for outings and swim days,'' she said.

But computers are omnipresent tools in the camp because even the math and writing skills are taught via computers, which also analyse each child's academic level and performance.

The software programme is set up so that students cannot move on until they become masters of the previous level, said Sen. Butterfield.

The state-of-the-art interactive computer equipment offers students a multi-cultural programme, she added. "Students are exposed to everyday life of other children around the world through the computer software.

"We try to put fun and learning together -- the computers help us do that,'' she said.

Afternoon camp activities include arts and crafts, sports, swimming, movies and reading in the park.

"We usually go on outings to places like Fort St. Catherine, the Biological Station and the Aquarium,'' said Sen. Butterfield.

"Last year, we took the kids on a bus ride to Dockyard and visited Sparky's.

We also had a Kentucky Fried Chicken day and visited the glass blowing site.'' As well, the camp holds two Sports Days each summer where parents come and watch their children compete in fun sporting events.

"It's important to keep up a student's academics during the holiday so when they go back to school, they are prepared to work. This camp strives to keep the kids' minds open and active,'' said Sen. Butterfield.

CARE Summer Computer camp accepts about 85 students each summer on a first-come, first-serve basis. Minimum enrolment time in the camp is two weeks but most kids come for the duration, noted Sen.Butterfield.

"It usually fills up by May so it's best to apply as soon as possible.'' COMPUTER CAMP -- Children learn computer skills at the CARE Summer Computer Camp.