A special camp being offered this summer aims to help girls find their inner beauty and strength.

The Mind, Body and Soul (MBS) camp is being offered by Keisha Allen Smith who runs Target Learning. Target provides tutorial services when school is in session. MBS will be introducing girls ages 12 to 16 to yoga, meditation and healthy living and also nature in Bermuda.

“We want to empower our girls and to give them some tools and resources to help them now and in the future,” said Mrs Allen. “We will also be introducing the Ashay rights of passage programme that was developed by Melodye Micere Van Putten. “Each week we will be focusing on an Ashay objective.”

Ashay objectives include helping the girls to see that they are valuable and have genius; seeing their history and culture as sources of inspiration and learning, and growing in character in preparation for a successful life, among other things.

“This is the first time we have done this camp,” said Mrs Smith. “The yoga portion will be exposing them to different forms of yoga, mostly kemetic yoga, but also some expressive yoga as well. We will also be introducing them to the chakra system and the different energies that different crystals provide.”

Mrs Smith said the idea is to help the girls tap into their inner voices, and help them block out negative distractions. They will be creating vision boards to help them set their purposes and goals.

“We want them to realise that success comes from within,” said Mrs Smith. “The world is so busy around us, sometimes we need to just be still.”

At $130 per week the camp is reasonably priced compared to some summer camps in Bermuda that can range from $350 to $390 a week, but Mrs Smith said some parents still struggle to pay the fees. For that reason, Target is looking for sponsors in the community to help some of the girls experience the summer camp.

“We are reaching out to anyone who would like to make a difference in a girls’ life,” said Mrs Smith. “At the end of the camp we are hoping that the girls will have renewed self confidence within themselves, and feel enriched and empowered. They can face life knowing that they are in control.”

She was hoping the programme would grow, and she is considering adding a girls’ club to Target’s tutorial offerings during the school year.

The MBS camp will be held from June 30 to July 25 from 8.30am to 3pm at Francis Patton Primary School in Hamilton Parish at $130 per week.

Target is also offering an academic summer fun camp at Francis Patton Primary for girls and boys.

“We have partnered with Francis Patton Primary School to service their students as well as anyone else from the community who would like to attend,” said Mrs Smith. “It is for ages seven to 11 years old. It will run from June 30 to July 25.”

Morning sessions will include academic work such as math and reading. They will also be incorporating some online programmes to help with math and reading. Afternoon activities will focus on nature in Bermuda. Campers will be touring such places as Tom Moore’s Tavern. They will swim in caves and do a little vine swinging on the Southlands Estate in Warwick. Craft activities will also centre around nature.

The academic camp offers several options. Campers can attend just the academic portion from 8.30am to 12pm for $70 per week. They can attend the academic and afternoon camp from 8.30am to 3pm for $130 per week, and there is also after school care until 5.45pm offered for $150 a week. For more information or to register call 334-7145 or e-mail targetsummercamp@gmail.com.