National Summer Camp 2026: Preparations Well Advanced

Preparations for the 2026 National Summer Camps are well advanced and according to Minister of State with responsibility for Youth and Culture, Senator Shane Archer, there are several initiatives that the team has successfully put in place for this year.

Among the highlights for 2026 are the inclusion of a stipend for volunteers, an expanded programme for campers through new partnerships, the expansion of government and private security services and the inclusion of a Spanish immersive programme in partnership with the Embassies of Columbia, Cuba and Venezuela.

“This is not simply a programme to occupy young people throughout the summer vacation. We must view this as an investment in our young people. Campers will be exposed to an expanded curriculum that includes financial literacy, emotional regulation, STEM, agriculture, heritage, cultural arts, online safety, health and wellness, sports and life skills. We are also introducing a Spanish immersion programme, thanks to the support of the Ambassador [of Colombia]”, Senator Archer stated.

Ambassador of Colombia, Her Excellency Elizabeth Inés Taylor Jay, spoke enthusiastically about Colombia’s involvement in the 2026 National Summer Camps.

“We firmly believe that young people are powerful agents of change and we are very delighted to share the Colombian experience, but also [to] have the opportunity to share our language which [has] traditions, values and culture attached to it” she stated.

At present, the National Summer Camp Programme has over 1,900 registered campers. Registration will close on July 6, 2026. The programme will run from July 13 to August 21.

The Division of Youth and Culture extends sincere gratitude to the many valued partners whose contributions have made the National Summer Camp 2026 possible, including the Ministry of Educational Transformation, the Ministry of Energy and Business, the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Embassies of Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba, UNICEF, Republic Bank, CIBC Caribbean, Mango Bay Group Inc., the National Transformation Initiative, Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation, Save Soil, the National Heritage Department and GovTech Barbados Ltd.