Camp helps boys steer clear of gangs

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27: Youngsters are being equipped with the ‘mental tools’ to steer clear of criminal gangs and lead positive lives at a summer camp with a difference.

More than 50 boys, between the ages of eight and 16, attend the ‘empowerment camp’, organized by anti-gang organization CARTEL, on White’s Island.

The camp involves the usual summer activities of football, swimming and cricket.

But the youngsters are also being taught life-skills including anger management and meditation.

Each day begins with a group discussion of a word or theme. The topics so far have included ‘choices’, the ‘concept of no’, ‘peace’ and ‘violence’.

Pastor Leroy Bean, who runs the group CARTEL — which stands for challenging and reclaiming the true essence of life — said the young men had responded well to the teachings.

He said the aim was to provide positive influences and associations so they would be equipped to resist the temptation of criminal lifestyles and channel their energies in positive activities.

He said his philosophy centered on changing the psyche of individuals, empowering them to make better choices.

“Every day after breakfast we have group discussion. We give them words that are relevant to what is happening in Bermuda We try to explain them and we ask what they understand by those words. The other day we talked to them about the idea of choices, positive and negative. If you don’t make the right choices you get negative results.

“There is a lot of negative behaviour right now in our society which is the result of people making bad choices. We want them to make the right choices and be a positive influence on their society.”

Meditation

The group sessions also involve meditation led by youth counselors.

Pastor Bean said that he and the counselors tried to reinforce the lessons throughout the day.

“If we’re on the football field and someone gets angry and lashes out at one of the other players then we talk to them about what we’ve discussed about anger and peace and making the right choices.”

He said gangs were not inherently good or bad — it was the behaviour and attitude of the individuals that mattered.

“It is not the concept of a gang in itself that is the problem. A gang is just three or more people together. What is more important is the psyche and the philosophy of the individuals. We are trying to relay the message that because you are in a group of people that doesn’t mean you can’t do positive things and have a positive influence on how the group behaves.”

The camp, run by Pastor Bean and Pastor Lyn Landy, also involves practical skills. 

The youngsters have learnt to gut fish for the grill and are developing parts of the island for sustainable agriculture.

Woodworking skills, arts and crafts and other vocational skills will be taught as the camp progresses.

Pastor Landy added: “A lot of these boys are lacking in male role models. We’re trying to teach them some practical skills but also to teach them that within each of us there is a purpose and a destiny.”

Pastor Bean added that talking to young people about issues like gangs and violence was essential.

He said many young boys were hearing about these type of issues in the community anyway and it was better to give them a fuller understanding of the issues.

Carla Basden said she was glad that her 11-year-old son and great nephew were learning ‘life lessons’ at summer camp.

“Fishing and swimming is fun but its not enough anymore. They are learning how to resolve their issues without violence and they are learning about gangs from good people instead of hearing it on the streets.”

Ms Basden said her son had lost his cousin Dekimo ‘Purple’ Martin to gun violence and his brother to a car accident in the past 18 months. She said there had been a separate shooting close to their home in Somerset.

Gangs and guns

“He knows about gangs and guns. He knows what’s going on out there. I think it’s great that Leroy and Pastor Lyn Landy are teaching them about this.”

Nikeisha Swan, whose nine-year-old son Najae attends the camp, added:

“This is the first time anyone has taught him anything about gangs. It is good for him to be exposed to it. He has had some anger issues and I think it is good that he learns where it can lead. I’ve been called into school a few times for his behaviour and different things like that. So far he’s enjoying the camp, he loves the activities and I’m glad they do lesson time and a spiritual component as well as the fun stuff.

“They have given him some suggestions on how he can deal with his anger issues. I’ve noticed a big difference in him so far.”

Nwaomiko Rock, a 15-year-old from Warwick who attends the camp, said he was learning to deal with his own anger issues. He said: “I’m learning about resolving conflict in a non-violent way. Also about learning to say ‘no’. It can be hard sometimes but it will help in the long run.”

Ty-Rique Berkeley, also 15, from St George’s, said the camp was different to other summer camps because it involved young people from all over the island.

“I’m having fun getting to know my peers,” he added.

Maleke Martin, 14, from Sandys, said he was looking forward to catching a fish for the barbecue. He said he had been interested to learn about the concept of ‘good gangs’ and how you could influence a group of people to behave positively.

The camp is free thanks to an anonymous donation. Call Leroy Bean on 799-7972.