In 2007 a group of concerned Harbour Island citizens joined their resources and like minds to give children in their community an exciting summer. The team of novice, but dedicated instructors staged an ambitious showcase of talent in drama, music and dance while paying attention to the academic needs of the students for the upcoming school year.
Space to Create, an organization headed by William Simmons of Harbour Island, is focused on community building, environmental responsibility and social consciousness and justice. The group has grown in size, experience and professional training with teachers, artists and community builders from around The Bahamas and internationally who were invited to be instructors at the eighth version of the camp.
"Starting a project is easy; maintaining and developing it over time is the real challenge. Returning each year to inspire and empower our kids is the true value of Space to Create," said Simmons, the camp's director. "Campers can depend not only on the fact that camp will happen each year, but also that it will be even better than the year before. These diverse and talented [instructors] have brought an outlet that many children can only dream of and the best is yet to come," he said.
The non-profit organization consists of four disciplines -- Space to Create, which focuses on developing and nurturing the artistic abilities and interests of students in music, dance, drama, photography or art; Space to Learn, which centers on academics and prepares students for the upcoming school year in mathematics and English studies, and Space to Taste and Space to Explore which teach students the importance of environmental conservation and protection within the context of the unique marine environment of Harbour Island and expose students interested in the culinary field to a fun and interactive, hands-on experience in the kitchen.
As most of the counsellors are young but have been practicing in their specific fields for a number of years, the Space to Create Summer Program allows counsellors the opportunity to hone their skills and learn new ones over the two weeks.
"Space to Create is more than just a camp. It's a space to dream and a space to defy the limits of your circumstance. Each student comes with their own unique background and I have learned not to paint every student with the same brush and how to be more tolerant of differences," said music instructor Donovan Bowe.
This year, Space to Create focused on illuminating the unique qualities of each child under the theme "Shine Your Light". Whether it involved academics, science, drama or visual arts, students were encouraged to find the light that resides inside of them and given the space to let it shine.
At the end of two weeks, the Space to Create campers staged a variety show shedding light on some of the social issues and problems affecting the world and the Harbour Island community.
In a thought-provoking and engaging display, parents got to see what their children had done at camp; for most parents, the show revealed a different side to their children.
"I enjoyed the variety show from beginning to end. It was so great seeing my son on stage acting and being himself. Space to Create has built his self esteem," said Denise Riley. "On stage, he's not ashamed of being shorter than everyone else. He's just free. This is a wonderful program and there should be a Space to Create for parents so that everyone becomes more involved in our community and the upbringing of our children," she said.
As Space to Create grows, it is hoped that a new generation of critical thinkers and conscious community builders would be reached through the camp's efforts making for a better community in Harbour Island and ultimately The Bahamas.
"The mission of Space to Create is to empower children and communities. Ultimately the whole experience is about hope and optimism. Every person should walk away from our camp feeling inspired and equipped to shine just a little brighter," said Simmons.

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