For many parents finding activities which are both educational and fun during the long summer holiday can be a challenge. Luckily, each year many local organizations set out to provide options through various camp programs.
In keeping with their commitment to education, conservation and preservation of the local environment, the Keep Grand Bahama Clean (KGBC) Committee will visit local camps to spread the message of keeping the island clean.
“We had the idea to partner with organizers of various camps and asked them to host our KGBC team, allowing us the platform to reach young people through our fun, interactive puppet show,” said Olethea Gardiner, Co-Chair of the KGBC.
Back in 2010 KGBC created and introduced puppet show characters designed to spread the message of environmental stewardship and encourage young people to protect the environment.
Centered around relevant environmental topics, the skit features three characters: Lisa, Candice and Chris. Chris, the most mischievous of the three, is featured on the billboard and TV campaigns ‘Stop Likin Nastiness’.
As the ‘oldest’ of the three characters Lisa does her best to teach her younger counterparts the importance of keeping our environment clean, explaining in an easy to understand way, the significant impact that pollution can have on Grand Bahama and all who live there.
“We first featured Chris on our ‘stop liking nastiness’ posters as children responded well to him from the various puppet shows and television PSAs” said Gardiner. “We work with a group of very gifted puppeteers who has really helped bring each of the characters to life and relates well with the children.”
During the show, campers are taught a special pledge to keep their environment clean by not littering and using a bin to put it in. So far, the team has visited ‘I Can Camp’ at the Kevin G. Tomlinson Academy as well as ‘Camp Ambrose’ at Mary Star of the Sea school.
Over the next few weeks they will visit various camps including the Salvation Army Camp, where they will be assisted by their community partners from the Royal Bahamas Police and Fire Departments.
Camp Organizers interested in having the puppet show visit their camps can contact the KGBC Committee by visiting their social media at https://www.facebook.com/keepgbclean/ for more information or calling Ms. Gardiner at 350-9158.
