Department of Youth Hosts Successful Easter Camp Across the Turks and Caicos Islands

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION,

YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 22 April 2025: The Department of Youth is proud to announce the successful completion of its annual Easter Camp, held across the islands of the Turks and Caicos from 14 -17 April 2025. This impactful initiative brought together young people from various communities for a week of learning, inspiration, and empowerment.

The Easter Camp was designed with a clear mission: to unite the youth, encourage personal development, and equip them with practical life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. By offering engaging activities and workshops, the Department of Youth aimed to foster an environment of growth, positivity, and purpose, keeping young minds active and away from negative influences during the school break.

“Our goal is always to build strong, confident, and well-rounded individuals who can lead with vision and live with intention,” said Mr. Nixon Dickenson, Acting Director of Youth Affairs. “This camp is one of many programs through which we pour into our youth, giving them tools they can use now and for the rest of their lives.”

Throughout the week, participants took part in sessions focused on personal development, teamwork, financial literacy, health and wellness, and creative arts. Motivational speakers, mentors, and skilled professionals guided the youth through activities that sparked both reflection and action.

The Easter Camp is just one example of the many positive, year-round programmes offered by the Department of Youth, including:

• Annual Summer Camps – Engaging and educational, these camps offer a vibrant mix of sports, arts, career exploration, and cultural activities, providing youth with safe, enriching environments during the summer months.
• Saving Our Boys – A male-focused mentorship and development initiative aimed at empowering young boys to overcome societal pressures and embrace positive identities. With workshops and mentor support, the programme encourages accountability, respect, and goal-setting among male youth.
• National Cadet Corps – A disciplined, military-style program that builds leadership, responsibility, and teamwork in young people. Cadets participate in drills, training camps, and community service, instilling pride, patriotism, and discipline.
• Youth Parliament – An enriching initiative that engages high school and college students in the democratic process. Youth Parliamentarians debate real-world issues, develop public speaking skills, and learn about governance, preparing the next generation of national leaders.
• The National Youth Council – A platform that empowers youth voices and cultivates leadership by involving them in national discussions, advocacy, and youth-focused policy development.

These programmes collectively aim to help young people think positively, act purposefully, and become agents of change within their communities.

Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, stated, “Our youth are the heartbeat of this nation, and it is our duty to nurture their growth, dreams, and potential. I encourage every young person to take full advantage of the camps and programs offered by the Department of Youth. These initiatives are more than just activities; they are stepping stones to leadership, confidence, and lifelong success.”

The Department extends heartfelt thanks to all partners, facilitators, parents, and especially the youth for making the 2025 Easter Camp a resounding success. With initiatives like this, the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands is not only bright, it is in good hands.