By Leandra Kent
The School of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (CES) hosted its dynamic five-week Summer Camp program from Monday, June 9, 2025, to Friday, July 11, 2025. A total of 64 campers attended at the Orville Kean Campus on St. Thomas, while 34 campers attended the Sunny Isle Baptist Church on St. Croix. The program offered a well-rounded blend of academic, agricultural, cultural, and recreational activities, supporting youth development through hands-on learning and community engagement.
Activities for campers included academic enrichment such as math and science workshops, culinary arts with hands-on cooking classes, nutrition education through interactive sessions, arts and crafts to foster creativity, technology workshops to enhance digital skills,
agriculture with farm visits and gardening, hiking to explore the natural beauty of the islands, environmental exploration to learn about local ecosystems, cultural learning through traditional dance and music classes, and more.
The Virgin Islands Police Department and the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services visited and provided interactive experiences and safety demonstrations. Through CES’s leadership and strong community partnerships, which included local businesses, cultural institutions, and government agencies, campers enjoyed an unforgettable summer that was filled with learning, discovery, culture, and fun. This strong community support fostered a sense of connection and collaboration within the community, making the program a true community effort.
“The summer camp this year continued to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting meaningful youth development and community engagement,” said Mr. Stafford Crossman, Associate Director, UVI School of Agriculture CES. “The success of the program reflects the efforts of our dedicated staff, coordinators, and counselors, along with the invaluable
support of the parents and, most importantly, the enthusiastic participation of the campers. We commend all who contributed and thank them all for their involvement.”
Visit the UVI School of Agriculture website to view current events, programs, and workshops at soa.uvi.edu. Follow the UVI School of Agriculture on social media platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, Blogspot, and LinkedIn.
