Another lucky set of the nation’s youth will get the opportunity to explore the different facets of Antigua and Barbuda’s ecological resources and agriculture, while fostering responsible environmental stewardship.

Launched recently, Camp GROW (Gaining a Respect for the Outdoors and our World), a partnership between The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) of Antigua & Barbuda, and the Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development (GARD) Centre, once again received the financial backing of the Sandals Foundation for the fourth consecutive year.

Speaking at the launch, General Manager of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa Gaurav Sindhi used the opportunity to call on the young campers to learn all they can during the programme.

“Sandals and the Sandals Foundation take pride in the environment. We believe in preserving it for our future generation and Camp GROW is that place where the very young people will be able to gain the necessary skills to help in sustaining our natural resources.”

Executive Director of the GARD Center Roberta Williams noted that if it were not for the Sandals Foundation and other support groups, Camp Grow would not be the success it is today.

“We wish to thank the Sandals team for supporting our efforts throughout the years. This programme has brought together two of the oldest non-governmental organisations together to impact our young people in a very big way and we have sponsors like the Sandals Foundation to thank for that.”

Both the GARD Center and EAG with the assistance from the Sandals Foundation will again bring together more than 40 children between ages of eight to 12 from around Antigua & Barbuda for ten days to cultivate an appreciation for, and an understanding of the natural environment and its links to healthy and sustainable communities.

For additional information about Camp GROW, or to view photos and a media presentation on last year’s camp, please visit www.eagantigua.org and www.gardc.org/camp-grow, or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalAwarenessGroup).