Summer Camp at Button Bay

Treasure Beach Forum: TB Runnin's: Summer Camp at Button Bay
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Button Bay on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 01:40 pm: Edit Post

summercamp


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ... on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 07:20 pm: Edit Post

wow..expensive!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By cooyah on Friday, June 10, 2011 - 09:04 pm: Edit Post

Hi I have a couple of question. Is this a day camp? And is it the same camp organized by the lady named Jeanne?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 07:18 am: Edit Post

The summer camp run by Jeanne Genus is affiliated with and held at the Treasure Beach Women's Group.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jeannieb on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 07:29 am: Edit Post

I saw one of the day trips is a visit to the Lacovia Zoo. Can anyone share more info on that? I never knew there was a zoo in Jamaica.

Is it for conservation and/or abandoned animals (like the Belize zoo) or private collection? I might be interested in visiting next vacation.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By cooyah on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 10:05 am: Edit Post

Thank you, and does anyone know if this an overnight camp or day camp?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By One Love on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 08:43 am: Edit Post

with respect....

Sorry to say that I doubt any local Jamaican children will be able to attend ..... when there is little to eat $750US for a week at summer camp is a fantasy...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gladys Finlason on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 02:12 pm: Edit Post

This is a camp being put on by professional people at Button Bay. Yes some will not be able to afford it but there are a lot that can.

It is a camp being held for 6 nights and 7 days. So it is an overnight camp. Three tours, lots of food for them to eat and good association. This is by no means a fantasy. How many of the local chidren go to camps anyhow?

The zoo in Lacovia is a real zoo with monkeys, lions, etc. It is owned and operated by a family from Mandeville.

US$750.00 per child for 6 nights all inclusive. To have all what we are providing is not a bad cost. We have done all the research very thoroughly. There will be 1 Counselor to 3 children. The accommodation is great. There will a kids fitness program run by a professional Yoga and personal trainer as well as bon fires on the beach.

Why are some people so negative, We all have to survive. I have always had pride in what I do and do it well. Thank you.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mnken on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 01:33 pm: Edit Post

Hey that sounds like fun! Any way that you could extend the age limit to 52? I can be very childish at times.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Button Bay Beach Getaway on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 02:11 pm: Edit Post

ooops, forgot to say that this camp is not affiliated with a woman named Jeanne.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Button Bay Beach Getaway on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 02:09 pm: Edit Post

Hi everyone, Thank you for your questions, comments and concerns.
Although the price tag looks a little high, the events that are happening within these weeks are huge.
It is an overnight camp, there will be at least 1 counselor per 3 children. We are taking them on three tours, hiring artists and entertainers. They are staying right here in hotel rooms with great food and lots and lots to do.
To do this much, we can't do it any less expensive.
Doesn't mean we can't do something different at a later date more affordable for those that can't participate in this. Any ideas? Please email Kim at Buttonbay@comcast.net Love to hear from you.
www.Buttonbayjamaica.com


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By It is a good idea on Saturday, June 11, 2011 - 07:06 pm: Edit Post

This is actually a great idea for foreign or Jamaican families who want to put their children in summer camp. The parents can come stay somewhere else in Treasure Beach and know their children are being looked after while they enjoy their own summer vacation. It does seem to cost a lot, but in fact is very reasonable by some foreign standards. Any business of this type should be welcomed and promoted because it will inject money into our local economy.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By postive on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 05:07 am: Edit Post

I think Summer Camp is a great idea and will give the children a chance to experience a special time.

My time at Summer camp many years ago still is a vivid memory.
It was not a fancy camp and we all chipped in doing chores, but the experience was unforgettable.

No, not everyone can afford the price but compared to many camps it is a reasonable cost considering all that is offered.

Button Bay is always trying to come up with new ideas and I think that is a wonderful way to be in this community.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By NAL on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 02:08 pm: Edit Post

How about adding a Fort Charles Beach cleanup? Teach the kids a little eco-pride.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MeDatAgain on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 08:51 am: Edit Post

Gladys,
no matter WHAT you do there will be people to criticize.

I can let you know from personal experience, even doing a camp for local children for free, you will have complainers and people who have negative things to say.

I think this is a wonderful idea- full of activities.

"One Love"-
Not alot of locals can eat lunch at Jakes or have a relaxing weekend at Mar Blue, or even the cheapest guesthouse in Treasure Beach for that matter...

Rather than trying to find fault, how about looking at the positive- Gladys has a creative way of bringing MORE NEW business into the district- this will have a positive effect.

I may not be able to afford it for my children, but there are plenty of people both ayaad and abroad who can- so big her up.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By One Love on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 09:27 am: Edit Post

My comment was not meant as an attack or a negative put down.

I agree that camp is a great experience for youth and can certainly help build character and make life long friends.

My remark was meant to remind us of the struggle that many residents are having in Treasure Beach at this time with rising costs and nuting goin on....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By US parent on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 09:29 am: Edit Post

In a community where most parents have trouble earning enough to send their children to basic, primary and high school, I find it difficult to believe a lot of local families will be able to afford $750 for five days of summer camp. As I understand it, this amount is about what it costs for a year of out of pocket costs for primary school and less than half of what it costs to send a student to high school. This is one reason the scholarship program is so important to Treasure Beach. Some have suggested this could be affordable for well to do Jamaicans and possibly some tourists. I do hope it ends up being a success and would like to know if enrollment is sufficient to make this happen.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gladys on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 07:24 pm: Edit Post

Hi Nal,
As we speak we are in the process and have already collected 25 bags of garbage and will continue to do so. Thanks for the idea.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Never bored on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 04:39 am: Edit Post

To: One Love

Your words
"the struggle that many residents are having in Treasure Beach at this time with rising costs and nuting going on"

Sad those words, as never have I been thwarted by lack of money or expecting to be provided with things to do. There is a neverending amount of things to discover and to do, right here.

Can I suggest that parents try to be more creative with their children and both spend time doing things that do not cost any money, or are cheap, yet a learning experience for both parties. There are many many things to do around TB that would not only enhance one's life experience, bond parent and child, but be of help to the community too.

Maybe its time to "get out of the box" and get excited in discovering new: whatever that may be.

Money does not always provide that.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By treasure girl on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 02:45 pm: Edit Post

The Ocean View Bible Camp has been around for many years. The same accommodations are offered, with Bible classes field day etc..most children could afford to go, and children from all over attended..does anyone remember those days...man I met so many people at this camp...


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Interesting Fact on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 08:42 am: Edit Post

Interesting fact: The average fee for residential (sleepover) camp in the U.S. for the summer of 2011 is $537.71/week. This is for eight days and seven nights. There are many that are less expensive and many that are more expensive. Thus the Button Bay camp is expensive even by U.S. standards and pricing.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tourist from Europe on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 12:23 pm: Edit Post

Hi!Summer Camp is a very very good idea!!!Especially the date 17-23 July...it's during the same time like Sumfest.I could actually go off and enjoy Reggae Sumfest without having to worry about my son being bored,'cause I know his in good hands and taken care off and his also having 5 creative,fun filled days.I could do that with a clear conscience! It's a pity that i already made arrangements for july but i really hope that you'll offer summer camp also next year.I will definitely send my son to camp next year!Please could you post some picture after summer camp took place.thanks


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Canada opinion on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 06:48 pm: Edit Post

I think that some of the comments are just honest questions about cost. I am a single parent, and I have to pay for camps for my daughter for all of the summer except 3 weeks that I take off with her. I am in Canada, and all of her day camps (9 hours per day including all outings and bus trips) are $200-$225. CAD per week, her one week at a sleepover camp including all food and activities and a 1 counsellor for each 4 children ratio is $265 CAD for the week. I think this is a great idea, but also agree that it must be geared to affluent out of town jamaican families, or affluent ex-pat tourists who want their kids to be somewhere whle they are somewhere else. I lived in Billy's Bay and Frenchman for a number of years, and built a house for a life there, and know that none of my family there could afford that price for a week let alone a year of care for their children. I am just wondering like many others, what client base you are attracting with this price tag? And how the families and children in the surrounding community feel about seeing a fancy camp in their quiet neighbourhood doing all this fantastic stuff that they themselves could only dream of doing??

I don't think anyone here is critisizing this idea, more wondering who it is geared towards, and why there maybe couldn't be a cheaper, day camp option for the local children to participate in with less bells and whistles and perhaps lower salaried staff to make it affordable..stuff with cooking, sewing, art, sports, swimming and other "regular" camp stuff.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By MeDatAgain on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 07:58 pm: Edit Post

Nuttin NAW GWAN.

Hear this so much.

When you hear this over and over and are living this you have to start thinking outside the box and Mek something gwan.

Exactly what Gladys is trying to do.

Nuttin naw gwan because of many factors, some local, some global. Many in tourism are aware that it is the more well off who are still able to travel. So those catering to that market may be able to make something happen a bit easier than those catering to the middle income or low income traveller.

If fishing and farming are not working and feeding the family it is time to look into other options....

When you have alot of mouths to feed sometime you have to make things gwan or nothing na gwan.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Perspective on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 06:47 pm: Edit Post

The sleepover camp I attended as a boy currently charges USD$1000 per week.
I think it is fair for the value they are offering.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By blackberry on Sunday, June 12, 2011 - 08:31 am: Edit Post

I am a Jamaican and i some how think $750 is way too expensive. the cost of the zoo is only $600 (JA)for kids and $1100 for adults and Appleton tour cost just a little more i checked some of the tour prices yesterday and i wasn't so expensive. [edited by TB.Net]


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 10:15 pm: Edit Post

Canada Opinion you make agood point,(cheaper, day camp option for the local children to participate in with less bells and whistles and perhaps lower salaried staff to make it affordable..stuff with cooking, sewing, art, sports, swimming and other "regular" camp stuff). So when are you getting started? Maybe you could volunteer as one of those "lower salaried staff" to keep the costs down. Something tells me they are not exactly overpaid. Everyone always has all these great ideas while sitting on the couch eating their potato chips. And you say "I have to pay for camps for my kids". Have to? Really? Next I am probably going to hear that Mickey Mouse and Disney World should do things too! Bottom line is if people cannot afford something, too bad! Why don't all you people complaining about an alternative create one? If you look at the activities and the cost of those activities, from transportation to food to YS Falls and Black River etc...these folks are not getting rich. Art, cooking and sewing? Tell me how many kids are going to lay awake at night in anticipation of that! Sounds to me like sour grapes. People try to think outside the box and come up with something special and they get slammed. Button Bay, very nice job.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tourist from Europe on Monday, June 13, 2011 - 11:44 pm: Edit Post

Instead of criticizing or lets call it badminding why don't those who think it's too pricey,run your own day camp!Of course sleep over camps are more expensive but it's worth the amount of money...there are lots of things included!Summer Camp is always a nice idea to keep the kids busy during long holidays!And I'm sure there are parents that can afford sleep over camp.And for those who can't,day Camp would be a good option/solution.So stop hating on people who come up with brilliant ideas and go open a day camp.There are enough kids in Treasure Beach that need to be occupied during summer.And there are enough parents that would choose either sleep over camp or day camp.Thumbs up for Button Bay Beach Getaway for not only coming up with such a good idea but also putting it into action.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By yawn on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - 11:05 am: Edit Post

Whose business is this anyway? Button Bay posts info, and if we don't like it don't buy it. Free market.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By electric on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - 02:19 pm: Edit Post

who pays the electric bill from Gladys?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fred Ricard on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - 09:59 pm: Edit Post

In a perfect world any child who wished to attend summer camp would if their family could afford the fees. I propose that if funds could be found that a number children would be able to attend Button Bay's camp that can not afford it. I am not soliciting for funds but for ideas that could make this a reality for those of less means.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Nicole/JamaicaEscapes on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 - 04:31 pm: Edit Post

Great idea Gladys/Button Bay, I hope it is a success and can happen again.

I look forward to seeing pictures.

I agree with mnken...sounds like a fun time.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Camp on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 - 06:14 pm: Edit Post

First you need not to compare it with Jeanne Summer Camp, were the children go home everiday, and come back next day, and she get some donations for that.
Real Summer Camp is not an easy thing, kids can eat, and for what I know, Button Bay is a nice place to stay in Fort Charles, on the BEACH. I would like to go....


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By a mi on Thursday, June 16, 2011 - 09:24 am: Edit Post

Its sad and disappointing to hear people say that Button bay will have summer camp and the locals cant afford to attend and "nuting nah go on" in treasure beach.
First of all, the fact that "nuttin nah go on" in TB is not the fualt of Button Bay. There is plenty to do here - and it does not cost a lot to be entertained on many levels. If one is bored that is something that no one else can solve.
Hello, I would like to drive a BMW but I can't afford to so I drive what I can afford. Does that mean that Button bay and the car dealers should lower their prices to accommodate my pocket and wants?
NO. They are a business and in these challenging times they are trying to do something out of the box to keep the hotel alive and going, so they can pay staff and cover expenses.
Why do some people have such disrespect for those who can think out of the box and who move forward however they can, without robbing anyone. Seems we have respect for those who rob over those trying honestly to make a living.
As I said before - SAD


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Van on Friday, June 17, 2011 - 04:25 pm: Edit Post

The pictures each year of the children at the TBWG summer camp are always a joy. It looks like great fun and it's good to have something planned for them. The day camp deserves our support.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Button Bay Beach Getaway on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 12:41 pm: Edit Post

To all our new friends and old friends.
We are sorry to say that our Summer Camp will be cancelled.
Unless, there is someone out there that would like to come and run it for us????????? :-)
We have recently just lost the young woman that was going to head this up for us. Thank you to everyone who were supporting this huge endeavor. Our plan is to make this SUMMER CAMP happen for sure next year. So keep watching....
Button Bay Beach Getaway


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Been there and done that on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 04:55 pm: Edit Post

Button Bay, I am sorry. We see too much of this happening in Treasure Beach. Meaning people committing to something and bailing out or doing a half baked job or plain giving up in frustration.