Nutrition Camp Gives Children Recipe For Healthier Living

Campers who took part in this year’s Nutrition Summer Camp at the Springer Memorial School are now more knowledgeable about preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The camp, which was held by the National Nutrition Centre (NNC) for children nine to 13 years old, set the stage for onsite nutrition education which was intended to help the participants have an appreciation of the importance of good nutrition.  The nutrition sessions focused on topics such as the Caribbean food groups, the food nutrients, NCD prevention and food label reading.

Children toured a supermarket to reinforce concepts on label reading. The department procured culinary support services from Happy Plates to facilitate four onsite practical sessions. Children were also given hands-on experience in preparing beverages made with less added sugar and wholesome ingredients. They were introduced to strategies for adding vegetables to commonly prepared food options (such as cheese spread, macaroni pie and pizza). Local cassava flour was also introduced into baked goods, and other foods such as nuts, seeds, and peas featured in some recipes.

The National Nutrition Centre revisited an older model for structuring camp activities featuring a multidisciplinary approach in the delivery of sessions. This shift resulted in the reintroduction of seed tray preparation (with assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture), a dental health session (with assistance from the Dental Department, Ministry of Health and Wellness – MHW), fire safety (the Barbados Fire Service), a session on personal/environmental hygiene (facilitated by the Environmental Health Department, MHW), a gym tour (supported by the National Sports Council) and a session directed at preventing substance abuse by the National Council on Substance Abuse.

Other supportive sessions and activities included a tour to Peg Farm, one-hour physical activity sessions, and a mental health session by representatives from the Psychiatric Hospital.

The camp recently ended with a closing ceremony, and parents and other visitors had an opportunity to view displays of the children’s work and sample some of the dishes featured in the practical sessions. During the address, campers were encouraged to practice what they learnt, and to share the information with their friends and family.

Nutrition Officer at the NNC, Glencill Taylor, encouraged parents and guardians to support their children as they seek to implement what they have learnt. They were also encouraged to model and practice healthy living at home by making healthy foods available, growing some of the foods needed, encouraging physical activity, and making water the beverage of choice.

Ms. Taylor urged parents and guardians to read food labels to support their children. Overall, attendees were encouraged to practice making healthy food choices, and to make healthful living their policy for life.

MHW

Author:  Government of Barbados

Published: August 05, 2026