There can be no better tribute to the memory of the late Arthur Egel (Teacher Art), founder of Camp Be Aware, than to keep his pet environmental club actively functioning fourteen years after his passing.
That is faithfully being done by Ms Linda Gratton who worked closely with him from almost the inception of the club. Now that schools have closed, for the summer vacation, Ms Gratton, assisted by a number of young leaders, began yet another two-week camp on Monday this week.
It is being attended by many children from the public and private primary schools with sponsorship from a number of businesses throughout the island.
“This is our fourteenth consecutive year and we are going to some of our perennial favourities,” she told The Anguillian. “These include Scilly Cay, the Pump House and the salt ponds. We will also visit the Reverse Osmosis Plant at CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa and will do a beach clean-up [at the Cove]”. She also said that there would be greater emphasis on other areas such as reading on pertinent subjects.
“Funding is one of the biggest issues but our sponsors make Camp Be Aware happen every year,” she went on. “There have been generous contributions this year from Social Security, Apex, Straw Hat, Blue Sea, Anacaona Hotel, Cap Juluca, CuisinArt, Elmoalis, the Great House, Anguilla Air Services, MAICO and NAGICO (which provide insurance for all the children during the camp), Tackle Box, Eagle Nest and so many more. They really admire the work that we are doing…and we hope to put these children on a good path.”
Ms Gratton is being assisted by a number of young people who were early members of the club. They include Jervorni Lloyd, her “right hand” assistant who, along with the others, are actively involved in all sessions of the camp.
“I inherited the job [of running the camp] after Teacher Art passed away in 2008,” Ms Gratton added. “He laid a very strong foundation and some very great contacts. I came in the year 2000 and I have been with Camp Be Aware for thirteen years and probably the longest standing member.”
