Kidznet all the way with Auntie Alice

During the summer holidays the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex is a haven for a multitude of youngsters enrolled in the Kidznet Summer Camp. It began three years ago under the direction of Alice Lynch better known as Auntie Alice.
Kidznet is the brain child of Lynch—a former national netball player and member of Club Champions Elite Strikers. Kidznet was created out of a desire to have netball  sessions for primary school students.

“I decided to develop netball in the primary schools because at that time nothing much was being done when it came to netball at that level,” said Lynch. “One Saturday in June 2009, I held my first session and 229 children took part. I continued every Saturday and when school closed decided to have a summer camp.”
It was the beginning of things to come. That first summer camp which took place at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex attracted 239 participants.  The summer camp was followed by a Christmas Camp and Easter Camp which continue to this day.
Again this year, Lynch is back at it with a membership of 260 boys and girls ranging in age from two to 16.
“The kids really enjoy the camp,” said Lynch. It’s a lot of work. I normally do the public relations by going to different schools, then put my teachers in place to ensure we know our responsibilities so things run smoothly.”
Besides the director the staff consists of Noelita Tench, Nowella Richardson, Roxanne Snyder, Verkessa St Brice, Kezia Gustave, Herna Dijon, Christy Alexander, Liota Charlemagne, Sophia Gerson, Adela Arthur, Jackie Williams, Kimberly Charlemagne and Natalie Augustin.
Kidznet incorporates sports such as netball, basketball, football, volleyball and cricket. In addition there are excursions and field trips to places like Caribbean Cinemas, Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre and St Lucia Country Life. But don’t get me wrong. This camp is much more than just recreational activities. Throughout the week there are educational sessions by professionals dealing with a variety of issues that affect young people. Some of the topics so far included Motivation and Success, Sports not Drugs or Crime, Bad Touch Good Touch, Nutrition and Eating Healthy, Dental Hygiene and Peer Pressure.
On Wednesday the guest speaker was Pastor Andrew Queto who gave a very informative session on Obedience. He repeatedly told his young listeners “obedience is the key to success in life.”
With the growing popularity of the camp and encouragement from parents, Aunty Alice is considering expanding to the South. After that, don’t be surprised if one day Kidznet goes international. She’s counting on it!