Skills, Junkanoo Art

Participants choose From a variety of skills as diverse as sailing, cooking, woodworking and Junkanoo costume design and building. They can build their own website or study electronics under a mentor. Some will use the skills they develop for hobbies, others as career training. The goal of the skills exercise is to explore strengths and test new waters with direct supervision from industry experts in their area of interest.

From swimming to judo, basketball to dancing, participants Fill their physical recreation requirement and earn credit towards their award level. A point scoring system, with special provisions For the physically challenged, is used. Activities are structured, but non-competitive, geared toward bringing out the personal best in each participant, the goal being not to win, but to succeed.

Hiking, camping, exploration and expeditions are critical components of the Governor General's Youth Award programme. Expeditions teach the art of survival, instill a deep sense of accomplishment and test endurance. The supervised treks allow participants to showcase their leadership skills while bonding with Fellow hikers and learning From group leaders. Before each participant straps on backpacks and heads out on an adventure, they are trained in route planning, map reading, camping skills, safety precautions and first aid. Expeditions are between 15-50 miles depending on the level of award the participant is working toward.

Community Service, Hurricane Relief Effort,
Gregory Town, Eleuthera

In helping others, participants learn about themselves. Teaching a child how to read, repairing a dilapidated house, planting trees in a barren park imbue a lasting commitment to community. Work performed by participants has changed the face of a neighborhood or helped in a crisis. Guided by a stream of programme volunteers, GGYA participants commit hours after school and on weekends, building strong community relations in New Providence, Grand Bahama and throughout the Family islands.

When winds from Hurricane Floyd ripped through Nassau, Eleuthera, Cat Island and Bimini, participants armed with hammers and nails, paint, brushes and determination, pitched in with other volunteers to rebuild homes and restore hope.

More than 8000 young people in The Bahamas have either participated in or are taking part in the programme currently, working toward Bronze, Silver or Gold medals. For everyone of them and for those who are yet to join, the Governor-General's Youth Award opens doors to life, building a generation one success story at a time.