Sixty Jamaican students and their teachers were last week treated to a day of fun at Beaches Ocho Rios which they termed a “priceless trip of a lifetime”.

The youngsters, who received the special treat as part of Sandals Resorts International Chairman Gordon “Butch” Stewart’s annual Community Outreach Programme, were drawn from Watsonton, Mineral Heights, Mitchell Town, Salt Savannah and Green Park primary schools in Clarendon; and Gregory Park Basic, Gregory Park Primary, Independence City Primary, Cedar Grove Academy, and Naggo Head Primary in St Catherine.

“It was an experience that they will never forget,” noted Richard Williams, a teacher from Gregory Park Primary, who accompanied the students. “They couldn’t stop talking about the wonderful time they had at the resort and the way the staff took care of their every need.”

Williams lauded Stewart for what he described as the wonderful initiative of opening the doors of his hotels to students who otherwise would not have been able to afford such an experience.

His counterpart, Malika Bailey from Green Park Primary School, said the effort was indeed a noble one and the teachers felt very moved to be a part of the special trip

“I had so much fun. It was a very nice day and I loved the way the staff treated us and all the wonderful food I was able to eat,” said Abbigaye Cole of Watsonton Primary. “The staff at the resort are so friendly and there was so much to do.”

Maria Wellington from Mitchell Town Primary agreed. “This trip has been something special. I had a great time, especially at the Water Park,” she said. “It was also fun meeting the Sesame Street characters and the staff made us feel on top of the world. When I go back to school I will tell my classmates at my new school about the wonderful trip at Beaches and I definitely want to come back.”

The Pirate’s Island water park and the pool, plus the wide variety of foods were favourites among the children. Some also spent time playing video games, while others just relaxed on the pool deck or rode the slides. Some participated in a number of games with the resort’s entertainment team.

While most of the children and teachers enjoyed themselves at the pool area, eating burgers at the grill, serving themselves ice cream, popcorn and soda, some of the teachers lounged in the rooms and enjoyed a well-earned rest from their normal stressful routines.

General Manager Brian Roper, who welcomed the special guests, said he was delighted to host them. he also said the joy on their faces as they enjoyed the facilities was priceless to him as well. “We were happy to show the kids the wonderful facilities here are at the hotel. Our team members made fast friends with the kids, who encouraged us with open hearts and great smiles. Everyone had a blast and we know they will take back special memories,” Roper said.