The JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation brought ‘amazingness’ to life for hundreds of youth across Jamaica through its sponsorship of 11 transformative summer camps.

With an investment of over $2 million, the foundation created safe, empowering spaces for children and teens to learn, grow, and dream — spanning science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), literacy, special needs support, and environmental education.

Among the stand out initiatives was the SCATE Sustainable Engineering Camp for Teens, hosted at The UWI Faculty of Engineering.

The foundation’s support enabled full participation for 60 at-risk youth, providing meals, transportation, and access to hands-on learning in climate-conscious engineering.

Campers built solar fans, water harvesting systems, and eco-infrastructure models, while engaging with experts and visiting sites like the Soleco Solar Farm, and CEMEX Sustainability Garden.

Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, expressed satisfaction in the impact of this year’s partnerships.

“We are deeply gratified by the outcomes of our summer camp sponsorships. Each programme we supported this year reflects our commitment to nation-building through education, inclusion, and mindset transformation.

“Whether through literacy, STEM, special needs support, or environmental awareness, these camps created safe spaces for young people to explore their potential, build confidence, and connect with purpose. We are honoured to have played a role in empowering Jamaica’s youth and look forward to the continued impact of these partnerships,” said Mair.

In addition to SCATE, the foundation funded several other impactful camps this summer.

These included Justice For Peace International, which provided literacy intervention for underserved youth in Spanish Town; Camp Hello!, a specialised programme for children with complex communicative needs and their caregivers; and Marine Mania Summer Camps, which introduced children between the ages of six and 17 to environmental education and eco-friendly practices.

The foundation also supported the WWKIDS Summer Fun Reading Programme, which delivered literacy support across six schools in Clarendon, St Catherine, and Manchester; Captain Altitude, which promoted STEM and aviation awareness for children aged five to 13; Kingston YMCA’s aquatics and arts-based development camp for youth aged five to 14; and the SEYA Youth Camp, which offered wholesome spiritual and recreational engagement for more than 120 campers.

Through these partnerships, the foundation ensured that a wide cross-section of Jamaica’s youth had access to safe, enriching, and purpose-driven summer experiences.

“Honestly, it could have been another week,” shared Danae Palmer, an enthusiastic camper from the SCATE Sustainable Engineering Camp for Teens, reflecting on her experience.

“We wouldn’t have had all of this amazingness without the sponsors,” added Palmer.

Nadine Sinclair (right), project coordinator, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, shares an enlightening message with the children at the Winsome Wishes for Kids (WWKIDS) Summer Fun Reading programme.