According to Bridgette Adachi, ESI’s secretary and treasurer, prior to the planning and organization of the 2008 summer camp, there have been discussions amongst the board and members of ESI to allow youth from other states to participate in the Ebiil summer camps; however, due funding and the capacities of the facilities and modes of transportation utilized by ESI to conduct its camps, previous requests were denied.
Earlier this year, she said, the board received a request to allow for selected Koror State youth to participate in ESI’s 2008 summer camp.
“The board has reviewed and discussed the request with Koror youth representatives over a period of months,” Adachi said, “and owing to the generous support of community members and contributions of individuals and agencies, the board has approved the request.”
However, Adachi said, the board, upon approval of the request, did set a limit of 10 participants. She added that Koror youth representatives will make the 10 Koror youth participant selections; and the selected youth will be registered into Ebiil 2008 Summer Camp.
Adachi further added that the board and members of ESI are very grateful and appreciative of the donations and contributions – already received or confirmed, and which allowed for ESI’s ability to cater to more youth – to the 2008 camp.
ESI’s records list the following contributions: Vice-President Elias C. Chin will provide a bus to be used to transport camp participants on scheduled fieldtrips; Ollei Seineng has renovated Bai Derbei – the main camp site – and its kitchen extension; Bureau of Cultural Affairs, Palau Conservation Society, Belau Watershed Alliance, Palau International Coral Reef Center, Bureau of Marine Resources, Palau Civic Action Team, and The Nature Conservancy have confirmed presentations of their respective agencies and use of their resources; Shell Palau and the Division of Emergency Health of the Ministry of Health each have donated fuel for bus and boats used during camp; and Bngal a Klikm has donated food.
In related news, counselors for the Ebiil 2008 Summer Camp moved to the campsite on Monday to train with camp experts and representatives of various supporting agencies; and to prepare the campsite. Campers are expected to be at the site on Sunday, July 20.
For further information about the camp contact Bridgette at 855-1077.
