World Connect

Camp BRO (Boys Reaching Out) 2016

Year: 2016

Country: Belize

Project Status: Funded

Impact Sector: Health

Project Investment: $2,500.00

Project Launch: 3-31-16

This project will lead to the implementation of the first annual 2016 Camp BRO (Boys Reaching Out), a weeklong leadership camp that provides male youth from all over Belize an opportunity to interact in a structured and educational environment to promote leadership, self-esteem and cultural exchange. Through workshops, discussion groups, and hands-on activities, the youth will focus on leadership skills, healthy lifestyle habits, and the importance of gender equality. The camp will provide a safe space for boys from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and forge new friendships that cross cultural lines.

Final Report: 7-14-16

The camp was successfully completed and had a positive impact on the participating boys club. In specific, many of the boys were empowered by the male chef working at the camp and became involved with food preparation, something to which the boys are not necessarily exposed outside of camp. By the end of the week, all of the boys had worked in the kitchen and many expressed the desire to continue to do so at home. Although this accomplishment may seem small, this change has begun to call into question the traditional gender barriers in the community and will have an effect on how the boys view household responsibilities in the future. The boys also participated in activities highlighting self-esteem, self-expression, self-reliance, and were educated on sexual health.