Four weeks of music, fun, mentorship, and devotion describe Food For The Poor Jamaica’s annual Summer Band Camp experience this year, as 65 young musicians, ages 8 to 18, enrolled in one of the organisation’s most beneficial programmes for inner-city youth in Jamaica.
The camp commenced on Monday, July 20, 2026, on the Food For The Poor grounds in St. Catherine, and youngsters from across the island benefitted from specialised hands-on training in various musical disciplines including strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. Guided by experienced music instructors, the four-week programme went beyond developing musical skills, fostering discipline, teamwork and creative expression among participants.
Long-serving Camp Director, Jeffrey Brown, believes that the camp serves as a useful platform for youth to grow and express themselves, realising that providing such an avenue to impressionable minds will naturally lead to creative discoveries and maximum development.
Over the course of the camp, students benefited specifically from instrument care workshops and opportunities to collaborate on musical pieces. The initiative forms part of FFTP’s ongoing commitment to youth development, providing safe and inspiring spaces for creativity to thrive.
The closing ceremony, which was held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, featured graduates of the camp showcasing their achievements through stirring ensemble performances and vibrant renditions. Eight children received special awards as most outstanding students for the instruments being offered this year: Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Trombone, Keyboard, Drums, Clarinet, Trumpet and Bass Guitar.
Denise Cagley-Jefferson, Executive Director of Food For The Poor Jamaica, remarked, “Food For The Poor Jamaica’s Band Camp is a wonderful example of what can happen when we invest in the potential of our young people. Through music, these students are developing not only valuable skills, but also confidence, discipline, teamwork and a sense of purpose. We are proud to provide a space where they can discover their talents, express themselves creatively and envision brighter possibilities for their futures.”
The organisation is marking its 16th year of the camp and has influenced many of their students to establish their own music classes as a source of income.
FFTP Jamaica expresses gratitude to the sponsors: dancehall artiste Sean Paul and prominent goods production company, Wisynco (recurring sponsor and partner) through their Brands MPOWA and WATA, Food For The Poor Canada, JAMBISCO (recurring sponsor & partner) and Sun Island Jamaica, along with camp volunteers and families whose support made the Band Camp a success.
