On Friday 25 April 2025, Rotary Central Cayman Islands proudly partnered with the YMCA Easter Camp for a full day of activities aimed at inspiring young hearts and minds, while living out this year’s Rotary theme – the Magic of Rotary.

Led by Directors Marzeta, Pat, Michael, and Secretary Celia, Rotarians joined YMCA staff in delivering a carefully planned program for 75+ campers aged 5 to 12 years old. The day’s activities were centered around Peace and Conflict Resolution – one of Rotary International’s key Areas of Focus, and a special emphasis this year for District 7020 District Governor Dominique Bazin.

Throughout the day, campers engaged in a series of activities designed to foster empathy, kindness, teamwork, and critical thinking:

• Peace Garden Collaborative Art – Campers decorated individual “peace petals” expressing their vision of peace, kindness, and cooperation. These were combined into a vibrant “Peace Garden,” symbolising how small actions contribute to a harmonious community.

• Kickball – A spirited, inclusive game encouraging teamwork, communication, and physical activity.

• Empathy Bingo – A lively icebreaker where campers discovered common interests, helping to build friendships and deepen their understanding of others.

• Story Circles (“What Would You Do?”) – Campers brainstormed peaceful solutions to real-world conflict scenarios, developing their empathy and critical thinking skills.

• The Compliment Chain – Each camper wrote anonymous, positive messages on paper strips that were linked into a long chain as a beautiful visual reminder of how kindness connects us all.

• Bounce Castle Fun and End-of-Camp Celebration – A joyful and energetic closing celebration.

As part of the special end-of-day festivities, campers enjoyed a pizza lunch, popsicles to beat the heat, and participated in a surprise Easter Egg Hunt. Each egg contained a thoughtful affirmation, leaving every child with personal, positive messages to take home – a small but powerful reinforcement of the values learned throughout the day.

The Impact and Why It Matters

Beyond the fun and laughter, this event was an intentional act of service. By focusing activities around Peace and Conflict Resolution, Rotary Central helped campers practice the skills needed to build more compassionate communities. Through creative expression, dialogue, and simple acts of kindness, we planted seeds of empathy, resilience, and leadership.

This takeover was not just a day of activities; it was an investment in the next generation of peacebuilders, aligning closely with Rotary’s global mission and the District 7020 vision under DG Dominique Bazin.

The smiles, reflections, and heartfelt moments we witnessed throughout the day serve as a powerful reminder: when we show up with purpose and heart, we truly spread the Magic of Rotary.