Campers learn about Cayman’s traditions

| 22/07/2019
CNS Local Life
Daniel Ducent and Fraya Dilbert wear traditional Caymanian outfits

(CNS Local Life): A group of students spent last week learning all about Cayman’s traditions at the Immerse Summer Camp organised by the Cayman Islands National Museum. The idea for the camp is to offer the opportunity for young people to experience Cayman’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

From 15-19 July, campers aged 9 to 13 learned how to cook and bake Cayman delicacies, make rope, plait thatch and dance one of Cayman’s traditional dances. Attendance at the camp, which was started in 2017 by Brian Watler Jr and Shenice McField, has tripled since its launch, stated a press release from the museum.

On the first day of camp, the youngsters toured the museum as well as its collections storage facility. Alvin McLaughlin demonstrated how to cook Cayman-style beef and McField showed campers how to make macaroni pudding.

CNS Local Life
Campers with their cassava cake mixture

During the camp, Watler also taught the students the quadrille, one of Cayman’s traditional dances, and McLaughlin showed them how to make cassava cake. Rose Myles demonstrated how to make the traditional treat of peppermint candy, which comes from a generational recipe. Additionally, campers toured the Mission House and Pedro St James in Bodden Town, and learned about early living in the Cayman Islands.

Seafarers Jeralow Rankine and McLaughlin also showed students how to twist rope made from Cayman’s endemic Silver Thatch Palm and how to make fishing nets, while Rose May Ebanks and Marcie Hydes taught students about thatch work and the importance of preserving Cayman’s rich heritage.

The theme for next year’s Immerse Summer Camp is Cayman’s maritime heritage.

Tags: ,

Category: Culture, Local News

Comments are closed.