Summer camps are one of the best ways to get children off the streets and out of trouble for the long holiday break from school.

In a bid to reduce the number of children on the streets and the possibility of their getting into trouble, the Elletson Road Police Station has for the last seven years been hosting a two-week summer camp for children of eastern Kingston communities.

The camp is being hosted in a green area behind the police station.

Police Sergeant Tomie Lee Chambers told The Gleaner last week that the programme aimed to bridge the gap between the communities and the police.

Approximately 240 children, ranging from three to 16 years old, are attending the camp.

A blessing

For 13-year-old student of Alpha Academy, Onika Whyte, it was her first summer camp experience.

She told The Gleaner the event was a blessing and was already looking forward to next year's offerings.

"I am really enjoying it," she said.

The children are kept busy throughout the day, playing football, board games or participating in singalongs.

Monitoring the children are eight police officers and volunteer parents.

The campers are provided with snacks and a cooked meal each day and there is no registration charge.

The camp runs from August 11-22.