The Mission of the Cayman Islands National Museum is to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience our Island’s unique natural and cultural heritage, and that’s exactly what took place when the National Museum hosted its Immerse Summer Camp 2019 with a focus on Cayman Traditions.

From 15-19 July 2019, students ages 9-13 learned how to cook and bake Cayman delicacies, make rope, plait thatch and dance one of Cayman’s traditional dances. Immerse Summer Camp was started in 2017 under the coordination of Mr Brian Watler Jr and Miss Shenice McField, and has tripled in numbers since its launch 3 years ago.

On the first day of camp, campers toured the National Museum and the Museum’s collections storage facility. Mr Alvin McLaughlin demonstrated how to cook Cayman-style beef and was joined by Miss Shenice McField who showed campers how to make macaroni pudding. On Tuesday, students were taught one of Cayman’s traditional dances, the Quadrille, by Mr Brian Watler Jr. and was treated to a cassava making demonstration again by Mr Alvin McLaughlin. Well-known for her generational peppermint candy recipe, Ms Rose Myles demonstrated how to make this traditional treat and campers enjoyed the candy! Additionally, campers toured the Mission House and Pedro St. James in Bodden Town and learned about early living in the Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Islands are well known for having the strongest rope in the Caribbean; Seafarers, Mr Jeralow Rankine and Mr Alvin McLaughlin showed students how to twist rope made from Cayman’s endemic Silver Thatch Palm, and how to make fishing nets while Ms Rose May Ebanks and Ms Marcie Hydes taught students about thatch work and the importance of preserving our rich heritage – expressing that Caymanians are very resourceful and hardworking individuals.

This week-long Summer Camp for students was well received and campers are already looking forward to attending next year. Put on your swimming gear and get ready to Immerse in Cayman’s Maritime Heritage!