In her inaugural address, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, shared her vision of using the Office of the President to advocate for the adoption in our communities of youth programmes based on the panyard model – not just limited to specific periods in the year, but on a year-round basis.
Sixteen months later, that vision became reality with the launch of the inaugural President’s Pan Camp in July 2024. Twenty-one young persons with no prior experience playing the steelpan were brought together for a week-long programme that sought to transpose the core principles of teaching steelpan in the panyard into a holistic learning experience, right on the grounds of The President’s House.
By the end of the camp, the young participants had not only mastered and delivered a spirited performance of Mical Teja’s “DNA”, but also experienced meaningful personal growth and development, building confidence, teamwork and discipline along the way.
Following the success of last year’s camp, The President’s Pan Camp returns for a second year! 
From Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18, the President’s Pan Camp 2025 will host 25 young participants, aged 12–18, from the following youth organisations:
• The Cotton Tree Foundation
• The Scout Association of Trinidad and Tobago
• Police Youth Clubs
• The Girl Guides Association of Trinidad and Tobago
• The Trinidad and Tobago Cadet Force
Like last year, these campers will spend the week learning to play the national instrument and receiving inspiration through daily mentorship sessions, all while building life skills that extend far beyond music.
Stay tuned to our social media pages for highlights and updates throughout the next week. In the meantime, take a look back at the highlights from last year’s unforgettable camp.
