Back to School: How Summer Camp Impacts our Youth

For 15 summers, I have had the honor and privilege of working in the Greater Columbus Community House Summer STEAM camp.  At the end of each summer, I am more inspired and in awe of what these young students are capable of. I would put our program up against any other summer program. Not to brag, I believe our program is not only great, but one of THE best!

Each summer there are some things that are different within our camp program, new staff members, new themes, but also new challenges as well as opportunities.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the children and their families we touch. Our students are in camp for eight weeks, but I believe, and I hope, our impact is felt not only as they move into the school year, but as they move through life.

Growing up, I was taught that the only thing that makes a difference in anyone’s success is what opportunities they have had and what kind of support they have. Here at Greater Columbus Community House, our students receive both. We have created a program where opportunity and support go hand in hand.

As an agency we want to continue to set high, yet attainable standards for each child we work with. Through accountability, structure, and high engagement, we believe all children can stretch, learn, and grow. We engage our students in experiential hands-on activities that allow them to explore as well as see what is possible for their lives.  Like Walt Disney said… “If you can dream it, you can do it.

What we have come to know is there is a link between high expectations and their ability to be successful in school and in life. Lowering our expectations not only hinders their learning, but actually harms their progress. By setting high expectations, our students always rise to the occasion.

This summer students learned about Anatomy, Forensics, Artificial Intelligence and Zoology.  There were daily opportunities to practice problem solving, develop leadership skills, practice positive conflict resolution skills and learn about teamwork.  Through weekly competitions, they learned the values of public speaking, cooperation, collaboration and were taught to be confident in what they know.  They also received the support to try new things, fail and succeed.

So, as we end another successful camp session, I am reminded of a section from Educator Dr Mary Mcleod Bethune last will and testament. She wrote “I LEAVE YOU FINALLY A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE. The world around us really belongs to youth for youth will take over its future management. Our children must never lose their zeal for building a better world. They must not be discouraged from aspiring toward greatness, for they are to be the leaders of tomorrow. Nor must they forget that the masses of our people are still underprivileged, ill-housed, impoverished and victimized by discrimination.  We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.”

So, we continue with our marching orders… we will keep loving, teaching and stretching our kids …as we move forward one student at a time.