Atlantic Gardens Summer Day Camp
Our summer programs give children and youth, ages 5-18, opportunities to learn and grow in a safe, supportive environment for 9 weeks each summer, with 3 meals and 12 hours of programming each day, in order to provide activities for all ages. We emphasize academic enrichment, a variety of activities like music, art, and science, plenty of field trips, community service, and life skills. By helping children identify and internalize values that develop character, integrity, and responsibility, we prepare them to successfully face the challenges that exist both in their community and the world.
In the evening hours of summer, older youth are most likely to be in danger by hanging out on the street. By providing fun and engaging alternatives, such as a youth internet lounge, sewing classes, and evening field trips, we reduce the risk of unsupervised or negative activities. Our expanded parents' support and adult computer programs continue in the summer as well.
At our primary SE site in Washington Highlands, demographic data show systemic, generational poverty and lack of educational opportunity. Childhood development, including academic achievement, suffers due to deficiencies in public schools and services, lack of family and community support, and the impact of issues such as unemployment, crime, teen-age pregnancy, drug abuse. Our target population — in Southern Hills, Atlantic Gardens, and Atlantic Terrace apartments — includes 740 children and youth between the ages of 5-21, 92% of whom live below the poverty level.