Thanks for a Great Summer 2006
Dear Friends,
As we start our after-school program and transition into fall, allow me to express my thanks and gratitude for your help in making our Summer Day Camps a huge success. Overall, for our three camps at different locations, we had over 180 participants, served more than 9,500 meals, and provided over 900 hours of quality programming.
Highlights of the summer include a trip to Baltimore, boat rides on the Anacostia River with Live It Learn It, Spanish language immersion with CommuniKids, environmental education through Earth Conservation Corps, START, Inc. book clubs, learning about economics through Junior Achievement, Bible camp through Child Evangelism Fellowship, visits to Anacostia Park with Student Conservation Association, and the help of five dedicated Urban Hands mission groups from all over the U.S.
Campers received opportunities to learn and explore through hands-on activities and at least two field trips each week. Children were also provided a safe and supportive environment, in which to grow and develop new life skills. Even with all the fun we had, they spent an average of five hours each week strengthening academic fundamentals in order to prepare for the coming school year. One of our newest and most successful ventures was our Youth Empowerment Program, a work study opportunity for teens and preteens ages 12 - 18. Conducted during the two week camp extension, funded by the DC Child and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, it focused on career preparation, personal finances, and workplace ethics. Several of the participants are now youth volunteers in our after-school program.
City Gate and the children we serve were extraordinarily blessed to have the help of many fine people and organizations. Your support allows us to continue providing these valuable services and opportunities to young people who otherwise might not have them. We are currently in need of volunteers, financial and in-kind donations, and program opportunities for our after-school activities. Please keep us and our mission in your thoughts and prayers, as we begin an exciting new season of change, growth, and service those in need.
With Sincerest Thanks,
Kristin Wiener, Program Director