Camp LEARN

Description

Our community will host a three‑week skills‑strengthening program at the local public school, modeled after a summer camp. LEARN is a twice‑weekly activity in August, offering six sessions where middle school students gain practical abilities such as small‑scale vegetable farming, physical wellbeing, and social development. These lessons are designed to help young people remain engaged in their studies and prepare them with tools to support themselves and a future family, if they choose.

Community discussions highlighted that the long vacation period is when young people are most at risk of adopting unhealthy habits. By giving them responsibility and a sense of purpose, the program aims to keep them motivated. With current teacher availability and the goal of reaching every participant, forty spaces are offered to students ages ten to sixteen who are already enrolled in the public school. Each morning, volunteers will co‑facilitate lessons with teachers on health and agriculture, followed by active recreation such as soccer or dance. Participants will receive lunch prepared by community volunteers.

After a short break, students will join an English club led by volunteers, with teachers encouraged to attend to strengthen their own English skills. Organizers and volunteers intend for the program to be a source of honor and pride for participants and hope that it continues beyond United States government volunteer service.