DOBBINS HEIGHTS — Dobbins Heights kicked off its third annual Summer Youth Program on Monday, June 1, at the Dobbins Heights Community Center, providing children with opportunities to continue learning outside the classroom.
The program is held Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during four sessions: June 1-4, June 8-11, June 15-18 and June 22-25. It serves children ages 5 to 14. Free lunch is provided to participants each day.
“We’re just trying to create something that will give children something to do over the summer,” said Jean Quick Davis, coordinator of the youth program.
The program began with older children working in the computer lab while younger participants completed educational projects with Cynthia Robinson. Angela Bruton of Kingdom Fellowship is scheduled to visit Wednesday to lead craft activities with the children.
Next week, from June 9-10, Annie Harden, an instructor at Richmond Community College, will conduct a STEM camp. The program will also feature a tennis camp June 15-17 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. led by former Richmond Senior High School tennis standout Travis Bennett.
In addition, Dr. Allen and Ken Mask are scheduled to conduct a one-day chess camp. The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is also expected to return after providing a pep talk for participants last year.
Children will also have opportunities to make bracelets and learn crocheting.
“We really do enjoy it,” said Dobbins Heights Town Council member Angeline David.
“We have really great volunteers,” said Davis.
David said community members are welcome to visit the program. Davis said organizers will evaluate this year’s program and consider future opportunities.
“I’m hoping it will keep them busy over the summer and also help them because one thing that we ask, is what grade they’re going in the next school year, so having something that relates to their curriculum that we can help enhance so the learning doesn’t stop,” Davis said. “Hopefully they’ll make new friends and learn to interact a little better with kids and interact with us [adults], knowing how to respect authority in a relaxed environment, that’s what we want for them.”
Davis said participants complete interest surveys each year, allowing organizers to tailor activities to better align with their interests.
Velma Davis is leading the Dobbins Heights Pollinators Project, which was made possible through an Amazon Change X grant.
As part of the youth program, Davis hopes children will gain a better understanding of the role pollinators play in the environment.
“It’s going to be an ongoing thing. We’re going to start out by giving information, and then they’re going to do some hands-on activities, and then we’re going to move throughout the community and do things,” said Davis.