This summer, 106 youth in K-8 participated in Summer Camp! Campers in K-8 were offered:
- 40 Summer Camp days
- Breakfast, lunch, and one snack per day
- 64 academic hours consisting of reading, writing, math, and more
- At least 1 hour of physical activity outside and in the gym per day
- Daily Bible instruction and prayer
- Activities such as art
- The opportunity to attend field trips including the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, MOSI, and bonus trips to skate, bowl, or visit the Florida Children’s Museum!
Additionally, students in grades 1-8 were offered a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, a highlight of Summer Camp. The W teams—Worship, Whimsy, Wonder, and Wellness—each played a pivotal role in creating and organizing these activities. The Whimsy team led engaging craft sessions where kids made items like binoculars, necklaces, pillows, and fish. The Wonder team introduced STEM activities that challenged summer campers to build bridges for their friendly worms to cross water, create galaxy jars, experiment with explosive chalk and slime, and design racing cars. The Wellness team focused on cooking and health, teaching kids about their emotions, coping skills, healthy foods, and hygiene. They also prepared fun recipes such as pop-tarts, taquito nachos, mini pies, and pizza twists. The Worship team offered a daily Bible session during breakfast, allowing the kids to eat while listening or practice their weekly memory verse. An intern specializing in biblical studies met with each class, providing guidance on how to read the Bible and pray.
Twelve highschoolers also participated in the Workforce Lab program. Learn more by clicking here.
Finally, through the Start Smart Education Essentials campaign, 168 students (as of August 16) started school prepared with backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, and more!
Take a look at highlights from this year’s Summer Camp & Workforce Lab!
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Parker Street Ministries (PSM) is a 501c3 in Lakeland, Florida, that follows a Gospel-centered model characterized by living, listening, affirming dignity, and building community together in and through the Parker Street neighborhood. Parker Street Ministries is committed to Gospel-centered community development through the focus areas of: Fostering Spiritual Growth so Christ and His Gospel are front and center, Supporting Lifetime Learners through educational opportunities, Stabilizing the Neighborhood by addressing the quality and availability of housing, and Cultivating Connections so gaps in relationships and services are bridged.