This summer, about 100 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, math, and practical life skills
- Daily Bible instruction and prayer
- Activities such as art and cooking
- The opportunity to attend field trips including the Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, MOSI, Rock Springs, and bonus trips to skate, bowl, or visit the Florida Children’s Museum!
Each morning began with chapel time, which included prayer, Scripture memory, and daily Bible story videos from The Gospel Project. Afterward, classes reflected on the day’s lesson by exploring key questions: What does this tell me about God? About myself? About my need for Jesus? Are there any examples of peacemaking?
Throughout the summer, each group enjoyed a week with Mrs. Christy in art, as well as one or more weeks of engaging extracurriculars planned and led by the “W” Teams (Worship, Whimsy, Wonder, and Wellness). These included healthy eating and cooking, emotional health, STEM activities, gym time, crafts, and daily project time. Two exciting carnivals, hosted by the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s Summer Leadership Program, were camp highlights!
During the first four weeks, each group also rotated through special themed days—movie day (on the big screen!), game day, and water day—adding even more variety and fun to the camp experience.
Academic time was built in for every age group. Kindergarten and first graders focused on literacy and math skill-building. Second and third graders used LitART’s picture book curriculum, fourth through fifth graders worked through LitART’s chapter book curriculum, and middle schoolers studied LitART’s novel series curriculum. Many students also received extra academic support as needed.
Sixteen high schoolers 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 11) started school prepared with backpacks, school supplies, uniforms, etc. Learn more here!
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.