Intersession

Intersession Day Camp Recap - May 9-13, 2005

The Partnership for Community Learning Centers held its third and final Intersession Day Camp for the 04/05 school year May 9-13, 2005.  It was another successful week.  The May 9-13 camp, hosted by Athens Clarke County Leisure Services, reached the maximum capacity of 140 children, with a waiting list of many more.   The theme for the week focused on the community and community service. 

For the first time, all of the children participated in a community service project for the week.  The project was to create a flower garden at the new Gaines Elementary School.  Each child participated by planting one or more plants in the garden that is located under the pine trees in front of the new school.  In preparation for their plantings, each grade prepared their own area by picking up sticks and pinecones, raking back pinestraw, pulling weeds, and bringing in dirt and mulch. The children also created some pathways through the garden.  This project was very successful.  Much of the success can be attributed to the community partners who donated over 300 plants and seed packets:  Athens Seed, Charmar, Keep Athens Clarke County Beautiful, Wolfskin Gardens, Athens Master Gardeners, ACC Leisure Services and numerous individuals.

The children also participated in activities to learn about the community in which they live.  Activities varied by grade and included a tour of the Athens Airport, a storm water drainage demonstration, Greenway walk, park cleanup effort, tour of the Morton Theatre, question and answer session with Mayor Heidi Davison, observation of Judge Jones courtroom, visit to the State Botanical Gardens, tour and demonstration of an ambulance, simulation of the voting process, and a historical tour of a local cemetery.

Some of the other educational and recreational activities included: designing a computer game, tennis lessons, visit to the Atlanta History Center, explore and design a DNA strand, art projects w/ UGA students, music class, story -telling, library/reading time, games, trapeze class, environmental education, swimming and a pottery class.

Intersession would not be as successful if it were not for the involvement of the community, UGA staff and UGA students.  Even though it was finals week, the May camp received support from nine University of Georgia Departments and twenty-seven students.  Community involvement included twenty-six community organizations and forty-eight individuals.  All of these individuals united with staff from Athens Clarke County Leisure Services and the Clarke County School District, to ensure another successful week of fun and learning for the our youth.