Rising K Camp held at Newnan Chapel
From Staff Reports
religion@newnan.com
Thirty youngsters in kindergarten this fall got a head start because of a caring church and a group of volunteer educators at the Housing Authority of Newnan.
Rising K Camp was held from July 16-27 at Newnan Chapel United Methodist Church. The camp was a collaborative effort of the Housing Authority and the Education Development and Career Guidance Association.
A goal was to enable those children “to learn skills that would help them have a more successful year in kindergarten,” Gibson said.
EDCGA is an all volunteer group of teachers. Some were retired principals or teachers, which others are educators currently employed with the Coweta County School System. Other interested citizens and high school students participating.
The Housing Authority “furnished transportation for all children whose parents could not provide it themselves,” Gibson said.
The EDCGA consulted with three kindergarten teachers to develop the curriculum for the camp – Janey Allen, Terri Buckland and Deborah Scruggs. Scruggs served as a teacher and ongoing consultant throughout the camp experience.
“The children were immersed in learning academic skills each day.They attended six interdisciplinary centers: math, reading, calendar, art, music and nutrition,” Gibson said.
In addition to the volunteers, several individuals and organizations provided funds and/or services for the camp including the Housing Authority of Newnan and Bridging the Gap. There also was an anonymous donation of $5,000.
“As a result of the generosity of many, the children were able to experience many learning activities that would have otherwise not been available to them,” Gibson said. The children enjoyed a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium and another to visit the Horsey Affair Art Exhibit around the Court Square.
They also took a trip to the Powell Library on Hospital Road.
