Art students painted a new sign for the Booker Center. An average of about 180 children attended the five-week summer camp program of the Wilkes County 21st Century CNLC according to project director Michelle White. Children from all over Wilkes County arrived each day at approximately 9:45 a.m. on a bus provided by the 21st Century grant and spend two and a half hours in a fun academic remediation program which focused on math, reading, language arts. A free, nutritious meal was provided each day through a “Bright from the Start” grant secured by A-Star Manager Horace Jordan.

Each afternoon, until 3:30 p.m.,the campers participated in an array of enrichment activities. Some students had the opportunity to participate in basketball, karate (instructed by Salvador Rodriquez), sewing (instructed by Cynthia Walton), landscape and gardening (taught by Rachel Moreland), Boys 2 Men ( a mentoring program facilitated by Mark Farris), Girls Only (an arts and crafts and self-esteem program led by Rhonda Turner), and dance (led by Shavarr Turner).

Studying about and creating “Pirates and the Caribbean.” Art students, under the direction of Laura Connely, made masterpieces that corresponded with the weekly themes and decorated the Third Shiloh Building where the classes were held. Art students also painted a new sign at the R.J. Booker Center.

Weekly themes and activities included the following:

Week 1 – Wild, Wild West. Students were able to enjoy horseback riding which was arranged by Youth Coordinator Zena Zehran.

Week 2 – All Around the World. Students learned about the culture of other nations. One of the classes even had someone present basic information in Swahili and Spanish.

Making pillows and learning about sewing. Week 3 – Pirates and The Caribbean. Students learned about famous pirates and we able to make eye patches.

Week 4 – Space and Galaxy. The younger youth were able to visit Ft .Discovery Science Center in Augusta where they participated in hands-on science presentations.

Week 5 – Media and Technology. The older students were able to visit the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where they saw first-hand news in action. They learned about the various components of media, and were able to take part in a technologically supported water show in Centennial Olympic Park. Students were also able to visit WXKT, Washington’s local radio station. While visiting, students were recorded in a 30-second public service announcement.

The summer camp concluded with a “Family Fun Day,” with parents and community leaders participating in a closing ceremony. The morning began with a visit from the Mobile Dairy, sponsored by the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk. In the afternoon, awards and certificates were issued for various categories of achievement, and there was a special slide show and dance presentation. Afterwards, students participated in a Wii competition

sponsored by Aaron’s Rental), played various outdoor games, and enjoyed grilled hotdogs and hamburgers. There was a “Dance Off” contest. Students were able to cool down after the Washington Fire Department came out and sprinkled everyone.

White issued special thanks to everyone who made the 2010 Summer Camp a success including:

Academic instructors – Margaret Anthony, Lillian Booker, Shamekia Davis, Jeanette Dunn, Jeanie Ferrell

Support staff – Shantrice Bradley, Brenda Brittain, Maranda Bostic, Dewayne Davis ,Dorothy Freeman, Malinda Garnett, Shirley Gladmon, Sheena Hull, Shirley Mills

A-Star support staff – Jontue Cofer, Darriett Dubois, Norae Early, Wilhelmina Melonson, Denario Quinn, Daccus Turman

Bus drivers – Brian Allen, Aaron Cofer Jr, Frederick Gartrell, Clifford Hansen, Wendy Harden

Substitute teachers – Gwendolyn Gresham, Mary Wylie

Special appreciation for Aaron’s Rental, Grant Rainey, Ingle’s, Mc- Donald’s, Post Oak Farms, Ruffin Flag Company, State Farm, Subway, Third Shiloh Association,Toombs McClendon, Washington Fire Department, Wilkes County Family Connection, Wilkes County Parks & Recreation Department.