Eastside Children's Summer program
The ECSP provides a three and a half hour program including a simple lunch, Monday through Thursday, during the months of July and August. Recognizing the diversity of our neighborhood, this is not be a religious based program, but offers classes in areas such as science, mathematics, language skills, reading, art, and gardening enhanced by visits from local experts in these fields.
Our vision is that this program will be a catalyst for rebuilding a sense of neighborhood among our Hmong, Hispanic, African American, Asian, African, and Scandinavian neighbors. Through a common need and a wholesome neighborhood experience for children, we hope to bring a better understanding and an appreciation for wide-ranging traditions. We recognize that the public schools need our support and we will work closely with the schools as we offer a continuum of basic studies enhanced by dynamic and age appropriate speakers. For example, a portion of our program focuses on environmentalism and may include a speaker on basic recycling, a Native American who may talk about the reverence of the earth, a biologist who can demonstrate gardening techniques and help us plan and plant a garden, perhaps followed by music and art.
Our advisory board consists of the principal from our local school, two
leaders in the non-profit community, and three members of the church providing
housing for the program. The Advisory Board helps us work through the
various issues of family and school coordination and shares insights and
best practices advise. Through this summer program, we hope to strengthen
the educational opportunities for the children in our area and enhance
their appreciation for the arts and sciences. Through a gift from The
McKnight Foundation (link here please), private donors and the resources
of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities (link here please), the PCUSA, and
our church, our hope is to make a significant and measurable difference
in the lives of these young people and their families.