Registration is Now Open for STEAM-Plus Summer Camp in Clarkston

Registrations are now being accepted for summer day camp at the Clarkston Community Center for students from 5th grade through high school. STEAM-Plus is a dynamic, fun, day-long camp focused on improving literacy and academic performance and bolstering the confidence levels of low-income students, refugees, immigrants and native Georgians. Camp will be offered Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 4-July 20, 2018, and includes daily breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. The cost is $75 per week or $300 per student for a four-week session. A limited number of DeKalb County vouchers will be accepted. The Clarkston Community Center is located at 3701 College Ave. in Clarkston, Ga. For more information, call (404) 508-1050 or visit www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org

“Here in Clarkston, our community faces extraordinary economic and cultural challenges,” says Cindy Bowden, executive director of the Clarkston Community Center. “Nearly half of the children in our city live below the poverty line, plus 43 percent of our residents are refugees or immigrants who have arrived in the U.S. from over 57 different countries. Our summer camp is designed to give these middle school and high school students the tools they need to succeed academically in a safe and enjoyable environment. Plus, the camp experience builds stronger English language skills for those who are not native English speakers.”

“The Clarkston Community Center’s STEAM-Plus camp emphasizes science, technology, art, math, English and social studies,” said Justine Okello, programs director. “Core academic subjects are taught by certified teachers, and campers also will learn about coding, digital literacy, 3D printing and computer programming, strengthening their STEAM skills: science, technology, engineering, art and math. The sessions include field trips, creative pursuits, service opportunities, recreation and gardening. This summer, we are also offering business skills such as entrepreneurship, financial literacy and leadership.”

“Clarkson has become a major refugee center, and is often referred to as ‘the most diverse square mile in America’,” said Bowden. “Many of our community’s children are struggling to learn English, adjust to a new culture and succeed in school. Some are lonely and isolated, and living in poverty. Our summer camp, now in its fifth year, offers a safe and nurturing environment for about 85 low-income children and teenagers where they can learn important academic skills, explore their own creativity and have fun with kids their own age. The camp also serves as a summer feeding site, ensuring these children receive nutritious meals and snacks during the summer school break.”

About the Clarkston Community Center

Established in 1994, the Clarkston Community Center offers programs for children, teens, adults and seniors, centered around education, wellness, art, recreation and community building. The Center serves over 56,000 individuals annually, primarily from Clarkston and greater DeKalb County, Ga., many of whom have immigrated to the United States or are newly-arrived refugees. In addition to classrooms and meeting space, the Clarkston Community Center includes an activity field for sports and recreation, a community garden, private event space, a bicycle shop and a kitchen. Angora Hall, the Center’s renovated auditorium and stage, is available for public rental for parties, weddings and other special events. The Center relies on private donations, corporate support and financial grants to provide its numerous services and programs to the community. www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org