Good Times at Project Rise

Our summer camp, Project Rise, is now in session! It’s been so amazing to hear all the happy voices echoing throughout our halls. One of those voices is Tyler’s. Tyler is an incoming third-grader and a longtime participant of Project Rise. He’s a ball of energy, and you’ll catch him dancing in line and running to hug his teachers and Shoestring staff as they walk through our doors each day. Tyler loves to play outdoors and has countless questions for every volunteer and community partner he meets. He says likes being at Operation Shoestring because “everyone is really nice, and we always get to have fun. We also get to learn, and my teacher helps me with reading things.” Kids like Tyler get to spend their time out of school in a safe, supportive environment where they are affirmed and celebrated for who they are. And his mom gets to spend her time at work worry-free since she knows Tyler is getting the supports he needs to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Shoestring parent Brittney agrees. In particular, Brittney is grateful that her ten year old daughter Sakyra is “so tired when she gets home” since it reassures her that her child had a full, productive day. Brittney thinks her daughter in particular loves the variety of activities and experiences our summer camp provides. From field trips to cooking classes, to playtime at parks and swimming sessions, Sakyra comes back home everyday full of stories about all she has seen and done. “It’s so helpful for me that she attends summer camp,” explains Brittney. “She just loves being outside on Shoestring’s playground. All the kids in our family do.”

And summer camp is a family affair for sisters Brooklyn and Ava too. Brooklyn is in first grade and her little sister Ava will be in kindergarten this upcoming school year. For their mother, Alexis, it’s really special that the two girls get to share a classroom together. “They both have really been enjoying it,” she says. “They have a million stories to tell me everyday when they get home.” She says her daughters love the trips to the Metro area parks we take them on, and being able to experience all the activities with each other. Alexis also is excited about the swimming classes Operation Shoestring provides, even though “Brooklyn and Ava aren’t too excited about getting water in their faces.

At Operation Shoestring, our summer camp is focused on creating joy-filled experiences, engaging in social, mental, and academic support and exposing children to a wide variety of creative and fun experiences—just like the ones the children you just read about are having. Partner with us in our work of educating children and inspiring families at operationshoestring.org/support