We’re going on a field trip!

Ms. Davis’s first grade class’ eyes grew wider and wider as we walked through the Mississippi Natural Science Museum. Each section of the museum echoed with “oh!” , “look at this!” and “what kind of animal is this?” The kids curiosity was contagious. I started reading the plaques and learning more about the animals that fascinated them.

The class enjoyed making observations about each animal and finding out more about them. They took turns guessing the weight of the massive fish at the end of the aquarium and wanted to rescue the little turtle they perceived to be stuck on a rock. On excursions  like this one, children experience more than lessons about animals.

For kids this age, these excursions could change their lives. There’s little debate on the positive impact of field trips and extracurricular activities on children. There’s even greater need for these for kids in low wealth communities. However, due to a number of factors including funding, school field trips are on a decline.

According to Mike Petrelli, president of the Thomas Fordham Institute,  the “secret sauce” of education is what happens out of school. Great afterschool programs work to close the opportunity gap for the children and families they serve. Programs, like Operation Shoestring’s Project Rise afterschool and summer camps, expose kids to exciting and enriching learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom.

We create these experiences to assist children in central Jackson in reaching their full potential. Our children, families, and entire community deserve the opportunity to become high-quality learners–individuals with a greater understanding of themselves and their connection to the world around them. We’re able to embark on this work because we have great support from our community partners, volunteers and donors.

Thank you for understanding that by continuing to support our children and families. You’re supporting the investment in a greater future–for all of us.

We all rise together.

Click here to donate to our summer camps. $100 funds a week of summer camp activities for one of our children.