Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for June 10, 2008 DELTA EDUCATION CENTER INC.

Reaching out for a better future: Southern Illinois teens volunteer to set a good example

By Laura Chapman, The Southern

CAIRO - The wind was doing more than blowing dust into the eyes of students and instructors standing in a parking lot across the street from the Delta Educational Extension Center in Cairo.

They used the wind to inflate a solar bag as part of a science experiment for their summer program. The activity to teach students about solar energy was part of the finale of their rocket camp.

Last week was the first week of the two-month Teen REACH and Gear Up summer program offered through the Delta Education Center Inc.

The summer program, which is also an after school activity during the academic year, provides educational activities for students in Alexander and Pulaski counties, said Jason Lindsey, Teen REACH coordinator

Already the number of young people enrolled in the program has reached 58, he said, only five away from the program's goal of 63.

"We are seeing some of the highest attendance we've ever had," he said.

As part of the program - which meets Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - students get to go on field trips, learn life skills and participate in recreational activities.

The program targets youth 11 to 17 years old, Lindsey said, but children as young as 6 can participate.

Rashauna Thomas, 16, first heard about the program about a year ago from a school counselor.

At the program, Rashauna said, she has made many friends and learned more about science through the activities.

The program also gives her something to do during the summer, she said, and "keeps kids off the streets."

Rashauna enjoyed her experience last summer and decided to come back for a second year.

"I keep coming back because it's fun," she said.

Jayland Patrick, 10, is also back for his second summer with the program. Aside from being a place to make friends, Jayland said, he likes the program's opportunities for field trips and spending time outside.

"It's a fun program," he said.

The program provides transportation for its participants, Lindsey said, and the children are served a nutritious meal. There is no cost to enter the program, which is funded through a Department of Human Services grant.

"There are good things going on here," he said. "These are really good kids."