2007 Summer Youth Program

The 2007 Summer Youth Program is progressing well under the capable leadership and supervision of Coordinators Johanna Castro and Diane Lopez, Counselors Joaquin Perez, Jasmine Gonzalez and Cynthia Hernandez as well as the help of volunteer teachers, Ivelisse Muñoz (Nuestra Señora), Kevin Palmer and Sue Gordon (Advent). With the generosity of donations from Northern Trust Bank, Strack & Van Til Grocery Store, Nuestra Señora de las Americas, Advent and several of its members, as of today, we are serving sixteen campers. Often, the staff donate some of the snacks for the children. Most surprisingly has been the response of neighborhood teenagers with thirteen youth volunteering their time as assistant counselors in the five week program. The campers have a breakfast snack on their arrival. They have arts and crafts activities and go on outings to a community computer lab where they learn basic computer skills. Advent member, Kevin Palmer, is instructing the campers and teens on gardening. He is supervising them on trips to the Whipple/Drake Community Garden where they have the chance to put their new knowledge to work. The children are also taking outings to Lincoln Park Zoo, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum and other locations. We are taking advantage of the beautiful green space in front of the church for picnic lunches. The 2007 Summer Youth Program will conclude with a theatrical work written, directed and produced by the children, volunteers and Counselors on Friday, August 17. For more information, contact Johanna Castro.