"My favorite part of summer camp is seeing the mountains, the view. It's like you are seeing heaven."

These are the words of one of 23 participants in the Children First Project MARCH/YMCA summer camp - a seven week camp for elementary-age children living in Pisgah View, Deaverview, and Woodridge Apartments. The camp is a partnership between Children First and the YMCA.

The campers will celebrate the end of camp with a display of photographs and their stories at "Taking the Plunge: A photo adventure" on July 25, 4:00-5:00 PM, at the Deaverview Community Center and on July 26, 3:00-5:00 PM, at Pisgah View Community Center. Campers were each given a camera to document their adventures at camp and staff recorded and transcribed their stories. Parents of campers and community members are invited to view the campers' photos and stories and enjoy some light refreshments.

"Many of these children had never attended summer camp before," notes Stephanie Johnson, Project March Coordinator. "This camp has expanded their horizons and built their self-confidence through hiking, swimming, and visits to UNCA, AB Tech, and area businesses."

In an informal survey, all of the campers said they tried something that they had never done before and tried something that they were afraid to do - like sliding down a waterfall and other outdoor activities. They also said that they felt more confident in themselves after overcoming their fears and being willing to take a risk.

Their sense of adventure and rising to the challenge is captured in one camper's description of a day at High Falls: "At first when I went to the top of the rock by the waterfall it was really scary and I didn't want to do it. But then I saw my other friend and my little cousin slide down the very top rock. Then I thought if my little cousin could do it, so could I...When it was time to go I didn't want to leave." 

They come to Asheville from a variety of locations and backgrounds and will move on to pursue careers in education, law, social services, business, and government. But for one year, they focus on a common mission: serving the children of Buncombe County as a Children First Project POWER/AmeriCorps member.

Twenty Project POWER/AmeriCorps members will graduate on July 31st, 6:30 PM, at the Governor's Western Residence, celebrating a year focused on service learning, volunteer management, and student enrichment and academic assistance. Their collective impact: 36,000 hours of service in six elementary schools and through partnerships with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Reid Center, UNCA Key Center, YMCA, YWCA, I Have A Dream, Asheville Housing Authority, Buncombe County Schools, and Asheville City Schools.

"Project POWER/AmeriCorps is silently turning the tide for at-risk children in our community," notes Allison Jordan, Executive Director of Children First. "Through the collaborations with schools and other organizations, this program leverages resources far beyond what any one of us could do alone to expand opportunities for children in our community."

Project POWER/AmeriCorps members develop strong leadership skills and carry a commitment to community service after graduation. Some end up staying in Asheville - often finding jobs within the organizations they served. After graduating in July, Victoria Tripp will begin a job with Big Brothers/Big Sisters - her placement through Project POWER/AmeriCorps.

"Working with the AmeriCorps team to build community has been a true honor.  Being a part of a team has provided the support to allow me to build meaningful relationships and to make a difference in individual lives, mine included," says Tripp.

Seven members have signed on for a second year of service: Lindsley Doddridge is one of them. Doddridge, who grew up in Asheville, has been moved by her experience: "For a lot of the kids we serve, it is their first time being in an after school or summer camp program. Project POWER/AmeriCorps gives a lot of good training and is a really meaningful opportunity."

"We are so proud of this year's team and thank our partners for making this year one of our best," says Tammy Capps, Children First Project POWER/AmeriCorps Director. "This program inspires hope and changes lives not only for the children, but the members and our partners."

Ms. Minnie Jones - Pisgah View Community

Ms. Jones was the first to integrate public housing in Asheville. She has been a long-time tireless advocate for the children living in the Pisgah View Community and continues to do so today. Ms Jones provided on-site programs for children and youth for over 20 years, started an on-site health clinic for residents, and facilitated the partnership with Manna Foodbank to open a food pantry in Pisgah View. Those of you who know Ms Minnie know that she is high spirited and advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.
 

Every month, Children First's Board of Directors recognizes a community member for their exceptional dedication to children. To see past Champions for Children click here.