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ATHENS, Ohio -- Swimming, snacks, friends and learning -- sound like the perfect ingredients for summer fun? Kids on Campus, a community partnership initiative between Ohio University, Hocking College and local elementary schools, utilizes activities kids love to exercise the minds and bodies of Athens County school children.
"I think Kids on Campus is our most significant kind of regional outreach," says Ohio University President Robert Glidden. "The program helps to break down the barriers and gives those kids a familiarity with a college campus."
A cooperative effort including Ohio University, Hocking College and the five area school districts -- Alexander, Athens City, Federal Hocking, Nelsonville-York City and Trimble Local, Kids on Campus is hosting approximately 360 children in a six-week, "academic, personal, physical and recreational out-of-school enrichment and nutrition program," as Ann Teske, program coordinator, describes it.
The program began June 23 and continues through Aug. 1.
"When I first heard about the program, my reaction was that it was something we had needed in the area for a long time," explains Dee Stamper-Zesiger, program director. "We have a need for extended summer programs that bridge the gap between the end of one school year and the beginning of the next." She says they receive between 500 and 600 applications a year, but can only accept less than 400.
The program is meant to seek out underserved, at-risk children in Athens County who may not have access to proper nutrition or educational opportunities on a regular basis, Teske says. She has said that "Kids on Campus is an expression of our belief that children, including the poorest, are our greatest asset."
"A lot of the kids are fortunate to be involved in the food program because they are not getting the nutrition at home," says Nola Young, a paid parent-teacher aid who took time off from her regular job to participate in the program and be near her 9-year-old daughter. She says that without Kids on Campus, many of the children would not have access to certain activities, like swimming.
According to Teske, more than 85 percent of last summer's participants had never touched a computer and 30 percent had never been in a swimming pool.
Area teachers, college and high school students and university volunteers staffed the initial Kids on Campus effort last summer. Stamper-Zesiger says that the program rejuvenates the teachers, allowing them to try innovative approaches to learning. Also, student staff explore career options while earning extra money.
"If we had a student thinking of going into education, Kids on Campus would be a prime opportunity to test their skills," explains Libby Morgan-Sisson of the Tri-County Community Action Agency, which recruits the high school students. This year, 14 high school students were recruited for Kids on Campus from a pool of 110 students involved in the Tri-County Summer Work Program.
Last summer, Ohio University provided meals, medical exams, vision and hearing screenings and classroom access. This will be the first year Ohio University and Hocking College in Nelsonville team up to offer similar services.
Area elementary-age children are taking classes on everything from reading and writing to art and gardening. "I would like to see us do some really creative things with curriculum, rather than just having it be an extension of the regular subjects," Teske says. "I'd like to do something more challenging." She hopes for future summers to include classes in physics, business and engineering.
"Kids learn more if they're having fun doing it," says Dina Brooks, a parent-teacher aid with four children in the program. "Sometimes they don't even realize they're learning."
Kids on Campus is funded by $486,000 in grants, donations and in-kind services. The Danforth Foundation is the largest single supporter, with a contribution of $424,380 to be used over three years. Community contributors include the local Kroger grocery, which provides nutritional snacks for the children, the O'Bleness Foundation and the Athens County Commissioners, among others. And singer Jimmy Buffett donated a total of $10,000 through the Sing for Change Fund, which collects $1 from every concert ticket sold.
Media Notice: For the best photo opportunities, arrive at the Corner Room in Baker Center before 9 a.m. weekdays to follow a team to an activity. Fridays are spent at Hocking College (except July 4 and Aug. 1).