Service to the community is the overarching theme for our summer enrichment program. All students become familiar with key community organizations and develop service projects for these organizations. Through directed writing exercises, vocabulary instruction, and modeling, students develop a personal narrative of the summer’s events and projects, as well as their own personal learning. Adult volunteers oversee this process.

Our Summer Enrichment Program also focuses on family development. This is initiated with a Family Retreat where students and their caregivers attend teambuilding workshops and engage in communication building activities to strengthen relationships. Throughout the summer, caregivers are encouraged to participate in the summer activities with their children and keep their own journals. Caregivers also attend several workshops during the summer related to service learning opportunities, parenting skills, and emotional growth. Loganville Ministry Village participates in this part of our program by providing professional counseling services to students and caregivers.

Team Up Mentoring meets each Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30 – 8:00pm at Faith Baptist Church. Our evening meetings are divided into three sections: literacy instruction and tutoring, life skills and relationship building, and our meal and Bible instruction.

Beginning in the preschool years, youth are involved in twice weekly meetings with a caring mentor, academic support with a focus on literacy, enriching field trips to cultural destinations like area farmers’ markets, Tybee Island, and downtown Atlanta, and spiritual training. Youth remain with Team Up until high school graduation and are provided with leadership opportunities (becoming a junior mentor or camp counselor) as they mature. Extracurricular involvement at school and church is also encouraged.

Families of youth involved in Team Up receive sustained and personalized support in several forms. A weekly Bible study, monthly Family Nights, food pantry, hygiene closet, and transportation support for parent/teacher conferences and doctor’s appointments are all available to encourage families and meet needs. Family members give back to Team Up by volunteering with the ministry.