Kids & Family

Summer School 'Camp' For Needy Kids Feeds Heads, Hearts

In addition to being taught math and language arts by certified teacher volunteers, the kids, grades 1-3, enjoy activities such as art, drama, music, science/nature and recreation.

Release, Camp Hutchison:

Over 60 elementary school children are getting a groundbreaking summer school experience this month, thanks to the unique partnership between Hutchison Elementary School and Floris United Methodist Church. "Camp Hutchison" combines education, enrichment, and nutrition in a four week, half-day program facilitated by over 100 volunteers from the church and local community.  It is being held at Hutchison Elementary School, 13209 Parcher Avenue, in Herndon, and runs through August 1. This is its fourth year.

In addition to being taught math and language arts by certified teacher volunteers, the kids, grades 1-3, enjoy activities such as art, drama, music, science/nature and recreation. This year, character education has also been added to advance age-appropriate social skill development. Campers receive breakfast and lunch, prepared and served by volunteers, as well as a healthy snack to take home daily. 

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This year’s camp theme is “Friendship.” Each morning, campers assemble for a puppet show featuring Hutch, the mascot. Qualities associated with being a good friend are highlighted, including kindness, courtesy, good sportsmanship, manners and cooperation. Students earn “Hutch bucks” by exhibiting these qualities and can use them to purchase fun rewards at the school store on the last day of camp, such as erasers, stickers and small toys and games.

The potential benefits from Camp Hutchison are many. In Outliers, author Malcolm Gladwell asserts students in areas of economic disadvantage can perform as well as more affluent students--the key is to extend their school year. Further benefits: 

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  • Students gain confidence as they retain and even gain essential learning skills. 
  • Students are not at risk for unfavorable activity associated with lack of supervision or boredom.
  • Students have the opportunity to engage in an English speaking environment in camp for four weeks, thus maintaining or strengthening their language skills.
  • Students at risk for poor nutrition receive two healthy meals plus a snack each day.

Camp Hutchison is the latest initiative in the partnership between Hutchison Elementary School and Floris UMC, which began over a decade ago. Floris members and friends provide mentoring and tutoring to Hutchison students, conduct evening ESOL classes for Hutchison parents, and sponsor coat/book drives and fundraisers throughout the year.  Hutchison Elementary School was founded in 1975 and has a rich multicultural student population which includes students from more than 28 countries.


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