DELRAY BEACH – For some it will be the first time going on a kayaking trip down local waterways. For others it will be their first time to the beach a mile away from their homes.

"It will be a no-brainer to think that most kids living within two miles of the beach would have been to the beach at least a few times," said C. Ron Allen, CEO of the Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network. "But we have kids who are 10, 11 and 12 who live less than a mile away and have never ventured east of Swinton Avenue."

As Delray Beach celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Summer Enrichment Academy, operated by the nonprofit organization will introduce 15 children to all aspects of the city's growth. Students will visit local business, a few of which were passed on from generations of city fathers.

They also will visit the S.D. Spady Museum, Old School Square museum and gallery and the site of the Sept. 11, 1903 shipwreck, S.S. INCHULVA, about 150 yards offshore the south end of the city's municipal beach.

This year's theme is "Summer in our Centennial City" as selected by the students.

Aside from the historic-themed programs, the students will learn about conflict resolution, money management and to repair and refurbish donated computers, which they will donate to local charities, Allen said.

They will spend Friday mornings in the Delray Beach Courthouse, where they will see firsthand cases in juvenile court.

"It doesn't get more real than this," Allen said. "We hope that by witnessing the fate of their peers, they will think twice before making certain choices. And if we save only one student, it would be worth the experience."

The campers will spend Friday afternoons in the Public Library, where they will engage in a variety of activities.

"This year we have a renowned poet who will introduce them to spoken word poetry," said Children's librarian Dr. Lynda Hunter said. "They will learn ways to express themselves with words rather than angry behavior. I think it's a good balance between learning and fun time."

The camp, in its 17th year, will incorporate material from the "I am Special" curriculum and features local business owners and newsmakers as guest speakers. The goal, organizers said, is building character.

"Many of the youths come from environments often steeped in poverty, unemployment and high school dropout rates," Allen said. "Our SEA promotes positive attitudes and builds self-esteem."

Last year, the campers learned about the human eyes. Their highlight was dissecting cows' eyes. Allen said they won't be participating in those activities this year because funds were nonexistent. He is hoping that the community will step forward and volunteer such services.

The academy functions as an afterschool program during the school year.

Spots are still available in the program, which is housed in the High School building at 400 SW 12th Ave.

The program serves children ages 7 through 17 and attracts people not only from Delray Beach, but also surrounding communities. The program fee is on a sliding scale which is based on income and family size.

College students and professionals are encouraged to volunteer and sponsorship are also needed, not only for this program but for the year-round program, Allen said.

"We need to transport the students on field trips, pay for admission and feed them," he said. "When you add the receipts up, it gets quite costly."

HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP

• The Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network accepts school supplies, books and monetary donations.
• Checks should be made payable to the Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network, Inc.
• Checks and other donations should be mailed or delivered to:
  400 W. Atlantic Ave., Ste. 09, Delray Beach, FL 33444
• The organization also encourages volunteers to sign up to read to participating children.

For more information or to volunteer, call the organization at 561-665-0151.

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Summer program blends fun, learning for youth

DELRAY BEACH – For some it will be the first time going on a kayaking trip down local waterways. For others it will be their first time to the beach a mile away from their homes.

“It will be a no-brainer to think that most kids living within two miles of the beach would have been to the beach at least a few times,” said C. Ron Allen, CEO of the Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network. “But we have kids who are 10, 11 and 12 who live less than a mile away and have never ventured east of Swinton Avenue.”

As Delray Beach celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Summer Enrichment Academy, operated by the nonprofit organization will introduce 15 children to all aspects of the city’s growth. Students will visit local business, a few of which were passed on from generations of city fathers.

They also will visit the S.D. Spady Museum, Old School Square museum and gallery and the site of the Sept. 11, 1903 shipwreck, S.S. INCHULVA, about 150 yards offshore the south end of the city’s municipal beach.

This year’s theme is “Summer in our Centennial City” as selected by the students.

Aside from the historic-themed programs, the students will learn about conflict resolution, money management and to repair and refurbish donated computers, which they will donate to local charities, Allen said.

They will spend Friday mornings in the Delray Beach Courthouse, where they will see firsthand cases in juvenile court.

“It doesn’t get more real than this,” Allen said. “We hope that by witnessing the fate of their peers, they will think twice before making certain choices. And if we save only one student, it would be worth the experience.”

The campers will spend Friday afternoons in the Public Library, where they will engage in a variety of activities.

“This year we have a renowned poet who will introduce them to spoken word poetry,” said Children’s librarian Dr. Lynda Hunter said.  “They will learn ways to express themselves with words rather than angry behavior. I think it's a good balance between learning and fun time.”

The camp, in its 17th year, will incorporate material from the “I am Special” curriculum and features local business owners and newsmakers as guest speakers. The goal, organizers said, is building character.

“Many of the youths come from environments often steeped in poverty, unemployment and high school dropout rates,” Allen said. “Our SEA promotes positive attitudes and builds self-esteem.”

Last year, the campers learned about the human eyes. Their highlight was dissecting cows’ eyes. Allen said they won’t be participating in those activities this year because funds were nonexistent. He is hoping that the community will step forward and volunteer such services.

The academy functions as an afterschool program during the school year.

Spots are still available in the program, which is housed in the High School building at 400 SW 12th Ave.

The program serves children ages 7 through 17 and attracts people not only from Delray Beach, but also surrounding communities. The program fee is on a sliding scale which is based on income and family size.

College students and professionals are encouraged to volunteer and sponsorship are also needed, not only for this program but for the year-round program, Allen said.

“We need to transport the students on field trips, pay for admission and feed them,” he said. “When you add the receipts up, it gets quite costly.”

HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP

The Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network accepts school supplies, books and monetary donations.

Checks should be made payable to the Knights of Pythagoras Mentoring Network, Inc.

Checks and other donations should be mailed or delivered to:

400 W. Atlantic Ave., Ste. 09, Delray Beach, FL 33444

The organization also encourages volunteers to sign up to read to participating children.

For more information or to volunteer, call the organization at 561-665-0151.