Kids learn new cultures
By Daily Press staff
A dozen school-aged children this summer traveled across five continents without even leaving their backyards.
Twelve children, aged 6-11, were involved in St. Joseph Center’s Summer Club Program, which had the around-the-world theme: “Where In The world Is Carmen San Diego?” North America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia were studied.
Every summer the center’s program for children from low-income families explores the international world of culture, art, and nature with field trips, presentations and stage plays. The first stop for the children in July was the Cabrillo Aquarium in San Pedro, where campers got a first-hand look at sea urchins, anemones and starfish. They also gazed with microscopes at bacteria and baby shrimp.
“It was a wonderful experience to watch these 12 individuals grow, discover new things and tap into their gifts and strengths,” said Yesenia Mejia, co-coordinator of the program, along with Melissa Langdell.
Thanks to the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation, the summer campers also visited the Museum of Natural History in Exposition Park, where they purchased Mayan-Incan-Aztec informational coloring books and made a pit stop to the Butterfly Pavilion. At the J. Paul Getty Museum, the children studied European tapestries and were given the hands-on opportunity to create their own tapestry. Funding also was received from the Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The National Charity League’s Ticktockers showed up to help the children put on their own version of “The Wizard of Oz,” complete with costumes, makeup, set designs, and two performances.
“It was an incredible learning experience for administrators, summer clubbers, parents, and volunteers,” Mejia said.
One-on-one tutoring was provided for those children who were getting out of summer school, so they could complete their homework. The international theme helped break misconceptions about other cultures, and the “English only” rule encouraged a common form of communication.
Officers from the Police Activities League came to talk about law enforcement, stereotyping, racial consciousness, and problems arising from alcohol, drugs, and gang-related activities.
“Providing the children with a safe place where they could learn and build their self-confidence was our aim,” Mejia said. “It was amazing to watch their growth within a short five weeks.”
St. Joseph Center assists more than 8,000 working poor and homeless adults and children, veterans, and seniors each year to achieve self-sufficiency through food distributions, child care, mentoring, case management and job training. For more information call (310) 396-6468, ext. 328 or visit www.stjosephctr.org.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 10, 2004. Read the original PDF.