Our summer programming wrapped up last month and, according to Academy Program Manager Ryan Hanewinkel, “it was the most fun session yet.” For six weeks, Residential and Academy scholars in middle school and high school cohorts expanded their minds, explored their world, and engaged with their peers, with the goal of “facilitating their growth,” he says.
“That’s always the goal,” says Hanewinkel. “We’re taking scholars places and organizing learning that reinforces what we’re working to develop throughout the school year – team building, STEAM, life skills, fitness, and more. Instead of a summer spent isolated somewhere in front of a screen, they are having all of these visceral experiences with their Hope Ignites community.”
Swimming, animals, and new friendships are the experiences they always seem to enjoy the most, he says. And, they had plenty of all three. Scholars spent time swimming or on the water at THE HEIGHTS, the Boathouse in Forest Park, Mastadon and Onondaga Caves State Parks, Johnson’s Shut-Ins, and more. “They also waded in the waterfalls at Taum Sauk Mountain after climbing to the top, which is the highest elevation in Missouri. I know the nature hikes and outdoor adventures we had were firsts for most of our scholars,” he says.
Interacting with animals up close also isn’t commonplace for scholars, so trips were planned to the Saint Louis Zoo, Wild Animal Adventures, and Walther Park in DeSoto, where they caught fish and crawdads – experiencing new things and “getting to be kids,” he says.
Scholars discovered some of the historical and iconic spots in the area, such as Cahokia Mounds, Crown Candy, Citygarden, and the World’s Fair Pavilion. They also toured the Federal Courthouse to learn about the judicial system and had a behind-the-scenes tour of Energizer Park, thanks to the generosity of St. Louis CITY SC. “We fund most of our outings, so these types of community partnerships are very valuable,” says Hanewinkel.
In addition, our rising juniors and seniors visited four different universities in Missouri – Mizzou, Missouri S&T, Missouri State, and SEMO – touring the campuses, seeing some programs in action, such as rocket-building at Missouri S&T, and getting answers to many of their questions about college life.
More than fun times, each of these experiences is helping to develop well-rounded people, he says. “They learned how to ride the MetroLink, tried sushi, learned about the arts of bookmaking and circus performing. They are meeting and bonding with people and scholars from all races, cultures, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds. Every day is expanding their world and helping them think differently than most their age.”