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Thankful and Grateful: Messages from Peachtree Corners

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It’s safe to say that Thanksgiving 2020, like everything else this year, will look a little different.
This is a holiday about togetherness, yet everyone is six feet apart with masks hiding their faces as they shop for sweets and fixins’. And maybe there is a chair or two that would normally be filled by a loved one, but for their safety, it sits empty. It’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel, microwave a TV dinner and watch the Macy’s Day Parade, the virtual edition.

But the Peachtree Corners community is better than that. Thankfulness is a choice, and we choose to be thankful for our blessings because they are many, despite the confusion and chaos.

We asked Peachtree Corners residents to tell us what makes them grateful, and we share their answers with you in hopes that it resonates and inspires you to find your own reasons to celebrate small victories. Happy Fall from Peachtree Corners Magazine.

I am thankful:
■ To live in a caring, progressive, innovative community where people care and support each other.
■ For my family and for neighbors who are more like family.
■ For our police, firemen, first responders, public servants, nurses, doctors, clergy and others who serve on the front line of defense during this pandemic.
■ For our educators who continue to adapt so students can learn safely.
■ For our citizens who are volunteering and generously supporting those who need help.
■ To you for sharing inspirational stories about our citizens and their good deeds.
— Lorri Christopher, City Council Post 5

I am thankful for my family and friends. My family and friends were there for me for graduation and the beginning of the next chapter of my life at college.
— Quinn Watch

I am thankful for having something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to — it’s that simple.

I stay busy with fundraising for United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia which does a wonderful job of ensuring our handicapped son Robbie’s quality of life in a group home. I enjoy baking banana bread as gifts for our postman and Instacart shoppers. It’s fortunate to be quarantined with the love of my life, the great guy I met on a MARTA bus in 1977 who has always treated me as an equal partner. Finally, our youngest son, Scott, became engaged in August to a perfect girl, and it is indeed wonderful to have their May 2021 wedding to look forward to!
— Lori Howard

This year has been a challenge but the one thing I am thankful for is my family. Family will always be there for you.
— Cliff Bramble, Founder of Hungry Hospitality

I am thankful for my family during the holidays. We always have a lot of fun whenever we are all together!
— Stevie Bramble

I am so thankful for my family. The pandemic helped us rediscover how much we enjoy spending time together outside. We have really enjoyed the Peachtree Corners Town Center outdoor spaces. I started my first vegetable garden, and it quickly became my therapeutic hobby. I am blessed to work as a RN at Elite Personalized Medicine, where I have the privilege of helping patients improve their health and wellness. We are grateful our children are students at GAC, where the faculty and community are committed to providing a safe learning environment.
— Rachel McComas

I am so thankful for what this year has provided me. I am thankful that I have gotten to spend more time with my family, whether it was playing games, watching movies together or spending time at the beach. I am also thankful for all of my teachers at GAC because they have worked hard to help students learn through the pandemic both in class and online. I am grateful for the fact that they are always willing to help us.
— Jenna Jackovich

I am thankful 2020 has provided time to slow down and do things we never seemed to have time to do before. We have definitely spent more time as a family trying new things. I’m thankful for the administration and teachers at both GAC and Cornerstone Christian Academy who have worked tirelessly to get my kids back in school in person this year. The smiles on their faces say it all. I’m also super thankful for the creativity and perseverance of Karl and Emily Krug and the Spartans Aquatics Club at GAC that got my oldest back to the sport she loves — swimming — before most any club in the nation!
— Carol Jackovich

GAC gave me the opportunity to go to the Dominican Republic with my varsity baseball team last February. My favorite part of the trip was hanging out with young kids in their community, playing baseball and serving through the Lord.
— Trey, 11th grade, gratitude from the Woolley family

I appreciated time standing still for a while, quality time with our children and growing a vegetable garden. I celebrated a virtual COVID College 2020 graduation, grateful that this was enabled by technology. I had a college freshman 90-minute “Move-In” at NYU, and I am grateful that the college had the courage to open. Senior year at GAC with in-person learning and sports brings normalcy and fellowship for our son, so I am grateful to the technological and health care innovations the school has adopted. Grateful to Dr. Harsh of GAC for his daily videos, reminding us of the importance of family and an appreciation for life.
— Therese Bailey

2020 has been a year of perspective for our family. We have learned to appreciate long summer days, extra movie nights, board games that have collected dust and the joys of a simple vegetable garden. We’ve also enjoyed bird watching in our backyard. Since we’ve returned to school, we’ve learned to adapt to changes. We are thankful and blessed that GAC has provided us with innovative technology for synchronous learning and abundantly selfless teachers. Our children have thrived during this time and grown so much in maturity and resilience!
— Pam Cormack

During 2020, we are most thankful for our 8-month-old son, Emory. Having a newborn in the midst of a pandemic is no easy task, but he has been such a blessing to us this year. We love taking time to walk around our neighborhood as a family and enjoy the outdoors! We have also been especially thankful for Emory’s teachers at GAC. Emory attends five days a week in the Young Learners program and it is such a joy to watch how much he loves being dropped off each morning! He loves being a part of the “Happy Hoppers” class and we love that they are already helping him develop relationships. We are eternally grateful for the time they pour into him and the opportunities he has to learn about God’s love for us! While 2020 has been challenging for most families, we have appreciated the quality family time and quiet moments at home. We have so many things to be thankful for this year.
— Sarah, Michael and Emory Grant

What a year 2020 has been! Amid all the apparent chaos and turmoil, we are grateful for so much. 2020 has encouraged a slower pace, which has led to more quality family time. We are thankful that we have developed a deeper awareness of and appreciation for the little things: beautiful weather, training a new puppy, our kids learning to cook their favorite meals. We are grateful for GAC’s persistence, attentiveness and diligence in getting the kids back to in-person school, sports, fine arts and all that GAC has to offer. 2020 has truly been a blessing!
— Rachel Holsworth

Reflecting on 2020 makes me realize that this year has brought more hidden blessings than could be imagined. As the world around me shut down, I witnessed the hearts of many open up. Neighbors checked on each other, made scavenger hunts for kids and tried to make sure no one went hungry. Time slowed down and our family grew closer as we navigated academic technology, outdoor adventures and plenty of together time. I appreciate my boys’ teachers at GAC now more than ever. I am so grateful for the extra time they took to keep them grounded in faith and not fear during one of the most challenging years.
— Danelle Wilson

In these challenging times, I am so grateful for my family. I am blessed with an amazing wife who has taken the burden off of me so that I can lead Cornerstone through the pandemic. In addition, my kids bring me an amazing amount of joy and purpose. For me, there are no greater titles than dad and husband.
— Colin Creel, Cornerstone Christian Academy Headmaster

My family runs in different directions: my dad travels, my sister practices at night, I practice after school. Quarantine brought us together for dinner, game and movie nights, hiking, evenings around the firepit and daily walks. I’m so grateful for that time with my family.
I’m excited to be physically back at GAC! We’re lucky GAC gives us the option every day to choose on-campus or at-home learning, whatever works best for our family. I prefer learning in a face-to-face environment more than I do through my computer screen. I’m grateful to spend my senior year learning with my friends.
— Mitsue Ostapiuk

This is our first year at GAC, and everything that has transpired since has confirmed that it absolutely was the right decision. They have provided a near ‘normal’ experience while keeping the kids, faculty and staff safe. My daughter is socializing with her pod and participating in extracurricular activities all while being challenged to learn and grow in a loving environment. When touring GAC, someone said to me, “Everything GAC does, they do with excellence.” Truer words were never spoken. I am so grateful for GAC.
— Kristen Jones

Pandemic aside, the children at Bright Learning Academy are staying positive and thankful that they have their parents to keep them healthy and safe, that they can still play outside and have fun, that they have virtual learning school to stay connected with teachers and friends, that they have masks to keep themselves safe, and that stores are making it safe enough for us to visit. MOST IMPORTANTLY, we will be most thankful when the virus finally goes away!!
— Jialing Hsu, Bright Learning Academy Director

We are thankful for our healthy family and the time that we have had to continue to bond during this pandemic! Life slowed down considerably for us as a result of the pandemic, which was actually a welcomed change of pace for our family. As a long-time family at GAC, we are incredibly thankful for the Christian values and stellar education provided by GAC. We feel blessed to be a part of a school that prayerfully developed an effective plan to protect its students during this pandemic. GAC is not just a school but a family and we are thankful to be a part of the Spartan family!
— Dr. Brandy Blount

I feel so grateful to hold sacred space with hundreds of people each week. From Zoom gatherings, video chats, telephone calls, social media posts and livestream services, I have been able to connect with them, heart to heart, discovering new ways to encourage and inspire our community far beyond the Unity Atlanta church walls.
I also am doubly blessed that I work with a team of devoted staff and volunteers who remind me of my personal gifts and why I said, “Yes,” to this wondrous call of ministry.

Reverend Jennifer L. Sacks

— Reverend Jennifer L. Sacks, Senior Minister at Unity Atlanta Church

We are thankful for our health, and the well-being of our friends and family. We are thankful for our jobs which have given us the means to sustain a life close to normal. We are thankful for the time we have had to spend with each other, enjoying the time we have on the good ship Earth. We are incredibly thankful for our friends and family, who bring sanity into an insane world. Most of all, we are thankful for God blessing our family during these uncertain times.
— Amanda, Lola and Pete Chen

This year we have learned to celebrate every precious moment with our family. It was so easy to take so much for granted before COVID-19. Getting together with the family to celebrate my dad’s birthday this year was a treasured memory and a day we were all grateful for.
— Lisa Proctor, Peachtree Corners Business Association president

I am thankful for a school community of students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff who have rallied and risen to the challenges that COVID-19 has presented. It is a powerful reminder that much can be accomplished when the collective will of a dedicated group of people put their combined efforts toward a common goal. I am equally thankful for a heroic faculty and staff who have raised their own standard of excellence to reinvent our instructional model so that no student falls to the wayside as we strive to fulfill our mission to be a Christian school of academic excellence.
— Chris B. Cleveland, Wesleyan School, Head of School

I’m thankful for GAC’s immense efforts to provide a sense of normalcy in our educational environment throughout the pandemic. Whether students are learning while physically in school or from the comforts of their home, the new technology and thorough planning of GAC faculty allows Spartans to proceed the school year safely and efficiently. Despite the pandemic’s impeding effects on this generation’s typical high school experience, I am grateful that I am still able to participate in intrinsic school activities such as Friday night football games, lunch with friends, homecoming, and other extracurriculars safely and healthily.
— Cydney Merrick

I’m grateful for my community – my neighborhood community and the relationships formed and strengthened during quarantine, and my Wesleyan School community whose creativity and innovation has not only allowed us to open this fall, but continue to offer the special experiences that our students and families hold dear.

Meg Foster

— Meg Foster, Director of Fine Arts at Wesleyan School

I am excited to serve in my first full year at Simpson Elementary! The students, teachers and support staff work extremely hard to ensure every minute of the school day is meaningful for students! Thank you to the entire Peachtree Corners/Norcross Parent-Community for supporting our school with teacher incentives, snacks and encouraging notes. We could not do this without you! Thank you for all you do to partner with us to support your children. A message that continues to ring true today, more than ever, is Great Schools Build Great Communities and in turn Great Communities Build Great Schools! Thank you for keeping us Simpson Strong!
— Dr. Taffeta Connery, Simpson Elementary Principal

Wesleyan Artist Market “Thankful Thoughts”
By the 2021 Wesleyan Artist Market Team
artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org

2020 has been a year of challenge and reflection. We are grateful in all circumstances.
We remain as thankful as ever to the amazing Peachtree Corners community and their support after the unprecedented cancellation of the 2020 Wesleyan Artist Market.

Thank you to our friends, partners, sponsors and patrons encouraging us to come back strong for 2021.

Inspired by the resiliency and positivity of so many around us, we are thankful for the opportunity to redirect and #GoVirtual for the Wesleyan Artist Market, April 2021. Stay tuned for more information. Finally, we are thankful for good health, our families and the hope and promise we find through our faith.

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Non-Profit Protecting Kids from Predators Hosting Beloved St. Paddy’s Event

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Revved Up Kids' training group courtesy of Alli and David Neal

Alli and David Neal and their non-profit, Revved Up Kids, have been working diligently for the past 14 years to address an issue that most would prefer to avoid altogether.

During that time, Revved Up Kids has equipped more than 45,000 Atlanta-area children and teens to be safer from sexual predators and traffickers.

“We recognize the challenge that this issue presents on so many levels,” said Alli Neal. “It’s scary, it’s horrible, it’s unsavory and it’s challenging for parents to talk about it with their kids.”

“That’s why we founded Revved Up Kids. We believe wholeheartedly that the easiest target for a predator is a child who doesn’t know predators exist. We want to help families with this difficult dialogue and equip kids with a response if they’re ever approached,” she added.

Revved Up Kids is uniquely positioned in the Atlanta metro area. It is the only Atlanta-based non-profit focused solely on sexual abuse prevention training.

Based in Peachtree Corners, they partner with youth-serving organizations, municipalities and private groups across the metro area to provide exceptional prevention training programs for children, teens, parents and other organizations.

Revved Up Kids charges tuition when groups can afford to pay, but one of the top priorities for its Board of Directors is ensuring that all children have access to this critical training. Whenever a group pays tuition for training, Revved Up Kids trains at least one other group at no charge.

Revved Up Kids relies on community donations, corporate sponsors and grants to provide free training programs for low-income and high-risk groups. Hosting special events is vital to their ability to reach more children.

“That’s where the community comes in,” said Neal. “Our signature fundraising event, Shamrock ‘n’ Roll, will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Norcross on Saturday, March 9, and we want to sell out this year.”

Shamrock ‘n’ Roll is an adults-only event that features casino-style gaming, dancing, an exciting raffle, auction items and exquisite food and drinks. Tickets are on sale now, and sponsorships are also available for the event. Visit revvedupkids.org/shamrock for details.

“The support of our community, including our amazing sponsors, has a huge impact on our ability to reach more children with our life-saving training. This event is a fun way for everyone to join Revved Up Kids in protecting children,” said Neal.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

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Changes at Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries Help Further Community Mission

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Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries vegetable truck

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries has been battling poverty, food insecurity and homelessness, among other crisis events, in southwest Gwinnett, for 27 years. In total, NCM served more than 25,000 individuals in 2023, through direct support and personal empowerment programs.

Over time, the county’s demographics have changed, meaning the organization has needed to adapt to serve the community.

Families now face long-term needs due to fixed incomes, homelessness, abuse, language barriers, single-parent homes and many other circumstances, according to the NCM website.

NCM now serves 50 to 70 families each day from a 12,000-square-foot facility. In addition to a food pantry, NCM offers job readiness classes, on-site hiring events, money management courses and regular health fairs.

A new course of leadership

Perhaps one of the biggest changes took effect this January. After almost 30 years of service to NCM, Executive Director Shirley Cabe will now give her primary focus to what she loves the most, the organization’s clients.

Cabe has been with NCM since its inception and has helped grow the organization tremendously as needs in this service area have drastically changed.

NCM’s Board of Directors supported Cabe’s request and developed a new role specifically for her. She will now serve as Director of Client Operations, allowing her to use her exceptional gifts and talents to serve those in need.

Additionally, Cabe will lead the expansion of the food program as refrigerated products will be added to client food offerings. Healthier food options such as protein, produce, reclaimed food and more will also be added.

“Healthier intake directly correlates to improved health and more productivity,” said Cabe in a news release. “This new initiative is huge for the clients we serve. We want to positively contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for NCM and grateful to transition into this new role, focusing on more impactful service to our clients.”

With Cabe’s new role, former Director of Community Relations Ryan Jones will take over as Executive Director.

Jones has been with NCM for three years. Under Jones’ leadership, the organization held its most successful fundraising event to date, bringing in over $519,000 to continue its mission of making a difference one family at a time.

“Building out our team and people is the next step in the process,” said Jones. The big thing with the staffing change is just honoring Shirley and her years at this organization and allowing her to serve people, which is the heartbeat of our organization; that’s how she best serves–interacting with our clients in our community.”

Cabe’s larger role in the food program will help keep it running smoothly, he added.

There is already an established pickup schedule from Publix and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Jones explained that about 40% of food in the United States is wasted.

With new resources in place to access surpluses from supermarkets, restaurants, distributors, farmers and more, NCM can put a sizeable dent in southwest Gwinnett county’s share of the waste.

“We hope to use food as a resource, as we have more touch points with families that we see. So, as things come up in their lives, they’re seeing us more often, and we can step in when unexpected emergencies happen and try to address kind of the issues that have brought them to us in the first place,” Jones explained. “And with that comes just a lot more work.”

Dedicated board members

Les Harper, who succeeded Elizabeth Gross, has taken over as chairman of the board of directors to help with the vision for that work.

“My wife and I have been involved with Neighborhood Coop for a long time, volunteered through the church, and supported financially through the church over the years,” said Harper.

When I retired from working a couple of years ago and was looking for opportunities to give back to the community … one thing led to another, and I had the opportunity to join the board,” he added. “I started on the board a couple of years ago, and then last year, I was asked if I would consider stepping into the board chair role [this year], which I was excited to do.”

Harper’s experience on the board and working closely with Gross for an entire year allowed him to step in almost seamlessly into the new position.

“Elizabeth and I had a chance to work together in some leadership roles at church over the years. So, we have chaired and co-chaired a number of things over the years,” he said.

“For the past 12 months, she’s been great at including me in everything and making sure that I was up to speed on everything, fully involved, and ready to go,” he said.

Anyone involved in large-scale non-profit activities appreciates the time, energy, and resources that go into community organizing. To be good stewards of community trust, funds and well-being, NCM has focused on making operations run smoothly.

“NCM is definitely a feet-washing ministry, especially with the food. … A lot of times it’s heavy, and it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s well worth it,” Jones said. “I’m moving from strictly fundraising to overseeing all aspects of the organization and strategic oversight of all the initiatives that we have going on. … I was born in Gwinnett County. “So, really, the big reasons that I left my corporate job to come to NCM is how impressed I was with the board and the staff when I met them before coming on and the fact that it serves an area where I grew up that has a lot of need,” he commented.

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
500 Pinnacle Ct
Norcross, GA 30071
www.ourncm.org
770-263-8268

Catch more non-profit news here!

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15 Upcoming Kids’ Summer Camps in and around Peachtree Corners

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We’ve compiled a list of upcoming summer camps in the Peachtree Corners area at local schools, parks and museums,
UFA Norcross Academy summer camps

Many of us can probably recall fond childhood memories of camp. I know I can. From conquering my fear of heights on a rock wall to learning how to throw pottery and perfecting my serve in tennis, summer camps allowed me to explore my curiosities and try new things.

I can still remember Jenna, my favorite camp counselor, blasting Queen’s famous “I Want to Ride My Bicycle” while a gaggle of 13-year-old girls sang at the top of their lungs.

Now more than ever, it’s important for kids to feel safe in a fun environment, free of stress, where they can make similar memories that will last a lifetime.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming summer camps in the Peachtree Corners area. Whether at a local school, park or museum, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect summer camp for your children.

Community camps

1. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, located off Peachtree Industrial Blvd in Berkeley Lake, is offering two Summer Specialty camps for children ages 8 to 12. From Tuesday, May 28, to Friday, May 31, campers will learn old and new world drawing, painting, and sculpting techniques to create their very own masterpieces.

2. The second Summer Specialty camp is for the young actors in the family. From Monday, July 8, to Friday, July 12, campers will stretch their creative muscles and showcase their passion for performance.

There is a $40 supply fee due to instructor Chris Harris on the first day of camp. Campers are advised to bring lunches and snacks with them. Registration is now open. Call 678-277-0920 for more information.

3. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is offering a mind-blowing ten weeks of summer days camps from May 27 to August 2, for children of all ages. MJCCA has a diverse range of activities, including sports, dance, faith, leadership, arts and cooking.

The center also has a brand new outdoor aquatic center for summer 2024. This facility offers a zero-entry pool, shallow areas with multiple options for all ages, an in-pool sundeck, a water slide, a shaded pool, deck areas, renovated locker rooms, picnic areas and more!

We’ve compiled a list of upcoming summer camps in the Peachtree Corners area at local schools, parks and museums,
MJCCA summer day camps

At MJCCA, summers are truly life changing. Campers will master new skills, form friendships that will last a lifetime and strengthen their Jewish identities. Visit mjccadaycamps.org/camps to see the full lineup of camp offerings.

4. Summer is a time for kids to find their sense of adventure and expand the limits of their imagination. From exploring nature to building imaginary worlds, Robert D. Fowler YMCA focuses on social-emotional learning and offers kids new experiences to discover what they love.

Robert D. Fowler YMCA has over 100 half-day and full-day traditional and specialty camp options happening from May 28 to August 2.  

Specialty camps allow kids to expand their interests and learn new skills. Whether it’s cooking, basketball, drama or STEAM, children will have space to grow stronger, try new things and build their confidence in a safe and nurturing environment.

The traditional campers will have fun engaging in a wide variety of games, activities and team projects, in an environment that allows them to connect with new people.

Preschool-aged children, teenagers and everyone in between can find their perfect camp at ymcaatlanta.org/camp/day-camp.

5. Give your child a summer adventure to remember at Duluth’s Shorty Howell Park. Campers ages 7 to 13 can choose from four diverse day camp options.

From natural wonders to cultural traditions, campers will explore every corner of the globe during Around the World from June 24 through June 28. Mix it Up features a variety of classic camp activities to keep kids entertained and engaged. This camp will take place from July 8 to July 12.

The Shorty Howell Olympics are also back from July 15 to July 19. Campers can go for the gold through friendly competition, athletic showdowns and inter-camp games. The last camp of the season, Build It, allows participants to unleash their creativity and design their best craft creations from July 22 to July 26.

Lunch is provided, but campers are welcome to bring their own. Registration is now open and can be completed by calling 678-277-0900.

School camps

6. Greater Atlanta Christian camps are where active play, enriching experiences and true relationships meet.

With more than 30 summer enrichment programs in athletics, arts, academics and fun, campers can make new friends, discover new talents and explore in a safe, Christian environment.

We’ve compiled a list of upcoming summer camps in the Peachtree Corners area at local schools, parks and museums,
Greater Atlanta Christian School summer camps

With a group of trained counselors, your child will be encouraged and celebrated in all they do.

GAC parent Erica Pierre was thrilled with her children’s camp experience. “From the contagious smiles of the counselors that greet them in the mornings to fun times at the pool, this camp finds so many ways to create not only a fun, but also a meaningful time for each child.”

Learn more at greateratlantachristian.org/campus-life/summer-camp.

7. Marist School invites children and teens, ages 5 to 17, to enjoy a summer filled with a wide array of camps that cater to a myriad of interests. For those with a passion for athletics, multiple sports camps are available. Budding musicians and producers can explore their talents in the music technology and production camp.

For students seeking to boost their academic skills, Marist School provides a personal essay startup workshop and an intensive SAT/ACT boot camp.

STEM fans will find the science camp both educational and exciting, while those interested in health and wellness can dive into the sports medicine camp.

Future broadcasters can develop their skills in the sports center and entertainment tonight broadcasting camps. Additionally, the theater camp is the perfect stage for aspiring actors and performers to shine.

These programs run from June 3 to August 2, promising a summer of learning, fun and personal growth for young individuals at Marist School. For the full list of available programs, visit maristschoolga.myrec.com/info/activities.

8. For nearly three decades, Pinecrest Academy has hosted an array of summer camps filled with fun and educational value. These camps play a pivotal role in boosting confidence, fostering friendships and imparting new skills to children in a secure and caring Christian environment.

Pinecrest welcomes children of many ages, from rising kindergartners to 12th graders, at their 68-acre campus.

The schedule of activities includes a Coding Camp, Spanish Immersion Camp, Culinary Arts Camp and many more specialized programs like Paladin Boys Basketball Boot Camp, Play-Well TEKnologies and Sewing Camp.

The camps are scheduled from June 3 to July 19. Registration is forthcoming and the complete camp lineup can be found at pinecrestacademy.org/campus-life/summer-camps.

9. Wesleyan School’s summer camps have been a highlight for kids ages 5 to 14. With a blend of arts, athletics, STEM and life skills, these camps offer a rich mix of activities for kids. Wesleyan offers flexible half-day options starting at $175 and full-day camps for $400, fitting both schedules and budgets.

We’ve compiled a list of upcoming summer camps in the Peachtree Corners area at local schools, parks and museums,
Wesleyan School summer camps

This summer, the fun runs from June 10-28 and July 8-19. These camps have everything from sports like soccer and lacrosse to creative pursuits like chess and sewing.

Kids can also dive into science with robotics programming or get artistic with photography. Each session is led by skilled counselors and coaches, ensuring a safe and engaging experience.

Contact Kelly Weatherly, Wesleyan’s Director of Auxiliary Programs and Outreach for more information at kweatherly@wesleyanschool.org.

Arts, sports and STEM

10. Creativity and fun await at Spruill Summer Art Camp! This summer, young artists ages 5 to 14 are invited to an extraordinary journey of discovery. From May 28 to August 9, each camp has its own captivating theme.

Camp hours are set from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with additional before-care and after-care options available to accommodate various schedules.

For the younger age group (5 to 10 years), campers start with a morning session led by a teacher, followed by a lunch break, and then an afternoon session with a different instructor.

This format allows children to create an array of artworks, which are then showcased to parents at week’s end. A dedicated team of volunteers, including many former campers, is always ready to assist, ensuring that each camper receives the necessary support to thrive.

For rising sixth to ninth graders, the Spruill offers specialized Studio Art Camps. These sessions are conducted by professional teaching artists who introduce new art skills, assist in refining techniques and provide opportunities for campers to express their creative ideas. Visit spruillarts.org/camps to register.

11. This summer, the High Museum of Art invites young artists to immerse themselves in fine art through its weeklong camps designed for first through eighth graders.

The 2024 Summer Art Camp, opening for registration on February 13 (early access now available for members), offers a unique way for children to explore the Museum’s galleries and learn about its collections.

We’ve compiled a list of upcoming summer camps in the Peachtree Corners area at local schools, parks and museums,
High Museum of Art summer camps

They will also get to visit special exhibitions and develop their artistic skills in drawing, painting and design.

Guided by professional teaching artists, campers will engage in activities that enhance their creativity and allow them to experiment with new techniques.

The camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., during various weeks from June 3 through August 2, with morning drop-off starting at 8:30 a.m. and afternoon pick-up until 4 p.m.

There is also an aftercare option available until 6 p.m. for late pickups at an additional cost. Members of the High Museum are eligible for discounts and early registration, and non-members can easily add a membership during registration.

For more details or assistance, the Museum provides a Camp FAQ and can be contacted at HMAcamps@high.org or 404-800-0547.

12. The 2024 season at Top Dog Volleyball Club is underway, focusing on teams from 12U to 17U. This summer, the club is planning clinics and open gyms for May and June, which are open to everyone, not just club members.

Key dates to watch out for include the club tryouts scheduled for July 12-14. For the latest events and registration, the club suggests subscribing to their newsletter and is open to queries at info@topdogvolleyball.com or 678-333-0982.

13. United Fútbol Academy Norcross will host its 2024 Summer Ball Mastery Camp this June and July. Players of all skill levels born between 2011 and 2018 are welcome to participate.

Directed by Juan Cruz, this camp is an excellent opportunity for young soccer players to improve their ball-handling skills, foot speed, 1v1 moves, stop/start techniques, and clever maneuvers that keep opponents guessing.

The camp runs weekly from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday, with sessions scheduled for June 3-7, June 10-14, June 17-21 and July 8-12.

The Academy meets at Summerour Middle School in Norcross. Participants must bring their own ball, shin guards, plenty of water or ice, snacks or sports drinks and any necessary medications or EpiPens.

Parents can reach Juan Cruz at norcrosscamps@unitedfa.org for further information or to register their children for this rigorous training experience.

14. Club SciKidz believes that every child is a scientist and that they can become better scientists!

This summer, Club SciKidz will introduce a new format with many different camp options for a wide range of age groups.

For Pre-K to Kindergarten, camp themes include “Jurassic,” “Little Scientist” and “Mini Medical School,” among others. First through third graders can choose from “3D Creator,” “Junior Robot Engineer,” “Video Game Maker” and more.

Fourth through seventh graders have more advanced options like “Emergency Vet,” “Forensic Detective” and “Young EcoExplorer.”

Camps run Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, parents can contact Club SciKidz at 678-483-5651 or support@clubscikidz.com.

15. Paul Duke STEM High School in Norcross is hosting an array of Summer STEM camps for ages 7 through 12, with dates including June 3-7, June 10-14 and June 17-21.

Campers will learn tons of new skills like Scratch, game development, Roblox, Python and robotics, with an emphasis on hands-on learning and building technological acumen.

The camps have small class sizes and a 7:1 student-to-instructor ratio and are taught by vetted instructors from top universities.

Paul Duke STEM provides full-day and half-day options, along with pre-camp and post-camp care for additional fees. Half-day summer programs are also available for younger participants, specially tailored for those at least five years old, focusing on educational Minecraft lessons and creative projects.

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