Faith

MJCCA Summer Day Camps: Innovative Virtual Camp Lineup in June

Published

4 years ago

June 5, 2020

Citing the health and safety of campers and staff amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) has pivoted from its traditional in-person day camp program, a mainstay in the metro Atlanta community for countless years, to an innovative and diverse offering of virtual camps aimed at keeping stay-at-home campers engaged in meaningful physical and social activities throughout June. The MJCCA has leveraged strategic partnerships with area experts throughout Atlanta, including the Alliance Theatre, Bach to Rock, Bob Rathbun, Bricks4Kidz, Kids TV International, Painting with a Twist, and Whiz Kids Learning. The center tentatively plans to resume in-person camp activities at Zaban Park in late June.

According to MJCCA CEO Jared Powers, “We immediately recognized the struggle parents in our community were having in terms of keeping their children safe, involved, and entertained while at home. We knew we were going to have to completely reimagine one of our most popular programs, day camps, and be as creative as possible in order to make this work. If the campers couldn’t come to us just yet, we would bring camp into their home. Creating integral connections between campers — and between the JCC and our families who depend on us — is what we do best, and I am deeply satisfied that we have achieved that goal.”

All virtual camp programs will be held Monday – Friday via ZOOM from 9:30 – 11:30 am; Drama Camp will be held weekdays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

CAMP CONNECTION FREE TO ALL REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS!

Throughout the quarantine, MJCCA Day Camps has kept campers and their families entertained and engaged with weekly online content. They will continue to offer a free Camp Connection program each weekday afternoon from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Here, campers will enjoy a special Camp Connection with their favorite day camp directors who will be leading a fun, creative activity via Zoom. A supply list will be posted weekly on the MJCCA Day Camps Facebook page to give parents plenty of time to gather supplies for different projects. Participants must be registered in advance to participate in these daily, no-cost activities, which include:

Mondays: Arts & Crafts
Tuesdays: Cooking and Edible Art Projects
Wednesdays: Fun Fitness Activities
Thursdays: Science and Tinker Projects
Fridays: Shabbat Celebration, Challah Making, and Songs

“I am incredibly proud of this amazing virtual day camp experience our team has put together for our campers. From drama to music, LEGO to art, game coding to sports broadcasting, we’ve chosen some of our most popular camps and made them available virtually. While we all agree that nothing can take the place of an in-person camp experience, we think this is the next best thing and are confident that our campers will stay engaged, active, and connected to their friends. During this time of fear and uncertainly, the impact that this creative programming will have on our community is immeasurable,” said MJCCA Day Camps Director Jodi Sonenshine.

Virtual specialty day camp offerings include:

ROCK CITY CAMP: MUSIC AND MOVEMENT WITH BACH TO ROCK

Offered weeks 1 – 4 in June

For: Rising K – 3^rd Graders

Instructor/Camper ratio: 1:15

Whether your child is a budding rock-star or an aspiring classical soloist, Rock City Online is the place for them to experience real music education. Through dynamic musical and movement-based activities, exposure to instruments, and musically inspired story-time, budding young musicians will develop the skills needed to read music, play simple rhythms, and develop fine motor control skills that are essential for future success in playing an instrument. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.

LEGO CAMP WITH BRICKS4KIDZ

Offered Weeks 1-4
Rising 2^nd – 5^th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15

Week 1 Theme: Star Wars
Week 2 Theme: Amazing Animals
Week 3 Theme: STEM Heroes
Week 4 Theme: Brick City Engineers

Campers will enjoy building LEGO projects with their very own LEGO kits as they progress through a week-long story. Kids will share their creations, and work in breakout groups to get much-needed socialization and work as a team. Each camp will end with students receiving a diploma via e-mail during a Zoom-based graduation ceremony. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and each camper will receive a ‘Camp in a Box’ supply package via curbside pick-up at the MJCCA on the Sunday before each session.

DIGITAL BUILDERS CAMP: MINECRAFT MANIA WITH WHIZ LEARNING KIDS

Offered Week 1 and Week 3
Grades: Rising 2^nd -8^th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:12

In this tech camp partnership with Whiz Learning Kids, campers will use the popular Minecraft program

to design and build all sorts of exciting worlds and digital creations. With individual and team-based challenges, campers will learn key technical and problem-solving skills and tap into their creativity as they build their way through the week! Please note: an internet connection, a computer or tablet, and a valid Minecraft license are required at home.

VIDEO GAME DESIGN CODING CAMP WITH WHIZ LEARNING KIDS

Offered Week 2 and Week 4
Grades: Rising 2^nd – 8^thgraders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:12

In this tech camp partnership with Whiz Learning Kids, campers will work in Scratch and other computer

coding programs to learn how to create characters, backgrounds, and stories for a complete gaming experience. Instructors will help the campers use problem-solving to work through programming challenges and use their creativity in an interactive medium. The final games our campers create will be compatible on any PC or Mac computer. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and software will be provided.

DIRECTOR’S CUT CAMP WITH KIDS TV INTERNATIONAL

Offered Week 1 and Week 3
Grades: Rising 3^rd – 8^th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15
Campers will write, film, and edit their very own movies. The experts from KIDS TV International will guide them through the moviemaking process, while allowing them to explore their creativity, develop acting and technical skills, and work quickly and effectively to achieve an excellent finished product in the form of a DVD that will be mailed home within two weeks. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.

SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP WITH BOB RATHBUN

Offered Week 2
Grades: Rising 3^rd– 8^thgraders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:10
Campers will learn the ins and outs of sports broadcasting. the Atlanta Hawks’ own Bob Rathbun. With more than 20 years of television and broadcasting experience, Rathbun will teach campers all about editing, writing, producing, and on-air reporting and directing. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.

CANVAS CREATIONS WITH PAINTING WITH A TWIST

Offered Week 2 and Week 4
Grades: Rising 3^rd – 8^th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:20

In this camp led by the experts at Painting with a Twist, campers will create different masterpieces each day and bring their own canvases to life! An artist will lead each class and walk campers through the painting process step-by-step and all supplies will be provided. No experience is needed, just your child’s desire to use their imagination and have fun! Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and supplies will be provided via curbside pick-up at the MJCCA.

INTRO TO SONGWRITING CAMP WITH BACH TO ROCK

Offered Week 1 and Week 4
Grades: Rising 4^th – 8^th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15
In this one-of-a-kind virtual experience, Bach to Rock will teach campers how to write chord progressions, song lyrics, construct melodies, and perform their masterpiece! By the end of our week-

long adventure, these future stars will be performing with ease and on their way to their first Grammy!

BEGINNER UKULELE CAMP WITH BACH TO ROCK

Offered Week 2 and Week 3
Grades: Rising 4^th – Rising 8^th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:15
Campers will learn the basics of ukulele in an interactive, virtual group setting. Through games, music theory, and performance, campers will start playing songs quickly! Led by Bach to Rock, this week-long camp will culminate in a virtual performance! Students will learn and play together in a team-like atmosphere, motivating and encouraging each other to practice and perform. Please note: a ukulele, an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home.

DRAMA CAMPS WITH ALLIANCE THEATRE

Offered Weeks 1-4
Rising K – 8^th graders
Instructor/Camper Ratio: 1:12
Options include:

Creative Drama Camp (Rising K – 3^rd)
Musical Theater Camp (Rising K – 8^th)
Performing Arts Camp (Rising 2^nd – 8^th graders)

The MJCCA’s signature Drama Camp meets the Alliance Theatre in this singular program second to none. Budding actors will collaborate with other artists, learn about performance, and make lasting memories. Screen time is about 2-4 hours per day and daily activities will include physical and vocal warm-ups, drama games, movement and performance rehearsals, crafts, and self-filmed assignments. Drama Camp will culminate in a final sharing at the conclusion of each week, Friday at 3:00 pm via Zoom. Please note: an internet connection and a computer or tablet are required at home and everything you need for this camp will be shipped to you, including all art supplies, templates for crafts, activity sheets, and books.

More info at mjccadaycamps.org/camps-programs

Doing Good

UGA Legend Shares Words of Wisdom at Salvation Army Luncheon

Published

2 months ago

May 28, 2024

Arlinda Smith Broady

Former UGA head football coach Mark Richt recently spoke at a Salvation Army luncheon about faith, community, and of course, the Bulldogs.

Photos by Jon Avery of The Salvation Army

The role team sports play in building authentic relationships is pretty apparent, especially the relationship between a coach and the individual players.

Showing strength often means showing vulnerability as well. And sometimes the strongest people can have their vulnerable moments. That’s what the Salvation Army’s ministry is all about – helping those who need a hand.

To further that message, one of the most noteworthy coaches in University of Georgia football history, Mark Richt, shared his insights as the keynote speaker for the 10th annual “Doing the Best” luncheon on May 9 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE. The event is one of the main fundraisers for the Salvation Army of Gwinnett County.

Linda McQuaig shaking hands with Coach Richt

Coach Richt’s journey

Richt shared his personal experience of being recruited out of high school and eventually going into coaching, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the journey.

“My mom taught me what it means to love unconditionally,” said Richt. “And my dad and I connected through baseball … he taught me how to love and respect people … unfortunately he’s no longer with us.”

Having that groundwork at home helped underscore the value of relationships in sports, he said, adding that’s what helped overcome obstacles in coaching and in life.

Richt coached the Bulldogs from 2001 to 2015 and The University of Miami from 2016 to 2018. He retired with a record of 171-64.

His UGA win total is second only to Hall of Fame coach Vince Dooley’s. He was named the 2002 and 2005 SEC Coach of the Year and is currently the 10th-winningest coach in SEC history. Last year, he became the fifth coach from Georgia and the fifth Hurricanes coach to enter the College Football Hall of Fame.

Coach Richt with Roxanne Tigue from Primerica

The impact of faith

He shared with the audience how his fait h in God helped him overcome fears and doubts – even while battling Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing his hope in the future glory of heaven.

“I got Parkinson’s, and as most people know, it’s a progressive disease that gets worse over time. It affects your movement. I get muscle rigidity,” he said. “When I got the diagnosis, I thought, ‘Well, what do I do?’”

Coach Mark Richt talking with Scott Slade and Advisory Council Member

He said he decided he was going to enjoy the blessing he had while he could. And he encouraged the audience to do the same.

“We are grateful to have Coach Richt join us for this milestone year of the Doing The Most Good Luncheon,” said Captain Paul Ryerson, commanding officer of The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County. “The need remains high for many in our community, and the funds raised through this event will allow us to continue to serve as a resource and bring hope to our local neighbors.”

Visit southernusa.salvationarmy.org/gwinnett to learn more.

The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County “Doing the Most Good” by the numbers (2023):

51,134 pounds of food donated,
640 number of households that received food donations,
1,461 nights of shelter provided,
54 number of households that received rent/mortgage and utility assistance,
738 families received gifts at Christmas through the Angel Tree program and
1,979 children received gifts at Christmas through the Angel Tree program.

Doing Good

Water at Work Ministry Partners with House of Light Orphanage

Published

2 months ago

May 15, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Water at Work Ministry, an Atlanta-based charitable organization is proud to announce its partnership with House of Light Orphanage.

This is Pastor Lucas who opened the house of light orphanage in 2006 with the goal to care for his own child with disabilities and others who could not receive care elsewhere. Pictured with his is Water at Work’s Executive Director Dan Blevins (a Peachtree Corners resident).

Water at Work Ministry, an Atlanta-based charitable organization dedicated to providing clean water solutions to communities in the Dominican Republic, is proud to announce its partnership with House of Light Orphanage, a haven of care and education to 40 orphans with disabilities.

Together, these faith-based organizations are inaugurating a sustainable water production business to ensure access to safe water for the orphanage residents and the surrounding communities in Ciudad Juan Bosch.

This business will help sustain House of Light’s mission to provide nurture and education to children, many of whom have experienced physical and cognitive challenges since birth and abandonment by their families.

A dedication and grand opening ceremony for the water plant was held on Tuesday, May 14, with representatives attending from Water at Work Ministries, Rotary International, Be an Angel Foundation, the local Bella Vista Rotary Club, House of Light Orphanage and the local community.

With the opening of Water at Work’s new sustainable water plant, the House of Light Orphanage will have a consistent and reliable source of clean water to meet the needs of the orphans and the surrounding community, ensuring access to water that is safe for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.

The plant has a production capacity of 5,500 gallons per day, and is designed to be a sustainable business that will generate revenue through water sales. Clean water will be produced and affordably sold in five-gallon bottles in the surrounding communities.

Profits generated by the water business will defray the orphanage’s expenses, thereby contributing to its continued viability and moving it toward financial independence.

This project is just one more example of how this Atlanta-based nonprofit organization is working to empower and elevate local economies in the Dominican Republic.

Over the past decade, Water at Work has established eight fully-functioning water plant businesses across the DR. Each partners with local churches with the goal of meeting people’s physical needs through water and their spiritual needs through the Living Water of Jesus.

While many people think of the DR’s pristine beaches and resorts, locals know that poverty is rampant in many parts of the country and countless people have limited access to basic needs, including clean water. With the ongoing crisis in neighboring Haiti, ministries like Water at Work are more needed now than ever before.

“The partnership between House of Light Orphanage and Water at Work represents a significant step forward in addressing the critical need for clean water in underserved communities,” says Water at Work Executive Director, Dan Blevins, resident of Peachtree Corners.

“By leveraging sustainable technology and innovative solutions, both organizations will make a tangible, life-giving difference,” he added.

Water at Work Ministry
Email: audrie@wateratworkministry.org
Phone: 404-465-1447

Faith

Georgia United Methodist Foundation Announces Changes to Finance Team

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

he Georgia United Methodist Foundation announced that Carol Johnston will succeed Russell Jones as SVP, CFO and treasurer.

The Georgia United Methodist Foundation announced Carol Johnston as its senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer. Johnston, who currently serves as associate vice president and controller for the Foundation, will succeed Russell Jones upon his retirement on June 30, 2024.

The Foundation is working to fill the controller position and further enhance its financial expertise.

Johnston will assume responsibilities currently held by Jones on July 1, 2024. In addition to 13 years of experience as the Foundation’s associate vice president and controller, Johnston is a former CPA and brings more than 35 years of experience in non-profit work and a distinguished background in banking to the CFO role.

As tenured members of the Foundation’s finance team, Johnston and Jones have worked together for more than a decade. As of April 1, the Foundation has 234.7 million dollars under management due in large part to the partnership between Jones and Johnston.

“Russell Jones has served as the financial backbone of the Foundation for 25 years. He has shared his financial talent and business acumen as a steadfast leader of the Foundation. His deep knowledge of software, systems, and financial instruments has served the Foundation well during his tenure. He has helped shepherd the Foundation through many significant changes and his counsel will be greatly missed.” Katrina Voegtlin, Chairperson of the GUMF Audit/Finance Committee.

Under Jones’ leadership, the Foundation introduced its loan program which currently has over 42 million in loans throughout the state of Georgia.

“In addition to 25 years with the Foundation, Russell served seven years as assistant treasurer of the NGA Conference.

“We hope that they will enjoy may years together in the North Georgia mountains!” said Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley, President and CEO of the Foundation.

For more information about the Georgia United Methodist Foundation, contact Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley at elizabethch@gumf.org.