Community

A Summer Daze Camp Preview

Published

4 years ago

February 10, 2021

Kelsey Asher

Courtesy as MJCCA

Sports, s’mores and plenty more await camping kids this summer. Though it may seem a tad early, camp rosters will fill up fast as occupancy may be limited for safety. Don’t miss out on the perfect camp for your child.

Please note that, as well that with current health considerations, changes in camp schedules may occur. So please contact camps directly for the most up-to-date information.

MJCCA Summer Camps 2021

The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) Camp Catalog is made up of many interesting offerings for single or multi-week camps, kicking off the first week of June and coming to a close in mid-August. All camps will be held at Zaban Park, except the sleepaway Camp Barney Medintz in the north Georgia mountains.

Fees start at $385 a week, with preferred pricing for members of MJCCA and discounts for attending multiple weeks of camp. Before and after care may or may not be offered, so stay tuned.

The traditional day camp experience offered is Camp Isidore Alterman (CIA) and CIA Jr. CIA Jr. is for Rising Pre-K and CIA welcomes Rising K-6th Grade. Camp fun activities on deck include canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, bumper boats, fishing, swimming and so much more. Children will be organized into small groups of no more than 15 in a cohort model, to avoid too much unnecessary mixing.

Hoping to keep up their game in the off season? Sports at MJCCA is a solution. From improving their backhand in Tennis to getting into the swing of things with Intro to Golf, a sports-minded kid has many options to choose from.

If your kid has a flare for the dramatic instead of a flare for the athletic, have them join the cast of The Little Mermaid Jr. or Shrek the Musical Jr. in a multi-week camp experience, or perhaps twinkle their toes in one of MJCCA many dance camps. There are also an astounding number of theme camps available that explore specialized hobbies, art and professional interests.

Interested but on the fence? Small in-person group tours with MJCCA’s camp directors will be held on select days to give parents and kids alike a chance to see where the summer fun happens, learn about camp and ask questions. Tours are scheduled for March 14, March 21 and April 18. There is a 10:30 a.m. group and a 1:30 p.m. group.

A Virtual New Parent Orientation is to be held May 4, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This will allow parents yet one more avenue to ask questions and know what to expect this summer.

Get a more complete overview of MJCCA Camp information by visiting mjccadaycamps.org for the full 2021 camp catalog and schedule.

Camp All American

Camp All American is the recreational camp ministry of Perimeter Church, created to serve Johns Creek area kids in an enriching, safe environment. They also have satellite camps at other churches around Atlanta — and even one in Florida.

This week-long summer camp is open June 1 to August 6. Summer registration opens February 7 at 10 p.m. When you sign up for camp, your child is divided into smaller “camp groups” depending on gender, specialty and grade.

Ages served range from 5 years all the way to 11th graders in the CIT program. Day camp and sleepaway camp options are available.

Learn more by attending one of their Discovery Days for an opportunity to meet the staff, tour the campus and ask questions about Camp All-American. Registration for Discovery Day opens February 10. The first tour option is March 21 at 1:30 p.m.; May 1 at 3:30 p.m. is the second. For more information or to register, visit campallamerican.com.

Camp Evergreen

Camp Evergreen is a Christian camp located in the serene mountains of north Georgia near Lake Burton. It has its own manmade self-contained lake (dubbed Lake Dean), that boasts a blob water feature, as well as a zipline and a swimming hole supervised by licensed lifeguards. Other activities on deck include canoeing, campfires, hiking, horseback riding (for an additional fee) and the list goes on.

The camp is wilderness centered and believes nature can speak on its own without extras. Programming intentionally leaves out bells and whistles and focuses on creative, fun approaches to all activities. The staff does their best to make sure every child is comfortable, which is reflected in the wide array of camp options they offer.

Campers can come for a four-day day camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. that is integrated into ongoing Overnight Camp sessions, or stay overnight in a 4-day, 7-day, 10-day or 14-day stint depending on age. Cost varies depending on the option selected, so hike to campevergreen.org to get a full view.

Camp Flashback

As a sponsored program of the Dunwoody Preservation Trust (DPT), Camp Flashback transports kids to a simpler time, allowing kids to be kids in the shining sun while learning about the great history of Dunwoody. They’ll enjoy summer fun and learning at Dunwoody’s only authentic history camp — the Donaldson-Bannister Farm — staffed by loving, licensed educators with a low kid-to-staff ratio of 5 to 1. Campers must be age 7 to 12 years.

Kids will spend their days like 1870s farm children, with old-fashioned activities like hand-churning butter and ice-cream, milking and feeding goats, grooming a pony, weaving, sewing and an ever-growing list of things to do.

Registration is open now for five one-week sessions: June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, July 12-16 and July 19-23. Pricing starts at $235 per camper per week, with discounts for DPT members. Flash over to dunwoodypreservationtrust.org/camp-flashback/ for additional information.

Club SciKidz Camps

Dust off your beakers and safety googles, because ClubSciKidz has STEAM education fun planned this summer! The Club SciKidz crew will be setting up shop at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody for four weeks, from June 21 through July 19.

Camp themes offered include Coding Kaleidoscope, Robot Engineer, Young Surgeon, Emergency Veterinary Medicine, Mystical & Magical (Harry Potter), and much, much more.

For more information on camp themes and camp locations, visit clubscikidz.com/camp-locations/#atlanta-science-day-camps.

Dunwoody Nature Center

Learn all about the creatures that make their home in the forest wonderland around Dunwoody Nature Center, with a delightful mix of full and half day camps. The camp schedule kicks off June 1 and continues through August 13.

Explore some exciting camp focuses like Up in the Air, a deep dive into the world of animals that fly, soar and zoom in the sky. Or maybe Creek Week is more your speed, splashing around the locally famous Wildcat Creek and learning about the vitality of its ecosystem. Or what about Ooey Gooey Science, chock full of hands-on experiments to foster a genuine scientific interest? And that’s just the start!

The standard cost for a full five-day camp is $275 for members and $310 for non-members. Campers aged 3.5 to 4 are invited to attend from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Rising K-5 attend for a full day until 3:30 p.m.

Early Bird drop-off begins at 8 a.m., with a $45 charge for five days, and late pickup is offered for K-5 until 6 p.m. with a $70 charge for five days. Register at dunwoodynature.org or call 770-394-3322.

GAC Summer Camps

With more than 30 summer enrichment programs in athletics, arts, academics and fun, Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) campers have a daily opportunity to make new friends, explore new talents and experiences in a safe, Christian environment. The incredible group of trained counselors make sure your child will be encouraged and celebrated in all they do.

GAC Summer Camps are slated to commence June 7 and continue through the end of July. Virtual camps will be added, and other camp programs as well, as safety guidelines allow.

Pricing varies depending on the program. Before and after care is available for some camps. Learn more at greateratlantachristian.org/summer-camp/summer-camp.

The High Museum of Art Camps

Dive into art this summer at the High! Young artists will explore the museum’s galleries, create original artworks and showcase their masterpieces in a special exhibition each week. Campers also will learn about the Museum’s collection and special exhibitions while honing their skills in drawing, painting, and design.

Professional teaching artists will inspire your child to look closely, experiment with materials, and try new techniques. Their weeklong camps are designed to serve rising 1st through 8th graders.

The High Museum member price is $350 per week, $450 for non-members. Official camp programming spans from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with aftercare available until 6 p.m. for an added $50 fee. Registration opens February 9. Camps sessions begin June 7 and will continue through July 30.

Pace Academy Summer Programs

A special message from Pace Academy: “At Pace, we believe some of life’s greatest lessons are learned outside the classroom. When school is not in session, we offer programming to keep children — Pace students and students from other schools — active and engaged. We offer full day and half-day summer camps; specialty programs like Athletic Camps, Danger Camp and Theatre Workshops; STEM Camps and Clinics; and Academic Enrichment Opportunities.”

We offer the opportunity for your camper to be registered in two separate half day programs to create a full day camp experience for your camper. Your camper will need to pack their lunch, but we will supervise your camper at lunch so they can stay on campus for all day fun!”

Registration is open for all camps. For information and pricing, visit paceacademy.org/programs/summer-programs.

Primrose School of Peachtree Corners Summer Adventure Club

At Primrose School’s Summer Adventure Club, children become engineers, artists, explorers and more as they discover the joys of design thinking, a fun and innovative way to learn.

Camps are available for children in grades K-5. Stay tuned for dates and times at primroseschools.com, and be sure to choose the Peachtree Corners location.

Up Next

An Interview with Judge Davis

Don't Miss

A Zoom Webinar about dealing with COVID-19’s impact on seniors and their families

Kelsey Asher

Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.

Community

Life in Motion: The Gift of Organ Donation Fuels Active Lives for Recipients

Published

2 weeks ago

December 6, 2024

Shawne Taylor

US Soccer team at the Transplant Football World Cup celebrating on the field

Peachtree Corners resident, Alex Everett traveled to Italy this past September — not as a tourist but as an athlete. The 28-year-old accountant and liver transplant survivor, served as goalkeeper on Team USA as they competed in the first-ever Transplant Football World Cup.

The event — part of the larger World Transplant Games — promoted giving the gift of life through a week of connection and sportsmanship, showcasing how people with organ transplants can live a normal, active life.

Soccer players in the middle of a match. One team is wearing blue, the other red and white. — photo credit: Riccardo Gallini/GRPhoto

“I first heard about the US Transplant World Cup team a few years ago through a social media post,” said Alex. “The first Transplant World Cup was originally going to take place in 2022 but was postponed due to the uncertainty around international travel and COVID. Fast forward to 2024 and Team USA had an interest meeting via Zoom to discuss details about the tournament and fielding the American team.”

Team USA

All together, they had 14 people from around the United States (hailing from Georgia, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, California and Hawaii) join the team, which traveled to Cervia, Italy in September to compete.

“There were 10 other countries that were represented in the World Cup, and we were split into two groups, one of five and one of six,” Alex explained.

Soccer players in the middle of a match — photo credit: Riccardo Gallini/GRPhoto

“It was an incredible experience representing the US at an international level, competing against other transplant recipients from around the world. We not only were able to share our passion for soccer but also our stories of transplantation and what obstacles we had to overcome to be where we were.”

Coming together to compete

Team USA played well in their matches but placed 9th out of the 11 teams. Because players came from all over the country to join the team, they hadn’t had the opportunity to practice together — or even meet in person — before the tournament started.

“The first time we met face to face and kick a ball as a team was our first game against France,” said Alex. “While that outcome was not what we wanted, we progressively got better as the tournament went on. Eventually ending with a win in a penalty shoot-out against Wales and a normal time win in our final game against Northern Ireland.”

Soccer goalkeeper in blue, blocking a shot — Alex Everett, photo courtesy of Team USA World Transplant Games

“It was an incredible experience, and I would highly recommend anyone who’s involved with transplantation to reach out and get involved with not only Team USA but also with the Transplant Games of America (TGA), which is an Olympic-style competition for people who have received transplants or living donors,” he added.

Most states in the US have their own TGA team, including one here in Georgia.

World Transplant Games 2025

The next World Transplant Games will be held in Dresden, Germany on August 17-24, 2025.

Over six days, athletes and teams from 60 countries will meet to compete in 17 different sports. The US Team is excited to be part of it again and are currently looking for more players interested in taking part.

A group of players from a coed soccer team wearing white uniforms (except for the goalie in orange), posing for a team photo — photo courtesy of Team USA World Transplant Games

Leave a lasting legacy

Alex is also involved with the Peachtree Corners-based organization LifeLink® of Georgia, a division of the LifeLink® Foundation.

Established over 40 years ago, the foundation’s mission is to inspire new organ donor registrations and celebrate those who have decided to save lives as a registered organ, eye or tissue donor. The mission is carried out locally through education programs and community awareness campaigns.

Earlier this year, LifeLink of Georgia launched The Infinity Campaign, a state-wide educational effort aimed at motivating and registering new organ donors. The campaign is represented by the infinity symbol, to demonstrate the lasting impact of organ and tissue donation.

About LifeLink of Georgia

LifeLink of Georgia partners with hospitals to support and guide families as they establish their loved one’s legacy through organ and tissue donation.

They carry out the decisions of registered donors or their families and honor the life of each donor by providing organs and tissue for transplant to as many patients as possible.

Mid-sized white and class building with wide walkway leading up to it. The walkway is lined with flags and there are trees and colorful plants. — photo credit: LifeLink of Georgia

In 2023, 457 men, women and children gifted a legacy of life through organ donation with LifeLink of Georgia, yet there are still nearly 3,000 patients in the state awaiting an organ transplant and thousands more that could benefit from tissue transplantation.

“When you become an organ donor, your life story continues through the lives you save, ensuring that your legacy lives on indefinitely,” says Katie Payne, executive director, LifeLink of Georgia. “Life is an invaluable treasure, a lesson we learn anew each day from our donor families. Thanks to their generosity, LifeLink of Georgia saves thousands of lives every year, and we are deeply honored to continue this extraordinary mission.”

The Infinity Campaign

The Infinity Campaign features a series of real stories from registered donors, each telling what inspired them to register and emphasizing the effect this decision has on saving lives. By sharing these stories, LifeLink aims to motivate more people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and spread the message of hope and life.

“The decision to become a donor was deeply personal. It is an opportunity to give the ultimate gift — the gift of life,” said Adán Bean. “I get to continue to tell the story for others, be a little bit of ink in their pen and help them write what they want to write.”

As part of the launch, LifeLink has created the website mystorycontinues.com, which spotlights stories from donors and recipients and offers innovative tools, including the opportunity to upload a photo to share your support and spread the word on social media about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

Become a donor

Being a donor is an incredible way for individuals to make a difference and have an impact on the lives of others. One organ, eye and tissue donor can potentially save or improve the lives of more than 75 people.

The need for organ and tissue donors is greater now than ever, given the growing numbers of people on transplant wait lists and increasing numbers of people with diabetes and kidney disease.

Currently, there are about 3,000 people in Georgia on the organ transplant list and thousands more on the tissue transplant list.

There are several simple ways to register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor:

Visit mystorycontinues.com and sign up today.
Register when renewing or receiving a driver’s license or identification card at the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
Register when obtaining a hunting or fishing license through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

For more about LifeLink of Georgia, visit lifelinkfoundation.org/our-story/#llgeorgia.

Community

Take A Walk Back in Time For The Holidays

Published

3 weeks ago

November 29, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Three men dressed as the three wise men at a holiday Walk Through Bethlehem event

New experiences await at this season’s Walk Through Bethlehem

An annual must-see holiday event, Walk Through Bethlehem, presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, will take place over three evenings, December 13–15.

With 1,200 luminaries, Simpsonwood Park is transformed into Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers and witness a live nativity.

A camel as part of a Walk Through Bethlehem holiday event — photo courtesy of Simpsonwood United Methodist Church

Visitors can also enjoy a fire with stories from shepherds, pet live animals and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.

Before your journey ends, enjoy a photo opportunity with a Roman Guard and hot chocolate and cookies.

The details

Walk Through Bethlehem transforms several acres of Simpsonwood Park into Bethlehem Village on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers, witness a live nativity and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus.

The special holiday event is presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church with the help of more than 300 community volunteers.

What to expect

1,200 luminaries welcoming guests to Bethlehem
Live camels and Roman guards at Bethlehem’s entrance
Shopkeepers in costume interacting with guests
Interactive village with more than 12 individual shops
Animal petting area with donkeys, sheep and more
Shepherds sharing stories around a fire
Live nativity with wisemen bringing gifts
Attendees donating canned goods to Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
Attendees enjoying hot chocolate and cookies

A woman dressed as a shopkeeper from old Bethlehem, surrounded by lit candles and items for sale — photo courtesy of Simpsonwood United Methodist Church

Make plans to attend

Dates and hours

Friday, December 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Simpsonwood Park, 4511 Jones Bridge Cir NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

FREE admission; accepting canned food donations for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries.

For more information, visit simpsonwoodumc.org/walk-through-bethlehem.

Business

PCBA Continues Charitable Giving at November Event

Published

4 weeks ago

November 25, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Members of the PCBA and United Way of Greater Atlanta standing together holding an oversized donation check for $500

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 to the United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County) at their Business After Hours networking event in November.

The local organization was chosen by PCBA’s Outreach Committee because of their commitment to providing assistance and bettering the lives of children within the community.

United Way of Greater Atlanta

The mission of United Way of Greater Atlanta is to engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families and individuals in local communities.

“Greater Atlanta is one of the most vibrant regions in the country, but the region has significant barriers to realizing its potential in the future because of its continued ranking at the bottom of the list of metro areas in income mobility,” stated Vanessa Roussell, United Way senior director of corporate relations.

A short-haired woman in black pants and print top standing in front of a PCBA event backdrop — Vanessa Roussell, United Way of Greater Atlanta

“Children born in low-income households have only a 4% chance of getting out of poverty in their lifetime,” she continued. “We at United Way of Greater Atlanta don’t like those odds. Our work is about changing them so that children — regardless of where they’re born — have the chance to realize their potential and build lives that sustain themselves, their families and their communities.

Assessing needs within the county

The organization’s goal is to help every child unlock their full potential, by improving education, healthcare, resources and economic mobility in the communities where they live. Their “every child program” includes every child in Gwinnett.

Based on the 2023 census track for Gwinnett County, 94,308 people living in Gwinnett County are at risk, particularly in and around Sugar Hill/Buford, Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Lilburn and Snellville. The highest-need residents are located in the I-85 corridor, mainly around Duluth, Norcross and Lilburn.

Giving back to support the community

“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County),” said PCBA President, Lisa Proctor. “Our outreach committee and board are committed to supporting our community, and investing in the well-being of the children in our community aligns with our core principles. We know that our dollars will be targeted to help those at highest risk … We are glad to have the local Gwinnett chapter located right in our community.”

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the community organizations and their programs.

Over the past 12 years, the PCBA has awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors and donated in excess of $165,500 back into the community.

About Peachtree Corners Business Association

“Where businesses come to grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.

The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area.

For more information visit peachtreecornersba.com.