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A Summer Daze Camp Preview

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mjcca
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.

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.

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Gwinnett County Public Library Receives Innovation Award

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The library system was honored with the Urban Libraries Council’s 2024 Innovation Award in Workforce and Economic Development

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries, has named Gwinnett County Public Library a Top Innovator for 2024. This recognition is in honor of the library’s New Start Entrepreneurial Incubator (NSEI), which offers business training and mentorship to formerly incarcerated community members.

Originally funded by Google through a grant from the American Library Association (ALA), the six-month program helps participants build the knowledge and skills necessary to start their own businesses.

“I’ve seen the life of each person who goes through this program change profoundly and significantly,” said Charles Pace, executive director of Gwinnett County Public Library. “We believe that people deserve a second chance. The New Start program gives them the tools, knowledge and support they need to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses.”

ULC’s Innovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its more than 180 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of our urban communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges.

Top innovators and honorable mentions

A distinguished panel of judges selected Gwinnett County Public Library as a Top Innovator. The project won in the Workforce and Economic Development category for its originality, measurable outcome and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 230 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards.

Six public libraries received the Top Innovator designation, and six libraries received an honorable mention in recognition of their work. There is one top innovator and one honorable mention for each award category.

AWARD CATEGORYTOP INNOVATORSHONORABLE MENTIONS
Advocacy and AwarenessSan Francisco Public Library (CA)Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA)
Education: Children and AdultsVirginia Beach Public Library (VA)New York Public Library (NY)
Equity and InclusionMiami-Dade Public Library System (FL)Broward County Library (FL)
Health and WellnessDenver Public Library (CO)San Mateo County Libraries (CA)
Library Operations and ManagementToronto Public Library (ON)Pioneer Library System (OK)
Workforce and Economic DevelopmentGwinnett County Public Library (GA)Memphis Public Libraries (TN)

“This year’s Innovations Initiative honorees exemplify the evolving role of libraries as dynamic public institutions that are integral to the fabric of our urban communities,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “The innovative projects highlighted this year demonstrate the power of libraries to not only adapt but to actively shape the future of our cities, ensuring that all community members have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Information about the winning project from Gwinnett County Public Library and that of other honorees is available on the ULC website at www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations.

About Gwinnett County Public Library

Gwinnett County Public Library is a free provider of education and information. Located in

metro Atlanta, the Library has 15 branches that offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, classes, materials and programming for people of all ages.

For more information about Gwinnett County Public Library programs and services, visit www.gwinnettlibrary.org.

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Olympian Jasmine Jones Visits Her Local Alma Mater

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Olympic athlete standing with a school mascot

Olympian Jasmine Jones, a standout alumna of Greater Atlanta Christian School (Class of 2020), returned to her alma mater on September 12 to speak to and inspire the next generation of students there.

GAC staff interviewed Jones and also took questions from the students during a Q&A session that included every grade level.

Female Olympic athlete being interviewed onstage
photo courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

As a member of the U.S. Olympic team and a 12-time Georgia state individual champion during her time at GAC, Jasmine’s visit was a homecoming filled with motivation and reflection. She spoke passionately to the students about the importance of perseverance, goal-setting, and embracing challenges, drawing from her journey from GAC to the University of Southern California and the global stage of the Olympics.

Jones qualified for the Paris Olympics on June 30 and made the U.S. team in women’s 400m hurdles after placing third. She went on to place fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles final at the Paris games.

Female Olympian meeting members of the audience in a school auditorium
photo courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

Students and staff at GAC cheered Jones on during the Olympics. And they cheered her again as she took to the school’s stage to address the audience. Before and after the event, Jones posed for photos, gave high-fives and took time connect with some of GAC’s enthusiastic students and faculty.

Female Olympian meeting students at her alma mater
photo courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

Her words — and her accomplishments — left a powerful impression on the crowd, reminding everyone of the heights that can be achieved with dedication and faith.

For more about GACS, visit greateratlantachristian.org.

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Miyabiya Japan Brings Kabuki ‘Lion Dance’ to Life for Students at ICAGeorgia

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kabuki performers in front of an audience of K-6 students

The renowned performers wowed the audience with a thrilling presentation of dance, drama and fun.

Staff, students and board members of the International Charter Academy of Georgia were given a short-but-thrilling taste of Kabuki when dancers from Miyabiya Japan stopped by the school on September 16 for a special performance.

Offering a preview of the full show they’d prepared for center stage at JapanFest 2024, the troop presented a special short section of a dance titled “Renjishi: The Two Lions.”

Miyabiya Japan Kabuki performers
photo credit: Shawne Taylor

Considered one of the most famous pieces in Kabuki, Renjishi is known for its powerful choreography and dramatic expression. It tells the story of the relationship between a father lion and his young son. The powerful movements, dramatic expressions and percussive sound effects symbolize the passing of strength and legacy from one generation to the next.

How the show came about

Miyabiya Japan last appeared at JapanFest in 2016 to great acclaim. This year, with the excitement of their return, the performers made plans to offer a few shorter performances at other places around town in the week leading up to the festival.

School faculty and board members with performers from Miyabiya Japan Kabuki troop
from left: Takahiko Fujima, Miki Ito, Junko Jones, Aki Nozawa Felecia Tucker-Jones, Carol Freeman, Daniela Britton, Yuriko Evett, Annie Varghese, Robert Johnson and Yukimasa Futamura

Robert Johnson, an advisory board member of ICAGeorgia and a long-time friend of JapanFest and the Miyabiya troop, knew the dual-language, Japanese immersion school would be a great place for one of the shows. He helped organize the day’s demonstration and was on-hand to talk to the crowd and introduce the performers.

The performance

It was the first time having a Kabuki performance at ICAGeorgia. And, as students filed into the school’s gym, the excitement was palpable. The room was humming with happy voices before the show even began.

Johnson greeted the kids with a smile before introducing the award-winning Kabuki troop in both English and Japanese.

Kabuki dancers in motion during performance
photo credit: Shawne Taylor

“This special group from Japan will be performing at JapanFest, but today they’re performing here for you,” he told the excited crowd.

He went on to explain, “Kabuki is a special form of very dramatic and traditional Japanese dance. Two dancers today will do the Lion Dance.” The youngest children in the crowd shrieked with delight when they heard the name.

“The Lion Dance is like the story of the Lion King,” he continued, “with an otousan (father) lion with a long white mane and his son with a bright red mane.”

Kabuki performer with an audience of K-6 students
photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia

After the short explanation of what to expect, Johnson instructed the students (and the adults in the audience) to call for the performers to come out. To the sounds of “Miyabi-ya, miyabi-ya,” from the crowd, the dancers bounded out into the room, onto the space set up for their performance. They greeted Mr. Johnson and the students before getting into the story.

An interactive experience

The show started with a brief instruction of Kabuki movements that got the audience on its feet, following the red lion’s lead. It ended with a bang of confetti that thrilled (and surprised) everyone there.

Kabuki performer at a school
photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia

In between, the story of the two lions was beautifully expressed through the performers’ detailed costumes, traditional kumadori makeup, exaggerated expressions and dramatic movements. At times, the dancers even made their way into the audience. Students and adults alike were riveted from start to finish.

“I’m happy to have the performers come to our school,” said Junko Jones, a founding board member and CFO of ICAGeorgia. “Not all of the students will be able to go to JapanFest. So, it’s nice that they can experience Japan here.”

Kabuki performers in front of a K-6 audience
photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia

About ICAGeorgia

The International Charter School of Georgia is a K-6 Japanese immersion school located in Peachtree Corners. They currently have 250 students, with plans to expand the school to offer Grades 7–8 in the future.

Eighty-one of the students will sing onstage at JapanFest September 21 at 1pm. This will be school’s sixth time performing at the festival, having been there every year since the school opened. The students also performed at the state capital in January for Japan Day.

For more information about ICAGeorgia, visit internationalcharteracademy.org.

For more about JapanFest and Miyabiya Japan, visit japanfest.org

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