The summer of 2024 at the Cedar Crest Community Center was nothing short of extraordinary. From June 3rd to August 9th, we opened our doors to hundreds of youth, providing them with enriching experiences that not only kept them engaged but also inspired growth, learning, and connection. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and highlights that made this summer program impactful.
By the Numbers: A Season of Growth
Our summer day camp spanned 48 days, operating Mondays from 12 PM to 6 PM and Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Despite closing for the July 4th holiday, the program served an impressive 3,973 total youth, with an average daily attendance (ADA) of 82. Here’s how it broke down across the summer months:
- June: 20 days of programming, 2,084 total youth served, ADA of 104
- July: 21 days of programming, 1,503 total youth served, ADA of 72
- August: 7 days of programming, 386 total youth served, ADA of 55
These numbers reflect not only the enthusiasm of our campers but also the dedication of our staff and volunteers in making each day memorable.
Activities That Made a Difference
The Cedar Crest Community Center focused on a holistic approach to engage youth through education, sports, exploration, and creative expression. Here are some key activities and their impact:
In July, enrichment classes led by our Education & Enrichment Specialist offered experiences in chess, martial arts, charcoal art, sign language, entrepreneurship, self-defense, and more. These classes broadened our youth’s horizons, giving them the opportunity to discover new interests and talents.
Educational and Spiritual Enrichment:
We hosted Power Camp: Choose Your Character in collaboration with the Dallas Leadership Foundation, focusing on biblical literacy and character development. Youth learned about figures like Esther, Jonah, David, and Jesus, with a 67% increase in biblical literacy and 90% reporting they felt more inspired to read the Bible.
Veritex Financial Literacy Classes served 35 youth, equipping them with essential money management skills.
Sports and Physical Well-being:
We held 32 days of sports practices with an ADA of 91, including football, soccer, and cheer practices.
Our sports camps, hosted at no cost to families, included partnerships with SMU, Mercy Street, and Distinctly His Ministries, collectively serving 265 youth. Highlights included the Cedar Crest Comets’ “Level Up” Football Camp and the “Champions for Literacy” camp, where kids honed athletic skills and connected with mentors.
Exploration Through Field Trips:
The first three Thursdays of June were dedicated to field trips to places like Redbird Skateland, PINSTACK, and Epic Water Park, made possible with generous support from Gametime Transportation, which provided free transportation.
These trips gave youth a balance of structured learning and fun, helping them explore new environments and bond as a community.
Creative Expression and Teamwork:
Our bridge-building project challenged each age group to design and construct a stable and creative bridge. This activity emphasized teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. It was incredible to see our campers take pride in their collaborative efforts.
Special Events and Enrichment Classes:
In July, enrichment classes led by our Education & Enrichment Specialist offered experiences in chess, martial arts, charcoal art, sign language, entrepreneurship, self-defense, and more. These classes broadened our youth’s horizons, giving them the opportunity to discover new interests and talents.
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Piter Bowman
Building Stronger Families and Communities
Our impact extended beyond the youth. 68 parents attended two dedicated parent meetings, providing feedback that has already informed our planning for next year. Parents consistently praised our efforts, with many reporting feeling supported and well-informed by our team. The program’s significance was highlighted by the high likelihood of parents recommending the camp, reflecting the trust and appreciation we’ve built in the community.
Additionally, the summer camp served families facing socioeconomic challenges, with 41.67% of our campers coming from single-parent households and 32.5% of families earning below $20,000 annually. This underscores the importance of providing free or affordable access to enriching programs and essential resources.
A Community Effort
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our 15 new partners, including SMU Football, Mercy Street, Veritex Bank, and the Dallas Police Department. Together, we created an environment where youth felt safe, engaged, and inspired to learn and grow.
A Community Effort
As we reflect on this summer, we are both humbled and inspired by the progress we’ve made and the lives we’ve touched. With God on our side and a dedicated community behind us, we look forward to making an even greater impact in 2025.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Cedar Crest Community Center Summer Program. We are here, and we are growing stronger together. Onward and upward!
