There is no summer vacation for Valwood's mission of Academics, Character and Service.
Summerwood, a camp held each year at Valwood, fulfills the school's mission by serving children living at Lowndes Associated Ministries to People (LAMP). LAMP provides families in need with resources and tools of empowerment and Summerwood's structured yet comfortable atmosphere helps accomplish this goal.
The purpose of the two week program, implemented 3 years ago, is to influence the lives of children in need by instilling a love of learning in a school atmosphere. Valwood Upper School students volunteer their time to teach and mentor these young people ages 6 to 17. According to faculty advisor for the program, Chuck Glassmire, "The primary objective of Summerwood is to enhance the children's reading skills and foster a love of reading." Other areas of study include math, creative writing, drama and arts and crafts. The group visits Valwood's libraries once each week and time is set aside each day for reading as a group and individually.
Upper School students plan the academic and enrichment curriculum and serve as teachers as well. Each year a student is given the honor of serving as Headmaster. This year's honor went to Jessie Glassmire who has volunteered for Summerwood since its inception. Jessie says she learns a lot from the children. Her observation of a 14 year old girl and her younger brother attending the program touched her in a profound way. "I was so impressed by the way this young lady has taken responsibility for her younger brother and helped raise him."
Valwood graduates Jason Stewart '06 and Channing Mathews '05 returned this year to volunteer. Jason is attending Valdosta State University and said, "This is a chance for me to give back while expanding my boundaries. I would not normally come in contact with these children and I think it's great for these kids to come to Valwood where they are exposed to such academic excellence." Channing, a graduate of Duke University, will be teaching in the Dominican Republic this fall and her skills were a valuable addition to the program.
Stacia Myers, a rising Valwood sophomore, said, "It is fun and interesting to learn where the kids are academically and to help them move forward."
Each day the students are provided with a midday meal, usually the typical camp fare with a few surprises thrown in. Mr. Glassmire, known for his culinary talents, often prepares a hot meal for the students and the teachers.
In addition to good food, fun is a prominent theme running throughout the course of the program. Each Friday, the campers and teachers enjoy water games and special summer treats.
Valwood students serving as teachers are Sarah Biehler, Jessie Glassmire, Sabrina Myers, Stacia Myers, Kelsey Rowland, Kyle Schilly and Summer Swindle. These students will also offer tutoring services at LAMP this fall.
