Western Kentucky University
Women's Studies Program
Women & Kids Learning Together Summer Camp
Women & Kids Learning Together
. . . in the news |
Western Kentucky University's Women's Studies
Department gives low-income women and their children
an "empowering" experience
at the Women and Kids Learning Together Camp
Positive Learning
By Natalie Jordan, The Daily News, njordan@bgdailynews.com:
Monday,
June 9, 2008 11:48 AM CDT
In describing the Women and Kids Learning Together Camp, Jane Olmsted could say only one thing -"It’s about empowerment."
The free, weeklong day camp, through Western Kentucky University's Women's Studies Department, gives low-income women and their children ages 6 to 14 an "empowering" experience on Western's campus, Olmsted said. The camp is positive, liberating and "we try to open some doors," Olmsted said.
During the day, participants attend workshops and take part in team-building activities that encourage self-expression and creativity, strengthen self-esteem and explore opportunities for continuing education. Three threads - arts and education, practical living and emotional and physical wellness - drive the activities of the camp, Olmsted said.
Some of the activities included interviewing skills, journaling, yoga, financial aid workshops and healthy relationships workshops. Those activities were for the women.
The children's schedule was filled with an array of activities ranging from arts and crafts to learning photography, drama and dance. The children had field trips to the Nashville science museum and the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society to learn about animal care.
All women attending the camp had to be at least 18 years old, and had to satisfy at least one of three qualifying criteria. That criteria included being a member of the Housing Authority or the city's Reach Higher program; qualifying for food stamps, Medicaid or welfare; or having recently been on welfare. The camp is sponsored by the Housing Authority of Bowling Green, Angel's Attic, Dollar General, the Kentucky Foundation for Women and WKU Provost's Initiative for Excellence. "Our hope is whether these women or their children decide to come to Western or go to another university or college, they began to think about education in the future," Olmsted said.
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Jennifer Adkins of Bowling Green gets some pasta cooking tips Wednesday from Aramark executive chef Gil Holts at the camp.
Seven-year-old Travis Johnson (right) of Summer Shade and counselor Nik Mabry (center) of Bowing Green help up counselor Don Bacon of Louisville on Wednesday at the camp.
Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker (top right) speaks to mothers at the camp.
TreVon Allen, 11, of Bowling Green stands still as counselor Michelle Glorioso (right) of Bowing Green draws his silhouette Wednesday with the help of counselor Heather McKinney.
Thirteen-year-old Amanda Miller of Smiths Grove draws with chalk Wednesday on the sidewalk at the camp for low-income families at WKU.
Big Red and campers and counselors kick up their heels Wednesday as part of an event at the camp.