This summer, Identity is running a wide range of activities for kids and their families, from sports and other fun outdoor events to skill-building workshops to give students the tools and support to help close pandemic learning gaps. We think of summer as our growing season.
Identity is running afternoon programs for middle- and high-school youth at several Montgomery County Public Schools who are attending summer school in the morning. The kids enjoy an afternoon of activities and games that help build positive life skills like persistence, social awareness, and self-efficacy and strengthen school connection. With support from the Trawick Foundation, we’re also teaming up with Gaithersburg High School to deliver the Trojan Experience, which helps rising ninth graders connect to their new school community and stay on track for academic success. All four of our Wellness Centers will offer service-learning opportunities needed for graduation, as well as opportunities to get creative and to get out in nature.
We’re also helping youth and their families take a well-earned break from study while getting outdoors and building community ties. In June, we took two buses of youth and families from the Wellness Centers on a day trip to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Identity provided participants with sunscreen, towels, and other beach-going essentials to make sure everyone could enjoy their day without fear of burns or bug-bites. After two challenging years, kids and parents were glad of this opportunity to recharge and enjoy some fun in the sun.
This summer Identity’s Recreation team is offering even more activities to help youth stay healthy and active through the summer. Throughout August, we will be running soccer clinics to help kids prepare for school team tryouts in the Fall. We’re also running clinics in tennis, basketball and volleyball, and organizing family hikes to some of the area’s most scenic hiking trails. This year Identity families can even try no-cost swim lessons thanks to a partnership with the Department of Recreation’s Aquatics division. Many of our youth have little experience with swimming, and access to classes gives them the opportunity to have fun while learning a life-saving skill.
