Empower Youngstown Youth: Youngstown Summer Experience Camp

My name is Anika Jacobs, Director of Promise-Community Hub and Coordinator of Youngstown Summer Experience Camp Program.

Mission Statement: Promise Community-Hub is dedicated to fostering growth and improving the quality of life for residents in underserved areas through outreach, safe activities in neighborhoods, and encouraging residents to stand up for their community. Through collaborations with The City of Youngstown and various neighborhood and community groups, we provide free resources, networking events, and entertainment in a safe environment. Since the opening of our Food and Diaper Pantry in October 2023, we have proudly served over 300 individuals.

Overall Goals:

Ensure the safety, well-being, and growth of underserved youth in our community.

Provide safe, family-oriented events where community members can come together and network.

Form a Community Collaborative to conduct outreach, one-on-one, and group meetings with community members.

Key Objectives:

Reduce youth crime in high-crime, high-poverty areas of Youngstown by offering safe activities and resources.

Promote pride and safety in neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in the city.

Create safe, family-friendly spaces across Youngstown for residents to connect and address neighborhood concerns.

Encourage community engagement by collaborating with organizations to provide activities, resources, and programs that enhance the quality of life for residents.

Summer Program Details:

Dates: June 9, 2025 – August 7, 2025

Location: Horizon Science Academy, 3403 Southern Blvd, Youngstown, OH 44507

Participants: Open to low-income children in Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, ages 5-14 (capped at 50 campers for optimal attention and instruction).

Staffing: Local, low-income Camp Leaders and Aides with youth experience. Older campers (14 years old) will have the opportunity to serve as Camp Leaders/Aides and receive a weekly cost-of-living stipend (amount dependent on funding).

Age Groups:

5-7 years

8-10 years

11-13 years

Key Program Features:

Arts and Crafts

Movement Activities

Positive Peer Relationship Building

Conflict Resolution Skills

Youth Leadership Development

Safety Education

Fun and Educational Field Trips

Camp Highlights:

Swimming Lessons

Peer Group Discussions

Art Disciplines: Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Theater, and Creative Writing

Gardening Fundamentals

Nutrition Education and Exercise (in partnership with OSU Extension Office)

Harambe Art and Discipline

Community Safety Education

Annual Book Bag Giveaway: The program will conclude with our annual Book Bag Giveaway, offering essential resources for parents and children to prepare for the upcoming school year.

Returning Campers: We are thrilled to welcome back three campers from our 2024 season who will now serve as Camp Leaders/Aides, exemplifying the growth and leadership opportunities our program provides.

Funding Allocation: To achieve our goals and enhance the program for low income youth, funds will be allocated to the following areas:

Camp Space/Gym Rental

Food and Supplies

Janitorial Services

Food Storage

Video Truck

Staff Compensation: Stipends for Camp Leaders (4), Camp Aides (4), and Support Staff (2). (80% of our team are living at or below the national poverty level).

Entertainment: DJ and other event services

T-Shirts: For participants and staff

Field Trips: Educational and recreational outings

Activity Instructors: Specialized instruction for unique activities

Community Book Bag Giveaway: Providing necessary school supplies for families

Partnership Opportunities: We are actively seeking sponsors, donors and partners to help enrich the 2025 Youngstown Summer Experience Camp. By collaborating with us, organizations can contribute unique and engaging learning opportunities to make this program unforgettable for our campers and their families.

Promise Community-Hub is committed to making a lasting impact in Youngstown by empowering residents, providing safe spaces, and fostering community pride. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our underserved youth and their families.