“Never quit. Never give up.” —Gabby Douglas, gold-medal gymnast
For Conexión Américas’ Tennessee Migrant Education Program (TN MEP) summer means summer camp. To help students get their heads in the game after a tough year of both remote and in-person school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the theme of this year’s summer camp is the Reading Olympics!
The TN MEP’s annual June and July summer camp provides supplemental instructional support to migratory students, the children of agricultural workers who move with high frequency, with a heavy focus on strengthening critical skills such as reading, math, and social-emotional development. Summer is peak harvest time in Tennessee, with migratory families arriving from Florida, Georgia, and other states to help harvest crops such as tomatoes and peppers. When they arrive, certified teachers and education advisors are available to provide virtual one-on-one support to over 200 students grades K-12, using digital tools such as Zoom and WhatsApp.
This year our Olympic athletes will use their imaginations and didactic games to “visit” the Olympic games in different countries, like Japan, Guatemala, and Greece during their weekly academic lessons and art/literacy classes. All campers received Olympic packs, which include essential school supplies and all the materials needed to fully participate in summer camp activities. Students kick off camp learning about interpersonal connection and making and carrying their own Olympic torch to launch the games. Camp ends with an award ceremony—each camper receives a gold medal for all their effort and dedication to their education over the summer.
The TN MEP summer camp would not be possible without our amazing team of educators and the fantastic students who go above and beyond as they strive to reach their educational goals. We are so excited to applaud them as they cross the finish line and receive their medals at the end of camp!
