Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sugar Sand Park Community Center
On a typical Monday morning at Sugar Sand Park Community Center in Boca Raton, Fla., I walked out of my office only to see some bustling actors taking their places on stage. The production assistant ordered “Quiet on the set” as the director dropped his hand and yelled “Action!” I quietly passed through a chorus of Broadway hopefuls rehearsing Mama Mia, singing and dancing their way across the stage. Following the choreographer’s directions, the performers lit up the scene with synchronized movements. Farther down the hallway, I visited the science lab where students were gathering data and conducting experiments next door to a room full of future engineers who were too busy programming robots to even notice me. I took a moment to watch the future entrepreneurs sharpen their business skills and network on the putting green outside.
This is a typical summer day at the park where dreams become reality for the children in specialty camps. The camps go beyond the conventional to offer experiences that encourage students to explore their interests and exercise creativity while learning new skills from industry professionals.
Each year, we have sought to build on the specialty camps by offering more diverse programming to meet the needs of the community. The camps offer local businesses an opportunity to show what they do and help develop young minds. Parents are offered a safe place for their children to be creative and grow throughout the summer. Also, the revenues are increased while local high school and college students are provided with volunteer possibilities.