The Summer of Wonder at the Eminence Independent Schools was a five week educational exploration. Due to so many children missing classroom time and interaction with peers this past year due to Covid-19, students were invited and encouraged to join in the fun.   Each week had a different theme, such as: facing challenges, failure to success, self-control, and here we grow.

The resource coordinator reached out to partner with the Henry County Cooperative Extension Service for hands on educational activities for 70 youth from 2^nd grade through 5^th.  Developing activities with the weekly theme in mind youth learned to face challenges and build bridges through stronger communication and constructing towers together. During the turning failure into success week youth were invited to play with a series of games that were enlarged to enhance the activities. The point being that winning and learning are a process with many losses and wins and understanding how deal with both.  For self-control week the students were given information on choosing healthy foods, portion control, and the importance of being active.  Followed by a mini self-check up to see how fit they were individually through fun active exercise.  For the here we grow week students learned where our food comes from and how plants and people have similar basic needs to grow and thrive.  Each student planted 6 different seeds and created a windowsill garden to watch at home.

The youth that participated in the event were engaged and thankful for the time with no face masks and friends.  Everyone involved welcomed the time spent learning, growing, and just being together after a difficult year.