Sprouting Supports for Summer

How Summer Programming at Mission Services Sets Kids Up for the Future

By Glen Cuthbert

The beginning of summer finds Adalia, Mission Services 196 Youth Program Coordinator, digging herself out from under the mountain of sports gear and art supplies that seem to have taken over her office.

“Summer gets very busy around here,” she says, sinking into her desk chair. “While it’s usually a quieter season for most people, it’s entirely the opposite for us.”

Adalia’s summer will be spent making a difference in the lives of kids who rely on Mission Services for support. Once school lets out, her days will consist of field trips, cooking and gardening classes, and meal programs.

“We’re not just offering food for the kids, we’re offering them companionship, activities, and opportunities for personal development,” she said.

Some of the Mission Services’ summer youth programs include day camps, field trips to local colleges and universities, Mini Chefs, an opportunity for the kids to learn valuable cooking skills, and Sprouts, a gardening class which focuses on growing food. The goal is to teach the kids practical life skills which will help them as they journey towards adulthood.

“Learning can be fun, and we try to introduce skills that the kids can take with them into the future,” Adalia said. “With food insecurity becoming so common these days, we can try to help with that by doing things like teaching the kids how to cook simple, cost-effective meals.”

In addition to these activities, the kids will also receive lunch and a snack, helping to make up the gap left by the summertime absence of school meal programs.

“Food is obviously very important,” said Sheryl, Director of Community Services. “A healthy body is the start of everything, so we make sure that they’re not going hungry.”

Over the course of the summer, over 1,000 kids will receive meal support through Mission Services.

“We partner with other organizations to provide lunch for their camps as well,” Sheryl said. “Kids in our community need the support, and we have the ability and facilities to provide it.”

It makes a difference in the lives of the kids like Jake, who will be coming to summer programming at Mission Services for the second year in a row.

“I really enjoy the activities that we do. I’ve made some friends and I like to try new things as well.”

Jake’s favourite part is watching the seeds that he planted in Sprouts grow into full-sized plants.

“I planted tomatoes last year, and I couldn’t believe how many came from just those few seeds. We got to eat them, too.”

Just like those tomato plants, Adalia hopes to see new passions and ideas grow from the kids summer activities this year.

“I think we lay the groundwork and plant the seeds for the kids to really learn and grow over the summer. I’m excited to see what this year holds.”

You can help make this a Summer of Hope for Kids like Jake. Call 905-528-4211, or visit mission-services.com/donate