EDUCATION
H.E.L.P. (Heights Educational Learning Program)
Base Camp members reside in a community where the population is predominantly of Latino/Hispanic descent. As a result, this poses extreme educational challenges to our kids. Language issues and high illiteracy rates present huge barriers to young people receiving the necessary help on homework from parents. At Base Camp, when kids come in after school they find volunteers who are willing to sit down with them, one-on-one, and assist them until they have successfully completed all assignments. Homework is always the top priority in our H.E.L.P. program, but once a student has completed their homework, we have developed structured supplemental tasks personalized for each child that enhances their academic achievement, which helps to ensure their future success.
R.O.A.R. (Reach Out And Read)
Due to the extremely high illiteracy rates among both adults and children in urban Grand Rapids, the development of a literacy education program at Base Camp was vital to help combat this very challenging problem in our community. Based on standardized testing administered to each young person in our R.O.A.R. program, we have found that the large majority of our kids enter this program reading at least 2 grade levels below their actual school grade. In an effort to help combat this growing concern and better prepare kids academically, R.O.A.R. was developed as a weekly literacy program that is designed to strengthen reading levels, as well as reading comprehension, while creating an excitement and a love for books at the same time. Every participant is tested twice annually to determine their reading level and reading comprehension. Each member is paired one-on-one with a volunteer who works with them consistently throughout the year. Along with our digital library of over 3,000 books, we utilize high interest, age-appropriate materials that are written at low readability levels. Kids are encouraged when they are able to read books that are written at their age and interest level, as well as at their ability level. With the testing that we have in place, we are able to easily track the improvement of our students. On average, we are seeing an improvement of 1.2 grade levels annually in our members.
STEM Education
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is the wave of the future and in many inner-city schools funding does not allow for STEM education. With so many careers today centered around these concepts, appropriate STEM education is vital and opens kids’ eyes up to exciting and new opportunities. Our STEM club meets every Friday afternoon and gives kids the opportunity to challenge their minds and think about their future in ways they’ve never considered before.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Working with experts in various trade industries, Base Camp is committed to preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. Hands on learners have the opportunity to engage in career exploration of an assortment of skilled trades including automotive, agriculture, technology, construction, culinary and more.
MEALS
Food insecurity/scarcity is something that all of our kids face. Growing up in poverty limits access to healthy and nutritional food, and often we find our families with little to no food available in their homes. To ensure that our kids are getting at least one healthy meal a day, we provide supper for every person in attendance each day. On average we serve 40-45 meals daily. Meals are provided by volunteers who prepare and deliver meals to Base Camp, as well as through local churches that set aside a couple of days a year to prepare large amounts of freezer meals at one time, which can then just be removed from the freezer and baked as needed.
KIDS OF DESTINY
Kids of Destiny is the Bible teaching time for our elementary-age kids. Utilizing a curriculum that is interactive and applicable to their lives, object lessons, puppets and other means, God's Word is made real to them in a way that is exciting and easy to understand.
Solid Rock is our Bible study time for our junior high and high school students. Solid Rock involves engaging in an open discussion on subjects that are relevant to their ages and the situations they encounter in their lives, as well as stressing the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus and how to grow in that relationship. Our Next Level manual is an individual 13-week lesson book that involves daily Bible reading and prayer time, as well as accountability to a mentor. The Next Level manual was designed by us to help our teens get into the habit of daily personal time with the Lord and to better understand how developing these habits strengthens their walk with Christ and helps them know Him more intimately.
S.W.A.T.
S.W.A.T. Teams (Street Wise And Talented)
Our recreation programs, known as S.W.A.T. Teams, are designed to help at-risk youth discover their gifts and talents and how to express themselves in positive ways. We offer a variety of structured activities including sports, indoor table games, arts & crafts, and video games, as well as offering opportunities for kids to just sit with volunteers and enjoy the opportunity for encouraging conversation while enjoying snacks from our snack bar.