Youth Development

ACSGW recognizes that youth from low-income families may not always receive healthy, nutritious meals, and consistently score at the lower percentiles on academic tests. Youth deserve access to quality academic and vocational programs, and life-skill training to assist them in their journey towards adulthood.

Our mission is to help the disadvantaged and disenfranchised in the community to attain self-sufficiency and independence, and deliver programs that serve youth and their families in the Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and other East Montgomery communities.

Making Tracks Academic Enrichment Program is a nationally recognized Montgomery County summer program conducted by Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) and its community partners. It is our signature program that complements other ACSGW youth development and education programs that occur throughout the year.

The 6- to 7-week camp provides elementary-grade participants in East Montgomery County with a safe and positive environment to engage in vital academic instruction, hands-on visual and performing arts classes, a wide range of fitness and recreational activities, and essential life-skills training. Participants receive daily breakfast, lunch meals, and take-home weekend food packages (Smart Sacks). On any given Friday we hand out food to make 1000 meals.

Over 450 elementary-age students have been served to date in East Montgomery County at elementary school sites. Our principal partner, Montgomery County Recreation Department, coordinates the registration and selection of eligible participants for the summer camp.

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SUMMER CAMP

PURPOSE: To provide participants with a safe and positive environment to engage in vital academic, visual and performing arts classes, a wide range of fitness and recreational activities, and life-skill training.

BENEFITS: Students engage in daily wholesome activities for 6-7 weeks. Food insecurity is addressed through free meals and weekend Smart Sacks. Additionally life skills are provided through certified swim instruction to combat high incidences of drownings among children.

RESULTS: Happy, healthy and academically engaged students who are prepared to tackle the new school year.

"By the end of camp we have observed a 20% academic improvement with math, reading and language arts skills."

- Making Tracks Team

MAKING TRACKS ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

The program is the vital education component of the Food, Fun, Fitness & Fundamentals summer camp that Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) holds with support of a Montgomery County grant each summer in partnership with the Montgomery County Recreation Department, Montgomery County Public Schools, Strathmore, Manna Food Center, and Advent Health. Breakfast and lunch are served daily to summer camp participants and local neighborhood youth.

	Education Students learn to improve academic skills through classroom instruction from Maryland state certified instructors in the foundational subjects of reading/language arts and mathematics.		Career Day Local professionals meet with campers to allow them to explore careers in a number of professions including teaching and health care among others.
	Swimming Lessons Campers receive swimming lessons Campers learn an essential life skill by certified instructors.		Smart Sacks Manna Food Center provides nutritional meals that help campers to address food insecurity on weekends.
	Advanced Technology Students learn computer design through fun and innovative projects. In addition, students use computers to access an online tutorial that supports classroom instruction. Students have access to online tutorial.		Music and Visual Arts The Strathmore organization, an internationally recognized performing arts center in Bethesda, MD provides visual and performing arts classes two times a week.

Camp Partners

Programs Planning, Development, Implementation, and Operation	Program Funding or Material Goods
Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington, Inc. (ACSGW) Montgomery County Recreation Department (Recreation Department) Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Strathmore	Manna Food Center Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (MCDHHS) Advent Health and Private Donors

Jack Morton, AmeriCorps VISTA Youth Development Program Analyst		Shirley Reed, Program Director