HARD WORK
28,
2024
Read to Lead June 3 -
38 High School Students & Learn to Earn
“Being
in the Mary Walker program was such a blessing for me. I got to experience an event I’ll never forget nor take for granted. I hope first-time campers like myself can feel the way I do with this blessed opportunity.”
Taylor Mitchell
Mary Walker StudentAward Fellow High School Junior
Our Mission is to help alleviate poverty for all Chattanooga Citizens and help create economic stability through historical, literacy training and educational activities.
Who is Mary Walker?
Mary Walker, born in 1848 in Union Springs, Alabama, was enslaved until the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. She married young, had her first child by age 20, and worked in various jobs. At 68, she moved with her family to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she lived until she was 121.
At 116 years old, Walker enrolled in the Chattanooga Area Literacy Movement in 1963, where she learned basic literacy and arithmetic from volunteer teacher Helen Kelly.
Walker received numerous accolades for her resilience and achievements, including the Key to Chattanooga, being named Chattanooga’s Ambassador of Goodwill twice, and recognition as the Nation’s Oldest Student. She was honored by 2 US Presidents, various dignitaries, and even had an aircraft flight named in her honor in 1966. After her death in 1969, Chattanooga renamed her retirement home and erected a memorial in her honor.
“The kids expressed gratitude for being a part of Camp Reach and having an opportunity to learn how to express their feelings, how to interact with others in a positive way.
They became leaders for our future.“
~Timiethea Delaney, Director of Music
“My favorite part of REACH is meeting new people every year, bonding and creating new things to show the people around us. It lets me know that even people I've never met before like the same things as me and we can learn together.”~Breshanti,16
DEVOTION & BREATHING SELFREGULATION
This year we devoted the first hour of each day to breathing, prayer, meditation and worship to set the tone for peaceful self-development.
Students were invited to learn 5 breathing exercises from our teacher who is a Certified Breath Coach. They learned and practiced simple methods to help them focus, regain mental and emotional regulation during times of stress, to energize themselves and experience greater internal peace even in difficult situations.
“The breathing in the morning impacted me to feel better and start off better.
PANIC DISORDER
WE ARE GREATLY ENCOURAGED TO HAVE 8 CAMPERS MOVE TO NORMAL FROM REPORTING CLINICAL OR BORDERLINE PANIC DISORDER INDICATORS AT THE END OF CAMP- 13 TO 5 CAMPERS. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS PRELIMINARY SURVEY WARRANT GREAT CONSIDERATION FOR OUR COMMUNITY. DATA MEASURED BY THE SELF-REPORTED REVISED CHILD ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SCALE (RCADS) ON JUNE 3 AND AGAIN ON JUNE 27, 2024. THE SAME 38 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN 20 SESSIONS AT 9 AM MONDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS. ONLY 30 STUDENTS COMPLETED THE PRE AND POST ASSESSMENTS.
COMMUNICATION
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Campers developed the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally, improving their public speaking, active listening, body language, and eye contact skills to convey messages clearly and confidently.
ENHANCED COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATION
Campers developed the ability to effectively communicate within a team setting, including articulating ideas clearly, actively listening to others, and providing constructive feedback, which will develop a supportive group dynamic.
REACH
Campers had many opportunities to display leadership skills within our REACH community and to speak before their peers.
Campers learned how to build and about maintaining positive interpersonal relationships by understanding and practicing empathy, respect, and effective dialogue techniques, leading to more meaningful and constructive interactions with peers and adults.
GUESTSPEAKER - DEBATE
Josiah Golson, J.D. Attorney,Artist,Author
Campers debated current controversial topics, with local attorney Josiah Golson serving as the judge. After providing insightful and personal feedback, he delivered his final decision.
Teams worked together to research and prepare their arguments, with the winning teams earning a lunch reward.
GUESTSPEAKER- OVERCOME
David Banks, Ph.D.
Career & Life Readiness
Dr. Banks' mini-class was an insightful lesson on self-management, emphasizing the importance of recognizing what helps or hinders personal success. He highlighted how friends can influence both positively and negatively, impacting one’s journey toward future goals. Dr. Banks also stressed the importance of acknowledging personal goals, emphasizing that they matter most to the individual pursuing them.
The class covered essential aspects of health management, decision-making, and building a successful future.
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE
HALF AS MANY CAMPERS, FROM 10 TO 5, REPORTED CLINICAL OR BORDERLINE CLINICAL MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER INDICATORS AT THE END OF CAMP. DATA MEASURED BY THE SELF-REPORTED REVISED CHILD ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SCALE (RCADS) ON JUNE 3 AND AGAIN ON JUNE 27, 2024. THE SAME 38 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN 20 SESSIONS AT 9 AM MONDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS. ONLY 30 STUDENTS COMPLETED THE PRE AND POST ASSESSMENTS.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE
ALMOST HALF AS MANY STUDENTS, FROM 9 TO 5, REPORTED CLINICAL OR BORDERLINE CLINICAL OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER INDICATORS AT THE END OF CAMP. DATA MEASURED BY THE SELF-REPORTED REVISED CHILD ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION SCALE (RCADS) ON JUNE 3 AND AGAIN ON JUNE 27, 2024. THE SAME 38 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN 20 SESSIONS AT 9 AM MONDAYS THROUGH FRIDAYS. ONLY 30 STUDENTS COMPLETED THE PRE AND POST ASSESSMENTS.
JOURNALISM
UNDERSTANDING OF MEDIA ETHICS
Campers gained an understanding of ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in journalism. They learned about the importance of accuracy, fairness, and integrity in reporting. and audio to produce compelling news stories suitable for media.
10 REACH Campers had articles published in just 18 days.
ENHANCED WRITING & REPORTING
Campers developed their ability to write clear, and engaging news stories. They learned to gather and verify information, conduct effective interviews, and present balanced and factual reports.
DIGITALPUBLISHING
10 REACH Campers had articles published this summer. Articles were published in the Chattanooga Chronicle both in their print and digital editions. The quality of the articles is excellent and well presented. Click on the articles to read them in their entirety.
Click the image above for an article by Tyson about the Mary Walker Foundation longer term plans.
Click the images for two separate articles on the justice system by Camper Taylor Mitchell.
Alex and Blaire discussing their article on toxic relationships
PHOTOJOURNALISM
“My friendships with new people this year made me move more friendly with new people.” -Tyson
Students enjoyed learning about using cameras and taking photos for publication.
Adrian Edwards, Mary Walker’s Executive Director, taught the Photojournalism class. Director Edwards attended Mary Walker’s Summer program as a young man and has served as newspaper photographer, writer and editor.
Here are some of the articles REACH Summer Campers wrote for the print version of Chattanooga News Chronicle.
PUBLISHING
High School Students at Camp REACH with low English grades in school were required to participate in the Lexia Reading Acceleration program.
30 high school students participated in Lexia Literacy.
of the 30 students began camp working on foundational reading skills, foundational reading skills are the skills that K-2 graders should master. See their growth during June 2024 in the tables below.
10 Students
46 Hours
94 Total Sessions
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
During the Camp REACH Graphic Design Mini Masterclass, students learned important elements of creative design. They worked on making many professional communication products, such as business cards, flyers and brochures.
You can see a brochure designed by a camper on the opposite page.
Nea Paris Creative Consultant and Entrepreneur
MINI MASTERCLASS
RESUMES
All campers designed their own resumes after a month of research into the best jobs for setting them on their individualized career paths. Here are a few samples of the students’ first resumes.
Our work on financial literacy includes the whole family and provides ongoing supports. Opportunities are made available during the summer and when requested during the school year.
This year, campers focused on saving, budgets and entrepreneurship. They each made a personal budget at the beginning of the month, tracked income and expenses and learned to revise and balance their budgets.
BIBLICALVALUES
The value of community, family and individual development are all celebrated. Parents, guardians and students work together to help each other succeed.
R E A C H - Respect for Reading - Achieving Goals - Citizenship - Hard Work My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge HOSEA4:6
- Learning to Earn
EXPLORING UTC
“I
liked it, it’s close to home,”
Nevaeh,
15, says she may attend one day
“They renewed my hope in humanity. They are intelligent, thoughtful, fun, creative and driven students. It was a treat to get to work with them as they explored their futures. They considered not only what they can get from careers, but also what they can give. Many opportunities exists for them in the future.” ~Elizabeth Tallman, Coach
MUSIC
“The choir was my favorite, the choir made me feel more confident to sing.”
~Aaron, 16
“Our youth have dreams and desires that haven't been tapped into! They have incredible talents that they were unaware of themselves.
In choir our song choices and lyrics opened up our campers little minds and hearts. They developed strength and meaning by conveying a message through song and creative movement.
Our drama class learned about the history of Mary Walker and the challenges she encountered in her life. They learned how she made it through and they were able to act it out on stage with genuine and moving emotion.”
-Timiethea Delaney
STUDENTFEEDBACK
“Camp has made me be more respectful and responsible and made me want to contribute
-Kingston
“The activities help me to communicate with people outside the camp and it also opens new doors and opportunities.”
-Jamison
BASKETBALL
FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT
Campers developed a solid foundation in essential basketball skills, including rebounding skills, dribbling, shooting, passing, defense and leadership skills demonstrated noticeable improvement in their abilities and gameplay.
ENHANCED PHYSICAL FITNESS & COORDINATION
Campers improved physical fitness, including increased stamina, strength, and coordination, contributing to their overall athletic performance and health.
TEAMWORK AND SPORTSMANSHIP
Campers learned the value of teamwork and sportsmanship, understanding how to effectively communicate, cooperate, and support their teammates both on and off the court, fostering a positive and inclusive team environment.
HOWTO SUETHE KLAN
Director of the Fannie Mae Crumsey Foundation, Juanita “Missy” Toney; REACH Journalism Student McKenna; and How to Sue the Klan Director, John Beder at How to Sue the Klan screening. McKenna’s article about the screening was published.
ElizabethTallmen, MPA Financial Literacy
MARYWALKER FOUNDATION 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lurone Jennings, Sr.- President
Nancy Cogar, Esq.- Vice President
Nea Paris- Secretary
Darrell Walsh, Ph.D
Bruce Morgan
Regina Enochs
Terrance Swint- Treasurer
Sheryl Fletcher
John L. Edwards, III- Ex-Officio
Kemberly Edwards, Ph.D
Yolanda Putnam Journalism
AMESSAGE FROMTHE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ADRIAN J EDWARDS
It’s incredibly rewarding to watch young people in our community grow and challenge themselves to REACH higher.
I’m proud of the progress Camp REACH students made this year. With another successful summer of growth and development, these campers are well on their way to becoming the best version of themselves academically and spiritually.
WITH GREAT THANKS TO LURONE “COACH” JENNINGS, SR. FOR HIS VISION, JOYFULNESS, INSPIRATION, LOVING HEART AND SERVANT LEADERSHIP.
SPONSORS, PARTNERS & SPECIALTHANKS
John Beder
24 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER HOSEA4:6