CHAMPS (Communities Helping, Assisting, and Motivating Promising Students), a community organization aimed at helping students improve their likelihood of realizing their post-secondary dreams through mentoring and educational opportunities, is a focus for PC and the community partners throughout the months of June and July.

Founded in 1995, CHAMPS students are monitored, tracked, and assisted throughout the year in order to keep them focused on their short- and long- range goals, all the while working to improve their grades, self-esteem and social skills. They initiate, coordinate and complete community service projects, and they extend their educational horizon to include post-secondary and career plans.

The theme for this summer with CHAMPS is “Harmony” and PC is proud to be working in harmony with the school districts, Camp Fellowship and other partners to provide opportunities to our youngest community members.

Each week brings a new group of CHAMPS students, educational programs and camp activities.  Highlights of this year’s program include:

• CHAMPS students taking classes in science, art, agriculture, Chinese, humanities and forensic science
• Every Monday and Wednesday an exciting guest speaker is featured.  The distinguished list includes:
  • Ann Blanton from Asten Johnson talked to the students about job interviews.
  • Mr. King Dixon, a graduate of Laurens High School and USC spoke to the students about the importance of living a successful life through commitment, learning from others, knowing yourself, and being the very best you can be mentally, physically and spiritually
• Tuesday Nights are church Night at CHAMPS.  Visiting churches include Friendship AME with Rev. Steven Evans, Laurens First Presbyterian (who brought the campers homemade ice cream and other goodies) and the pastor from White Plains, Rev. Tonya Mosley
• CHAMPS students participate in timeless camp classics like capture the flag, swimming, canoeing, kickball and archery

 “I love that I am able to work with and build relationships with students, teachers, mentors and other staff from both school districts,” said Tina Childress, a CHAMPS teacher.  “I have witnessed so many success stories that could have gone in a less than desirable direction without the network of support created through CHAMPS connections, PC and now Camp Fellowship.”

As the summer months continue on, the CHAMPS summer programming will end, but the CHAMPS mission of helping

children realize their full potential will not.  The teachers, speakers and mentors fill students with a thirst for knowledge, motivation and memories that will last a life time, and PC is proud to play a part in an organization that has such profound impact on the lives of these children.