What is the SUMMER SMART PROGRAM?
The Summer SMART program provides a six-week academic enrichment course designed to teach moral principals, increase reading skills, and introduce children to hands-on, educational field trip experiences throughout the region.
Who does the SUMMER SMART PROGRAM benefit?
Participants are primarily children ages 5-12 and classified as ‘homeless’ by the Brenham Independent School District. (Homelessness classification includes children living in hotels, at Faith Mission, and in multi-family situations.)
Who is responsible for the SUMMER SMART PROGRAM?
Faith Mission is responsible for providing Bible study, facilitators, teachers, mentoring and curriculum, two meals per program day, and entrance fees to field trip sites. Other support is provided by BISD, Prairie View A&M, and Brenham Maifest Association.
Why is the SUMMER SMART Program important and why should I help support it?
The Summer SMART program is important because we believe that education and an introduction to biblically-based morality is the only solution to stop the cycle of poverty. These children do not have stable home lives, they are often in-and-out of school settings, and are often victims of neglect. Faith Mission’s Summer SMART Program provides a steady, safe and homelike setting for these children two days per week.
What do the Children Learn during the Summer SMART program?
We are able to provide two hot meals per program day, while the children learn how to do basic chores like setting the table and cleaning up after themselves. They also learn table etiquette and manners. In addition, these children will be exposed to community leaders who will encourage participants to stay in school, become people of excellent character, and give back to their communities. Your contributions and support of this program are important because for these 25 children, we are providing basic life-skills and experiences that they are missing from their home lives.
How can I help?
1. SPEAK OR TEACH: Faith Mission can utilize business men or women who may be interested in speaking to the children for approximately 20 minutes, explaining your industry and inspiring children by speaking about “what they can do when they grow up.” It will also be necessary to incorporate the value of the week, and explain why these values are important in the workplace.
2. PREACH: Faith Mission can utilize clergy or youth ministers who would like to teach a Bible story by ‘bringing it to life’. Bible stories will need to coincide with the character principle of the week.
3. DONATE: Faith Mission can benefit from private donations to cover the cost of the SUMMER SMART PROGRAM. Contributions will go to cover the children’s meals and field trip fees. All other staff and supply are covered by volunteers and donations. The cost per child is $250. Donations are appreciated in any amount.
CONTACT US BEFORE MAY 1st if you would like to volunteer for a speaking engagement.
Summer Schedule:
Mon. June 2 Lessons on Courtesy @ Faith Mission’s SMART House
Tues. June 3rd— Field Trip to Hockley Oil Ranch
Mon. June 9th, – Lessons on courage – Children will meet the Director of EMS and learn CPR skills
Tues. June 10th— Field Trip to Houston’s Health & Science Museum
Mon. June 23rd—Lessons on Honor
Tues. June 24th– Field Trip to the Houston Symphony Orchestra
Mon. June 30th—Lessons on Forgiveness
Tues. July 1st—Field Trip to Unity Theater
Mon. July 7th— Lessons on Obedience – Children will meet the service dogs who train to assist wounded veterans
Mon. Evening 6:00—Closing Achievement Ceremony @ The Cannery Kitchen
Tues. July 8th—Graduate Party @ Splash Way Water Park in Sheridan
