Project Transformation camp launches in Clark County

A national program designed to stop students from losing their hard-earned skills over the summer is coming to Clark County.

Project Transformation, an 8-week camp for children at high risk of trauma or poverty, will launch this summer at First United Methodist Church at 401 E. 33rd St., Vancouver, Orchards United Methodist Church at 11000 N.E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, and Camas United Methodist Church at 706 N.E. 14th Ave., Camas. The program is generally targeted at low-income K-6 students recommended by school Family and Community Resource Centers, but there are no imposed income restrictions. The grant and donation-funded program will be free to students who participate.

A day at Project Transformation looks similar to a day at school, Executive Director Rachel Neer said. Students are in class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with reading, science, math and recreational activities built into their day. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

“The hope is they can make the transition to Project Transformation and back to school with as little stress as possible,” Neer said.

Volunteers will also spend time reading one-on-one with students in an effort to boost their reading skills. Students who aren’t reading consistently over the summer can suffer when it’s time to go back to school, and that’s especially true for families with a lack of resources, she said.

“We’re trying to close the summer gaps they have educationally and in their social and emotional learning,” Neer said.

Project Transformation will host a fundraising dinner on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the estate of Ed and Dollie Lynch, 4712 N.W. Franklin St., Vancouver. Tickets cost $75 for general admission, with sponsorship levels up to $1,000. Tickets can be bought online at http://bit.ly/2pQLcGf.

There will also be a partner meeting for businesses and community members who are interested in being involved with Project Transformation at 7 p.m. on May 4 at the Mill Plain United Methodist Church on 15804 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver.