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Homer's at-risk and needy youth have a variety of resources they can access throughout the school year (many of which have been supported by the Rotary Club of Homer Downtown). However, while the needs continue, there are far fewer resources available to them in the summer months. Lacking adequate healthful, adult-supervised activities, many of these young people are prey for unscrupulous individuals who would use their innocence and energy for their own ends.
The purpose of this grant is to provide scholarships for as many of these young folks as would like to participate in either of two programs being offered this summer, just for youth. One works to develop their physical abilities and leadership capability,as well as enhance their self-esteem; the other works to encourage their creativity and enhance their self-esteem and ability to work in cooperation with others toward a single goal.
HoWL (Homer Wilderness Leaders) provides a variety of outdoor activities that are educational, physically challenging, and fun. Through its scholarship program it also offers young people a way to learn responsibility through community service through its Work-Trade Scholarship program. This program enables students to "earn" scholarship funds for day trips and overnight outdoor "expeditions" by doing community service projects. This grant would provide funds for that program.
Pier One Youth Theatre provides summer theater camps for children ages 5 to 18. The camps teach the kids acting skills, other theater skills as lighting, staging, directing, as well as leadership skills and cooperation, The children are fully involved in creating and participating in theatrical productions and performances. This grant would provide scholarships for students who could not otherwise afford to attend.
The term of this grant will be from the date of approval to mid-September. Grant money is earmarked strictly for scholarships to these two programs. Rotarians have been invited to physically participate in both of these programs through offering their expertise and energy on day trips (HoWL) and by volunteering at performances (Youth Theatre).
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