Operation Shoestring announces Project Rise summer camp

JACKSON — Operation Shoestring’s annual summer camp takes place from June 6 -14 for 135 children in kindergarten through 5th grade at two sites, Operation Shoestring and Walton Elementary School.

Alexandria Melnick of Operation Shoestring said the camp experience is focused on creating joy-filled experiences, engaging in social, mental, and academic support and exposing children to a wide variety of creative and fun experiences. 

“This summera’s Project Rise camp will include classes and community partnerships that provide an affirming, fun, and supportive environment for the children in our program,” Melnick said.

Operation Shoestring’s summer partners are St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, the Junior League of Jackson, the Pearl River Keepers, and many businesses in the Jackson metropolitan area such as Urban Foxes and Fleet Feet.

Camp programming will consist of academic enrichment, STEM activities, outdoor sports, swim classes, mentoring programs, and medical/dental screenings for campers. 

Neighborhood families will participate in a summer program focused on emotional, social, and academic growth in addition to mental health education and supports. 

“Our summer camp is a safe place for kids to play, learn, be inspired. It’s also a lifeline for parents during the summer,” Melnick said. “When kids step through our doors, they are busy with activities like theater classes, tennis, and cooking lessons, and their parents can be without worry for their children’s safety during the workday. Through our commitment to equity, opportunity and compassion, Operation Shoestring empowers children and families to live healthy, hopeful, and self-determined lives with support like our summer programming. 

Operation Shoestring provides yearly academic, social, and emotional support to children in central Jackson from pre-K to grade 12 while supporting and providing resources to their families. It also serves as the hosting organization for the MS Statewide Afterschool Network whose work is focused on increasing the amount of high-quality afterschool and summer programs throughout the state.

The aim is to empower the children and families to create their own success.

Operation Shoestring is located around the Georgetown and Mid-City neighborhoods bordering the southern end of Bailey Avenue in central Jackson, Mississippi.