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Summer camp drums up interest of youth at E.B. Family Life Center
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
The summer camp at the E.B. Family Life Center concluded on an upbeat note as the drum line performed for staff, family, friends and other campers.
The camp, which began July 13, also featured a youth police academy directed by Delphine Baldwin-Casey, retired Youngstown police officer, and career-development program with Willina Newberry, a state-licensed prevention specialist who works with at-risk youths. The camp is part of the outreach ministry of Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church, 12109 Himrod Ave.
LaDonna Walker, camp program director, said about 25 youths from 10 to 18 years old participated. “Half were from the church and the other half from the community,” she said. A grant from Community Initiative to Reduce Violence funded the program and made it free for children.
Walker said the drum line was the drawing card; the activity piqued the interest of participants. “You need something like that to get the kids involved,” she said, adding that the educational components are just as important.
Drum-line participants play various kinds of drums and cymbals. “Only two have played an instrument before; the others have never played,” Walker said. “The most important thing was if they could keep a beat.
“We never had anything like a drum line before, and it turned out to be a good activity,” Walker said. She added all instruments were donated; drumsticks were bought. Paul Weston, band director at the Boys and Girls Club, suggested the activity and orchestrated the line’s dance movements.
Participants wear purple T-shirts with a drum-line logo referring to the life center, Walker said. The drum line is available to perform at events; contact Walker through the church.
At the camp’s final day, some participants offered brief summaries about their experiences. Baldwin-Casey presented awards, and the drum line performed.
Baldwin-Casey focused on “Gang Resistance” and “Communicating with Police.” She said the gang part promoted dialogue on dealing with peer pressure. The retired police officer said the communication aspect was especially timely because of police-involved shootings in the country.
“They had some deep discussions,” she said, but most importantly, they learned how to behave if stopped by police. Baldwin-Casey said she always tells participants: “The only time you should be in the criminal justice system is when you are working in it.”
Heaven Hightower received recognition as the “outstanding student.” Her certificate noted that she “worked beyond and above the call of duty.”
Julissa Newell, 16, a junior at East High School, said the drum line brought her to camp. “It was nice meeting new people,” she said. She learned to play bass drum and had never played before. The career development aspect reinforced her desire to become a registered nurse.
Noah Collings, 15, a sophomore at Youngstown Chaney campus, said he participated in summer camp because “it’s a good place to spend time and meet people.” A member of Elizabeth Baptist, he also plays the violin, cello and piano. In the drum line, he plays the quad drums.
Noah added that the career program helped him focus on the importance of education and attending college.
Walker said the camp’s focus is family and community. “We want parents to be involved and engaged in what the kids are doing,” she said. “This might help bridge the gap.” The career program shows youths various possibilities.