The Court Youth Advocates program from Family Advocates partnered with the La Porte County Public Library (LPCPL) to help enrich the lives of local children by using one of La Porte County’s best-hidden gems. Located at 807 Indiana Avenue, the LPCPL Exchange hosted a five-week camp aimed at teaching children skills that could turn into a career or a lifelong hobby.
Family Advocates and La Porte County Public Library roll out the fun with technical skills camp
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The program utilized the Exchange’s building full of state-of-the-art technology and tools. Kids learned how to operate a wood lathe, Dremel laser cutter, Sindoh 3D Printer, and Circuit Maker all with the intention of answering one simple question: what is the best bowling pin design? The camp, befittingly named “We’re on a Roll!”, had the kids create three different types of pins. They then tested their pin with a robotic arm to see which was superior.
The idea for “We’re on a Roll!” came out of nowhere for both parties. When Family Advocates approached LPCPL about having the children use some of the Exchange’s tools, Julie Pitman, Community Learning Librarian, helped turn that idea into the five-week program
“Family Advocates came in and they were talking about having some of their mentors and kids come in and use some of the equipment and they were telling me about how they usually do a summer camp and I thought, well we could do that here,” said Pitman. “They also mentioned a bowling party, so I thought it'd be fun to make pins and make the party.”
Family Advocates was very excited to work with a local group to help teach children valuable skills.
“Anytime we can find a partnership with our community that gives kids a learning opportunity like this, we are super excited to pursue those partnerships,” said Brenda Stellema, Community Youth Advocate Program Director for Family Advocates.
LPCPL echoed the same sentiment as Family Advocates that this partnership made great sense and not only helped children learn new skills, but showed the community what the Exchange has to offer.
“The library is always looking for ways to partner with other organizations in the community,” said Pam Okosun, Community Learning Manager with LPCPL. “This was a really fun, organic development. Family Advocates approached us if we can work together and we said yes, let's find a way, so it all evolved from there. This is such a great way to highlight this resource in the community. We just want to get the word out there and have people know about all of the learning opportunities here.”
Family Advocates wanted this program to help empower kids, and teach them interesting skills that not everyone knows.
“It’s great anytime we can expose a young person to opportunities that are career-oriented,” said Jackie Dermody, CEO of Family Advocates. “These are machines these kids may have never seen, but now they’ve used them and they’ve been certified to use them again, they know what they are doing. That's a pretty cool feeling, being 12 years old and being an expert on something.”
Family Advocates is always looking for volunteers to work with children in settings like this. To learn more please visit their website.To learn more about the fee resources offered at the La Porte county Public Library Exchange please visit their website.