Chestertown, MD (July 20, 2017)—Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s—a summer academic and enrichment program for promising students with limited economic means—sent its entire middle school class on the program’s first-ever three-day learning excursion to Smith Island, Maryland. This life-altering trip provided Horizons students—who seldom have the means or opportunity to leave Kent County—with a rare view into a much different island world. Students got a firsthand glimpse into Smith Island’s unique maritime culture, including crabbing, traditional watercraft, wildlife, and island life past and present. Students also planned and helped prepared all their meals. The trip was made possible thanks to a generous grant from the John Ben Snow Foundation.
“This trip enabled our middle schoolers to experience the beauty and importance of island life in Maryland,” explains Horizons Executive Director, Bob Parks. “Many of our students have never traveled anywhere overnight, so a three-day trip to this historic island creates memories for these kids that will last a lifetime. It was life-changing for them. ”
Located in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, this tiny three-by-five mile island chain boasts three villages and a total population of 350 year-round residents. Almost everything and everyone that comes to Smith Island arrives by boat—including locals, visitors, and supplies. Captain John Smith first charted the archipelago in 1608, but seasonal occupation by Native Americans goes back more than 12,000 years.
About Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s
Since 1995, the Horizons summer learning program has served hundreds of Kent and Queen Anne’s County children at or below the poverty level, as part of a national initiative to reduce the summer slide. The six-week program headquartered at The Gunston School, Radcliffe Creek School, and Washington College, serves 180 promising local students from Pre-K through eighth grade.
Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s is one of 51 affiliates of the Horizons National summer learning program that focuses on reading, writing, and math. Students improve academically, learn to swim, and participate in activities that foster creativity, confidence, and good health.
For the latest Horizons news, please visit Horizon’s web site
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