To the Editor:

As I read a recent issue of Town Topics, I was struck by the incredibly diverse array of summer camps and enrichment programs available in our community. As a parent deeply invested in the well-being and growth of my own children, I was reminded of the invaluable benefits that high-quality summer enrichment programs afforded our family.

Young people participating in these programs gain not only new skills but also a heightened sense of self-awareness, increased confidence, and enhanced social-emotional skills. These experiences, often away from screens and electronic devices, contribute significantly to the development of resilience and independence.

It is crucial that these transformative opportunities are not limited to children from families with financial means. This belief is one of the primary reasons I proudly serve as an Advisory Council member at the Princeton-Blairstown Center (PBC). For 115 years, PBC has been dedicated to ensuring that young people from historically marginalized communities have equitable access to high-quality summer learning experiences.

PBC’s Summer Bridge Program exemplifies this commitment by providing high-quality academic and personal growth experiences to young people from Trenton and Newark.  This award-winning program addresses summer learning loss through three hours of daily academic hands-on enrichment. In addition, young people develop teamwork and problem-solving skills through experiential outdoor learning challenges. To top it off, they enjoy the kind of carefree fun every child should experience.

Ensuring that young people from Trenton have access to such opportunities is not just about creating memorable summers; it’s about fostering a more level educational playing field. By supporting organizations like the Princeton-Blairstown Center, we collectively contribute to a brighter future for all our children.

Christina Bailey
Casselberry Way