The first week of Summer Camp started with a bang - thunder, lightening and tornados courtesy of Time Warner Cable and Weather Carolina New14's Meteorologists Gary Stephenson and Lee Ringer. The kids were thrilled by the weather instruments they've been building; they are learning and retaining much new and exciting information. During a recent visit to our Union camp, two children had just logged on to the radar screen and could tell what to expect for the day. They also were very much aware that the rain gauges were beginning to show a few drops of rain. The kids were excited to show off their cloud finders and anemometers and explained how they work. Although the process was a challenging one, the kids really stepped up and felt like they really accomplished a great task. Visit News14 to see their coverage of the program.

The camp, which is in partnership with Brunswick County Parks and Recreation,will run weekly through August 19 at Belville, Southport, Supply, and Union Elementary Schools. For detailed information on all camp activities, contact Kathy Smith.

Teen Court participated in Regional Mock Trials in Wilmington in April. As part of the competition, Allison Brown was recognized as Best Prosecuting Attorney! In addition to the trials, the students attended seminars on the Dangers of the Internet, Gangs and Effects on the Youth Community, Use of K-9's in Law Enforcement, and Case Preparation. The students also enjoyed a Ghost Walk in historic Downtown Wilmington and got a better view the next day with a lunch trip on the Henrietta up the Cape Fear River and a City "Race".  They topped off the weekend with an awards ceremony on Sunday. Congratulations to all participants!

Pictured: Left to right front row: Timothy, Breanna, Michayla; Allison and Brendan. Left to right back row: Brianna, Matthew, Keya and Jocelyn.

Action-Packed Program

Action for Success is a Dropout Prevention Program which works with students who are at risk for dropping out of school.  These students have multiple risk factors. Top identified risk factors are poor academic performance, poor attendance, behaviorial issues, and low socioeconomic status. Some other risk factors are:  pregnancy, high family mobility, large number of siblings, sibling dropped out, not living with both natural parents, poor attitude and low commitment to school, family substance abuse, etc. Success Coaches work with at-risk students and coordinate services for them. Parents sign permission slips for students to be in the program. To help these students, the program provides tutors (academics), mentors (Lunch Buddies), counselors (emotional problems, misbehavior, family disruption), and provide basic needs such as school supplies, clothes and snacks. The program operates at Shallotte, Cedar Grove, and Leland Middle Schools. For more information contact Linda Rumsey. 

Se habla espanol!

Parenting is tough in any language but for those with limited English, finding resources to make it easier can be a challenge. For the past four years, we have been reaching out to the Spanish speaking community with tools to help parents build parenting, life, and family skills.We've recently finished our Incredible Years program with Spanish translation. Participants brought traditional foods to share over informal discussions of cultural differences prior to class presentations. To the delight of the children, prizes were awarded at the end of each class. For more information contact Debbie Gurreri.

CIS is proud to have awarded twenty-two $1,000 scholarships to Brunswick County students this year - nine are the first in their families to attend college! This brings the total amount of scholarships awarded by CIS to over $83,000!  If you would like to learn more about the program, please contact Kimberly Bandera. 

Pictured: North Brunswick High - Logan, Barbara, Alexia and Tori.

 BIG TOY DAY

Five-year-old William knows what he wants to do when he grows up. "I want to drive a cement truck," he proudly proclaims from the cab of the Southport Concrete cement mixer. Whether a child preferred planes, cars, trucks, or animals, the 3rd Annual Big Toy Day held something special for everyone. Designed to provide a fun-filled educational experience for kids of all ages, the day gave a behind-the-scenes peak into the careers of pilots, truck drivers, fire fighters, law enforcement agents, military services, sanitation crews, construction workers, animal trainers, and more. The event showcased over 75 exhibitors and attracted 1,400 attendees of all ages. One hundred sixty-five kids were given free airplane rides courtesy of the Brunswick County Airport Commission and the EAA Chapters 939 and 297. "We're all about keeping kids in school and helping them prepare for life," said Board Member David Kesterson. "It's wonderful to see the community come out to talk to kids about their jobs and get them excited about the future." 

Sponsored in part by Cumulus Broadcasting:
 

Find out how.