The TEAM program is a summer day camp program for elementary age students in the Westown neighborhood.  Since 2002, TEAM has offered hundreds of children in our community a fun and safe Christian environment to spend their summer break. 
 
Program Highlights:
·  Experience new and diverse activities
·  Reading mentors each week
·  Gain self confidence
·  Discover gifts and talents
·  Develop a stronger sense of community
·  Break down racial barriers

Meet the Interns:
 
Courtney Hatcher is heading up our TEAM Interns this summer. This will be her third summer as a TEAM Intern.

Originally from Chicago, IL, Courtney is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Biomedical Science. She plans to begin Med School in the fall.

Top of Courtney's Bucket List: Skydiving OR a mission trip to Zimbabwe.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Chip



Steve Jordan, from the great city of Grand Rapids, MI, is starting his third summer as a TEAM Intern.

Steve is an amazing drummer and vocalist and also hopes to pursue a career in Christian Counseling.

Topping off Steve's Bucket List: Producing his own solo CD.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Butter Pecan



Monique Carter is a first-year TEAM Intern from Chicago, IL. 

She recently graduated from Kuyper College with a degree in Youth Ministry.

Top of Monique's Bucket List: "I would love to open a youth center in the inner city!"

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Birthday Cake




Anna Haveman is a first-year TEAM Intern from Grandville, MI.

She attends Anderson University and will be a Senior in the fall. She is studying Elementary and Special Education and will also earn a minor in Spanish.

Top of Anna's Bucket List: "I really want to hike the Inca Trail in Peru!"

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookies and Cream


Greg Williams is a 5-year veteran as a TEAM Intern and long-time volunteer at "The Other Way".

Originally from Chicago, IL, Greg is a graduate of Hyde Park High School.

On the top of Greg's Bucket List: "I'd like to take 50 children to Disney World!"

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate

The Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S.) is a summer employment program for teens in our neighborhood. Since 1985, the Y.E.S. program has provided first-time work experience each summer for 8-12 teens in the Westown community. 
 
Program Highlights:
· Provides affordable lawn service for over 70 neighbors
· Coaching from local business leaders
· How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk(ette) class
· Resume creation / 'Mock' interviews / First savings account
· Partnering with over 20 local businesses, schools and organizations

Meet the Interns:

Tyler Smies is a co-Supervisor for the Y.E.S. program this summer.

Originally from Sheboygan, WI, Tyler is a graduate of Calvin College with a degree in Business and an Urban Studies Minor.

On the Top of Tyler's Bucket List: "I'd love to play a round of golf at Augusta National with my dad...and maybe bike across the US"

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: "Chocolate! I know it's boring, but it's so good!"


Paul Campbell is a co-Supervisor for the Y.E.S. program this summer.

Originally from Alexandria, VA, Paul will be a Senior at Calvin College in the Fall. He is studying Rhetoric and Communications and will also earn a minor in Youth Ministry Leadership.

Top of Paul's Bucket List: "Go into space!"

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookies and Cream

Each summer since 2003, the Leaders In Training (L.I.T.) program has prepared 3-5 teens from the Westown community to be the next generation of Christ-like, cross-cultural servant leaders. 
 
Program Highlights:
·  Provide support and leadership for the TEAM children's program
·  Mentored weekly by summer staff
·  How to Avoid Marrying a Jerk(ette) class

Meet the Intern:

Carena Shannon is coordinating and leading our Summer L.I.T. program this year.

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, Carena is a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University with a degree in Social Work.

Top of Carena's Bucket List: Going to Disney World (maybe she could join Greg and the 50 children?)

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Vanilla

Each Monday morning, our staff has the opportunity to share and pray together at the beginning of our Staff Meeting. We'd love to have you join us in prayer, thanking God for some of the great things going on in Westown as well as bringing some of our concerns before Him.

Here are some of our most recent praises and petitions:

• We're thankful for all the work groups and volunteers who are helping us get things done this summer. 
  
• We ask God for safety as we have many things happening during the summer - TEAM, Y.E.S., Summer L.I.T., Women's Wednesdays Away, Family Picnics, etc.
  
• We ask God for encouragement and guidance as we work with our Summer Staff during the busy summer months.