Making a Difference: Dr. Patricia Payne

Each summer, as we learn about community, we have an opportunity to meet some of our community leaders who are making a difference. Last week, we were honored to have Dr. Pat Payne visit with our campers.

"Teaching is my passion, purpose, and destiny -          

Dr. Patricia Payne

CHILDHOOD

A young Patricia (left) with her family.

As a young child, Dr. Payne had a dog, named Skippy. The oldest of four children, the chore she hated the most was cleaning the bathroom, but she loved playing Monopoly and playing with her dolls - dolls that were black - just like her. Fried chicken, strawberry shortcake and apple pie are her favorite foods to eat. She was involved with her church, along with Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Campfire Girls. She also enjoyed going to the library to learn more about black history.  

Dr. Payne graduated from Shortridge High School in 1957. Her least favorite subject was History. She found it hard to relate to because "it was never about anyone who looked like me."

Following in her mother's footsteps, Mrs. Payne knew at a young age that she wanted to become a teacher. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University (1962), Bloomington, and a Master's in Education at IUPUI (1975). She also holds an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Martin University.

CAREER IN EDUCATION
Mrs. Payne taught 2nd grade in IPS for 25 years. As a teacher of mostly African American students, she grew frustrated with the lack of diversity in the curriculum. She and a few other teachers began a movement. They wanted educational resources that reflected people of color, and shared their concerns with the school leadership. They were successful and IPS began to make changes.

Our campers were excited to meet Dr. Payne (center)!

As the school district began taking steps to address the ethnic diversity of its student population, the Superintendent of IPS called Patricia out of the classroom in 1987 to design and direct the office of Multicultural Education. This special assignment moved her passion for teaching to another level. Mrs. Payne’s main responsibility was to hold Professional Development workshops to “help teachers raise their expectation of Black children and teach them as if they know they can learn, and learn well.”

Some of the programs include the Infusion Conference of Cultural and History into the Curriculum; the Multicultural Festival; an annual televised tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King; and “Spirit of Freedom” at Crown Hill, an interactive history program that celebrates African Americans in the Civil War for 5th grade students. These programs have been going on for about the last 30 years.

After 52 years of service Patricia retired from IPS in 2014. She was rehired and now serves as an administrator on Special Assignment, Racial Equity.

LIFE LONG LEARNING
Mrs. Payne has traveled the world learning all she can about different cultures, especially African cultures. She has traveled and studied in Nigeria, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, and Brazil. 

SAVE THE DATE - 9/20/16: "Making a Difference: Celebrating Our Community" Awards Dinner







 

Week 6: Dependability

Freetown Village Summer Camp continues to thrive as campers grow and learn together as a camp family. Pack your energy, creativity, and thinking caps. We're ready to start Week 6!

This week, we are focusing on what it means to be a reliable, committed and trustworthy person. 

Dependability

During the first week of camp, each class develops their code of conduct with the "5 Finger Contract". The conditions include safety, commitment, no put-downs, follow direction, and (mutual) support. Each camper agrees to the contract by signing their name.

Whether at school, home, or on the playing field, others want to know that you're a team player. Teamwork is a vital part of the camp experience, and dependability is makes camp more interactive and enjoyable for everyone.

Trying New Tastes Together

Who says kids don't like trying new fruits and vegetables? That's certainly not true at our camp! 

Each week, campers discovered new and healthy foods with Chef Rice, and embraced new experiences together as a team. Some of our new foods included kiwi, passion fruit, mango, kiwano melon, and papaya. Gathered around, they were able to see what the inside of each fruit looked like as well as understand the taste and texture of them. Campers pledged to take at least one bite of the new foods. Some were hesitant, but with the encouragement of their classmates they realized that they actually enjoyed it! Kids couldn't wait to bring their new discoveries home to share with their families. 

Each week, campers discovered new and healthy foods with Chef Rice. As the kids gathered around, they were able to see what the inside of each fruit looked like as well as understand the taste and texture of them. Campers pledged to take at least one bite of the new foods, which included kiwi, passion fruit, mango, kiwano melon, and papaya. Some were hesitant, but with the encouragement of their classmates they realized that they actually enjoyed it! Campers couldn't wait to bring their new discoveries home to share with their families. Mrs. Ellen remarked on how well the kids were responding to these new foods:

"The kids responded really well to the new fruit choices. It's important to show our kids that junk food is not a healthy choice. Fruits and veggies should be more available to kids. It's not enough to give them the choice between a cookie or a banana."

Not only did they try new foods, our older campers (4th - 8th) prepared healthy snack alternatives to their usual processed items. These kids don't need much encouragement because they are already so pumped about this activity! Campers are excited about doing their part, feeling accomplished and working together with their camp family.
New snacks included homemade pretzels and fruit smoothies. They also learned real life skills like properly measuring ingredients (math), why yeast causes dough to rise (science), and how to make pretzel knots (creativity). Cooking combines attention to detail, following direction and team work for the finished product. Campers were surprised to learn how these new foods tasted even better when combined with other ingredients to make a delicious dish!

Chef Rice also led our older campers (4th - 8th) through Food Labs, in which they prepared healthy snack alternatives to their usual processed items.  In the Labs, they learned from Chef Rice that cooking, although fun, requires attention to detail, following directions and team work to achieve the desired outcome.  Many were surprised at how much cooking involves science and math, especially when baking.  New snacks included homemade pretzels and fruit smoothies.  Campers were excited about doing their part, feeling accomplished and working together with their camp family.  

Checkmate

The ultimate board game of battle, strategy and risk!  Campers enthusiastically learned how to play this 1,500-year-old game from one of our program partners Learning Through Games.  For some of our campers it was brand new, for some review, but all enjoyed our afternoon sessions with Aaron Dean (top left).  

Two words: UniverSoul Circus!

When I say "Big Top" you say "Circus"!  Hang onto your hats, kids. We're going to the circus! You mean that big tent in Lafayette Square? Yep! Once you walk in, you're in another world. A world filled with magic, where anything is possible!

For our weekly field trip, campers and staff once again enjoyed the eclectic, daring and spell-binding performances of the UniverSoul Circus. Lions, clowns, contortionists, dancing dogs, fire-jugglers, and a flying trapeze troupe - every moment was packed with suspense and glamour. This was definitely an experience that we will never forget!  

Getting ready to enter the Big Top!

Monte, Alexis, and London pose with Zeke, the Ringmaster's Sidekick. 

It Takes A Village

Freetown Village Summer Camp continues to build character and promote team work in children throughout Indiana. Our mission to bring diversity and positive citizenship to the community will take the work and spirit of a village to achieve. Every year, we come closer as a camp family and as a team, having so much fun learning, growing and succeeding together!

We need your help to continue to grow and succeed in bringing positive growth to the Indianapolis community. If your interested in volunteering or donating to the efforts of Freetown Village, please contact us for more information at freetown@freetownvillage.com or 317-631-1870.

Week 4: Honor

In the spirit of Independence Day, this week's theme describes a character trait that focuses around honesty, integrity and respect:

Our campers celebrated "Spirit Week" with an exciting field trip to the Crispus Attucks Museum and High School!  Crispus Attucks was considered the first killed in the American Revolution. He is remembered as a martyr for American oppression and “the first to defy, the first to die.”

When Crispus Attucks High School opened in 1927, it was the only public high school designated for Indianapolis' black student population until integration began in 1967. For decades, the photos of all their graduates are immortalized in the school hallways. Many of our campers and teachers founds parents, grandparents, and other family members that attended the high school. One of our teachers, Mrs. G, our Powerful Antelopes (K - 1st) Instructor tells us how she first found the pictures of her family on the wall.

"The first time I saw the pictures, I was in 6th grade. My mom, dad, aunts, and uncles all went there. My preacher went there too, but he wasn't a traditional student. He worked on a railroad, stayed at a boarding house and went to school 3 days a week."

We also learned that the original faculty consisted of highly educated teachers - all had at least a Masters Degree and some held PhD's.  While they were able to attend colleges and universities, they were not yet able to teach at the collegiate level.  

Due to segregation, these quality teachers were restricted to teaching on the high school level. On the bright side, students left Crispus Attucks High School with valuable college-level education. 

Today, the Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School includes a college prep program for students pursuing careers in the science or medical fields.

Posing in front of the main entrance.  The school was also known for its Gothic/Tudor architecture.  

Mrs. Ellen, our Brainy Badgers (2nd - 3rd) Instructor, created a scavenger hunt for her class. Every time they saw the word "Attucks", they would tally up the numbers and use them in a math game. She was thrilled that the kids enjoyed the experience and connected with the history of our community. 

Jordan R., points to the retired basketball jersey of his uncle, Willie Gardner #13.  

Go Tigers!

Posted by Raechel Amey

Week 3: Decisiveness

Decisiveness
We are building character, one positive trait at a time.  As we wrapped up our third week of summer learning, we discovered that decisiveness is the ability to make choices quickly, confidently and effectively.   From team building activities to conflict resolution our campers have ongoing opportunities to think through problems and determine solutions is the key message in developing our positive character traits.


It Takes A Village: Meet Program Partner Asante Children's Theatre (A.C.T)

Asante Children's Theatre (A.C.T.) brought their energetic, educational theater troupe to Freetown Village Summer Camp this week! Stories came to life as the A.C.T. performers became multiple characters to tell a story that teaches campers life lessons while being entertaining.  

For the past eight years, our campers have looked forward to working with the A.C.T. facilitators. Their Prep 4 Life program builds children's strengths by incorporating various elements of performing including singing, choreography and theater. 

"The campers here are like sponges, they are willing to learn and grow, eager to try new theater components.  Even the Stage Direction Game (theater basics) is learning but fun.  It's an honor for me as a performer/instructor, to share with them what I've learned - I remember being their age, and it's rewarding to be able to share my experiences to help develop and appreciation in them for the performing arts".  Tori G. , A.C.T. Prep Facilitator.

(A.C.T. Facilitators, Ms Tori, Mr. Jocque, Ms. Rochelle, Mr. Ryan)

Garden Project

Informing our kids of the necessities of life, such as growing food, is essential to educating the next generation. In a world gone to manufactured foods, it's vital to teach young people how plants nourish our bodies and our environment.

Working side by side our partners, Purdue University Cooperative Extension, our garden is looking super happy this week! The plants include kale, tomatoes, romaine, cucumber, green pepper, lavender, sunflower, and nasturtium. Don't they looks yummy? Mmmm!

Algebra Project

Knowing how to be confident in your decisions is very useful when applied to your education. As our math tutors put campers into groups, they hold up flash cards with math problems on them to see who can answer first. While campers are having fun competing with their peers, they are also learning how to quickly and confidently voice their thoughts.

Freetown Village is truly grateful for having such amazing partners and volunteers who put so much of their time, effort, and care into our campers lives. Many thanks, all!

Check back next week to see what positive character trait we will be learning about and what activities our campers will experience!

Posted by Raechel Amey

Week 2: Creativity

Campers have created their teams and our camp family is coming together! This week, we're focusing around our positive character trait of the week:

CREATIVITY!!


Creativity is defined as the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others.  Freetown Village Summer Camp thrives on the inspirational vision and team effort of our campers, volunteers and community. Our progress grows every day, with each activity and every positive influence, and we strive to motivate creativity within every week of camp.



It Takes A Village: Meet Program Partner Art With a Heart

One of our program partners, Art With a Heart (AWAH), is excited to team up with Freetown Village again this summer.  AWAH has developed art production lessons to support our overall theme, “It Takes a Village.” Last summer, AWAH guided our campers in creating a community quilt. This year, after studying the artwork of James Rizzi and his vibrant “dancing” buildings, campers will create their own structures and collaborate with one another to design a village made from a variety of materials.  Be sure to check back in a few weeks for the final project! 

Fingerprint Pendants


Campers rolled out their individuality on Tuesday with handmade clay pendants that carry their own stamp of approval! Clever Coyotes, Kayla O., explained the process behind making these simple keepsakes. 

 

"We rolled out the clay into flat squares, then we colored our finger with a marker and pressed our fingerprint into the clay. Then we decorated them with our own design. Before we put them in the oven, we poked a hole in the top so we could put a string in it." Kayla explains.

She's going to give her pendant to her mom as a reminder of her time at Freetown Village Summer Camp.

Volunteer Spotlight: Alumni Camper Rachel O.


Our volunteer staff are an invaluable asset to the growth and success of the Freetown Village Summer Camp. We are extremely grateful to have such an eager and dedicated group, helping to enrich the lives of our campers. 

After three years as a camper, Rachel O., is giving back as an enthusiastic alumni volunteer this year!
Rachel enjoys the friendly and supportive environment that camp has to offer, as well as collaborating with campers to bring them the same friendly, supportive experience. 

"I like working with the younger kids, helping them with reading and learning." says Rachel.

The most impactful character trait she learned at camp was initiative. At the age of 12, she learned that doing something without being told can be a very valuable and positive character trait to possess. Her initiative in camp has allowed her to grow as a student, a role model, and a goal-driven individual.

Rachel is currently a freshman at Charles A Tindley Accelerated School, and plans to go to college to become a pediatrician. She also plans to return next summer as a volunteer at Freetown Village Summer Camp. 


Posted by Raechel Amey

Week 1: Responsibility

Freetown Village Summer Day Camp brings campers and volunteers together at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Children in Grades K-8 can focus their energy towards history, culture, group activities, health and nutrition, math, theater, language arts, gardening, learning positive self-esteem and civic responsibility. 

We're off to a great start! We are excited to introduce new campers and new activities this year. Campers kick the week off with hands-on activities and summer learning focusing around our positive character trait of the week: 

RESPONSIBILITY

Team Shields

Each class starts the week identified as Class A, B, C, and D. As we begin to grow as a team and a camp family, each class will come together to create their own identity, complete with a team shield reflecting their positive character traits. Each shield includes 1) an animal, representing strength of character, 2) a team word, 3) a favorite place to go, and 4) a learning symbol.

This summer, our camp family includes the Powerful Antelopes (K - 1st), the Brainy Badgers (2nd - 3rd), the Brave Horses (4th - 5th), and the Clever Coyotes (6th - 8th)!

Homemade Ice Cream & Strawberry Shortcakes

Traditionally, our campers come together at the end of their first week to make hand-churned ice cream and homemade strawberry shortcakes. 

The Brave Horses made our ice cream, and half of the fun was in the process! From pouring ingredients, mixing the batter, and churning the ice cream, they learned how ice cream was made the old-fashioned way. It took about 45 minutes to thicken up, and the churn crank was not turning properly, but the Brave Horses pushed through with determination and made us some darn good ice cream!

Some of our Clever Coyotes were responsible for prepping strawberries from South Circle Farm, baking the shortcakes, and serving fellow campers the completed strawberry shortcakes topped with ice cream. YUMMY! Pausing to savor the flavors, campers exclaimed how much they loved their ice cream.

Together, our campers took on different responsibilities in order to create a favorite sweet treat for the entire camp to enjoy. We appreciate the hard work and care everyone put into making our Friday snack extra special! Again, we're reminded of the love that is part of the foundation of so many of the foods we eat.

Spelling Contest

The Brainy Badgers and Powerful Antelopes raced to be the first team to spell the word "responsibility." Learning what the word means is the first step in teaching young children how to be responsible throughout their daily lives. 

Kickball

We didn't let a little sprinkle of rain get in our way of having fun! Recess would not be complete without a game of kickball.

Come back next Monday to see what activities and positive traits we will learn about during Week 2!

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Interested in signing up your child for summer camp? It’s not too late!

Please call our camp at 317-828-1848 or email at freetown@freetownvillage.org for more information.

Camp hours:  8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
Cost: $75/week per child (non-members)


Posted by Raechel Amey