For kids in Baltimore, Maryland, this summer was not just about having fun. It was also about learning, too.
That’s because one local summer camp called Mindful Mentors Summer Program not only focused on helping them stay active through playing basketball, but it also focused on helping them to succeed in the classroom.
The camp’s founder is Baltimore City schoolteacher, Natasha Thurmon. She told RIZZARR that she decided to start the camp after personally witnessing and researching how much summer learning loss affects students in the classroom each fall.
“Many national reports prove that without ongoing opportunities students lose about two months of grade-level equivalency and gain weight two or three times faster than during the school year, with minority youth being the most vulnerable,” she said.
With the help of a $20,000 grant from a local foundation, Thurmon was able to start and run Mindful Mentors Summer Program. It focuses on helping students to stay active during the summer months and it focuses on equipping them with educational tools that they may need for the upcoming school year.
Now in its third year, the program is continuing to make strides in the community. This summer, Thurmon and her colleagues said they were able to mentor thirty students from across the Baltimore area for five weeks. Thurmon believes that by combining a great mix of Language Arts and Math with physical fitness, students will not only stay fit during the summer, but they will also learn how to develop time management and other educational skills that will greatly help them to succeed when school begins.
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Her success has been recognized across Baltimore and the nation. First Lady Michelle Obama even sent her a letter honoring her work in the community. We were so inspired by Thurmon that we wanted TO share her personal story with you. We got the chance to interview her about why she started the program and how she hopes to continue to change the lives of students through it.
RIZZARR INTERVIEW WITH NATASHA THURMON
1. What initiated you to start Mindful Mentors Planting Seeds?
(Photo courtesy of Mentors Planting Seeds)
I started Mindful Mentors Planting Seeds because I realized that my student athletes weren’t meeting academic success, that they needed more support, & that they needed to remain active/keep learning during the summer. I wanted students to find a respective balance between their sports and schoolwork. Mindful Mentors helps the middle school student navigate through middle school & manage through high school and college. I then devoted myself to leveling the playing field between students who are from “at-risk” environments/schools and those who are not from those backgrounds.
2. What are some of the challenges that you (and those who have supported you) faced as you tried to go after your dreams and your passions? And how did you overcome them?
Some challenges faced would be to secure funding all year round so that student athletes will continue to be exposed to the same opportunities that they are during the summer. During the year, I continue to fundraise and seek opportunities that will benefit my scholar athletes.
3. How do you feel that these experiences have shaped you as a person and your ideas about how youth and young adults can change the world?
Looking at the data I’ve compiled and the successes of my scholar athletes, I know for sure that one person can make a difference. This knowledge has created a drive in me and my students to create and be a part of a positive change.
4. Who has played a major role in your development of this initiative?
The Annie E. Casey Foundation has supported Mindful Mentors Planting Seeds for three consecutive summers. Because of them, so many lives are being changed.
5. Why do you think more people should be aware of this area that you are interested in, and how do you think that could change the world?
Thurmon: “I have a “no days off” approach to this, because I see children benefiting from my program.” (Photo courtesy of Thurmon)
I want to encourage everyone to recognize that our youth need our support. Students are faced with barriers everyday & these challenges hinder them from being academically successful. It is our responsibility to help those who are in need. The youth of today are our future.
6. What are you hoping that people will take away from your passions for the Mindful Mentors Summer Program?
I hope people will become aware of the problems that exist and that it is my passion to alleviate these barriers that student athletes face.
7. How you do plan to continue to use the Mindful Mentors Summer Program to change the world?
I have a “no days off” approach to this, because I see children benefitting from my program. Students are doing better academically. They are making their high school teams and are aspiring to attend college or play collegiate level sports. I can literally see that they are becoming more disciplined. As long as I keep seeing these positive effects, I will tenaciously work to provide support for our youth. It is my hope that others will see the positive changes that are being made and want to get involved.
8. And what are you hoping that the initiative accomplishes in the future?
In the future, I hope that Mindful Mentors will expand in an even greater capacity then it already has. It is my hope to one day have a facility that houses Mindful Mentors and provides a permanent space for scholar athletes to study and be trained.
9. What advice would you give to anyone who trying to change or improve the world?
Anyone who may have the desire, to “give back”…I would advise them to get involved today. Remember, one person can make a difference.
To connect with Natasha or to find out more about Mindful Mentors Planting Seeds, click here.
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