During my fourth grade year of school, I came home with C’s and D’s on my report card. My parents made me go to summer school. My summer was stolen from me. All I remember of summer school was trading turtle eggs for Marvel comic books and vowing in my heart to never get poor grades again because of the loss of summer.
There are other students whose homes are unstable and lack love. School is the one place that is consistent, has a regular meal, is a safe place and has adults that are encouraging them. Summer vacation for them means a more hostile environment, lack of purpose and hope.
Communities provide a variety of activities for children and young people during the summer months. Often there is a participation fee and the need of transportation to get them to the activity. There are students that have no ride and have no finances. Churches often are able to offer a type of big brother/big sister mentoring relationship for those who would benefit from ongoing adult support. Local churches also link together with parents offering support in a variety of areas.
The last day of school is a good day to pray for those students who will have more activities than time to choose from and for those students whose summer is uncertain.
What does your church do for students needing role models?
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