I’d like for everyone to know about this camp, about the educational complex here in Colony. Since there is no longer a school here in Colony, this building has become somewhat of the community hub, you know? I’d like for more people to know about this so that we can have more community volunteers for next year.”Councilwoman Jamelle Dimbo
COLONY – This year, the Town of Colony restarted its summer camp program. The program, which is being held for the first time under the current administration, is a town tradition, according to Town Clerk Patricia Ponder.
“Thanks to a grant worth $12,000, a grant that Councilman Alex Twitty filled out the paperwork for, we were able to reinstate the program,” Ponder said.
The program is attended by 26 children from the ages of 6-18.
“We currently do not have any 18-year-olds, but that is the limit, and we accept anyone up until their 19th birthday,” Ponder explained.
The camp runs from July 5 until Aug. 5, the day of Colony’s annual “Back to School Kickoff” event.
Registration for the camp is closed now, but that doesn’t mean that those in charge of the camp want it to stay a secret.
“I’d like for everyone to know about this camp, about the educational complex here in Colony,” said Councilwoman Jamelle Dimbo. “Since there is no longer a school here in Colony, this building has become somewhat of the community hub, you know? I’d like for more people to know about this so that we can have more community volunteers for next year.”
Dimbo co-runs the summer program with Ponder. Dimbo has spent over 35 years in education, working in the Birmingham school system for 25 of those years.
“The best part about the program is that the kids really do enjoy it so much,” she said.
A young man named Malcom, age 12, who attends the program, said he enjoys being able to play and learn at the same time during the summer, even thought he’s not in school. Adding, “I don’t like to stay still, but I like learning about the space stuff and rockets. And playing outside.”
The students are preparing to visit the NASA Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville by having a 1-hour educational period during the camp.
“It’s important that the kids stay used to learning and reading even during the summer,” said Dimbo.
