“We wanted to offer something that truly resonated with our kids, and this program was a perfect fit,” said Jessica McDougle, program coordinator at Detroit Merit Academy. “They brought a lot of creativity and engaging activities to our students.”
One of the most popular activities introduced many students to martial arts for the first time. “For many of our students, it’s not something they’d have access to outside of school. They learned various techniques and, just as importantly, how to defend themselves in real-life situations. It’s unfortunate that kids today need to be so prepared, but it’s essential, and the program handled it with care,” McDougle noted.
In addition to martial arts, the program featured an entrepreneur camp where students took part in various hands-on projects like sewing, candle making, and creating their own body scrubs. “The students chose their own scents and made something uniquely their own,” McDougle explained. “It was incredible to see them take pride in their work.”
Another hit was a visit from a young entrepreneur who taught students how to make balloon animals. “The kids were thrilled,” McDougle shared. “They got to see someone who turned a passion into a career, which was really inspiring.”
The author camp was another highlight, where students were encouraged to create and present their own stories. “One of the most rewarding parts was seeing the students present their own books. It was nerve-wracking for them, but it was also a huge confidence booster,” McDougle shared. “They had to come up with their own storylines and share them with their peers. It was a great exercise in public speaking and creativity.”
The summer program also included confidence-building activities like creating affirmation mirrors and crowns, which helped students develop self-esteem and communication skills. “These activities were designed to boost the kids’ confidence and teach them important life skills, like maintaining good posture and making eye contact,” McDougle emphasized.
Parents noticed the positive changes, too. “One parent told me her daughter couldn’t wait to come to school each day, which was such a turnaround from the beginning of the summer,” McDougle shared with a smile. “The program made a big impact on our students, helping them develop new skills and gain confidence. I hope we can bring them back next summer!”
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About Detroit Merit Charter Academy
Detroit Merit Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Detroit, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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