2nd Annual East of the River Summer Camp Opens

Aug. 2, 2012 - PRLog -- ANACOSTIA, WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 2, 2012)—Empowering youth through exposure of professional careers while promoting leadership, service and academic excellence is at the center of the second annual East of the River Career Exposure Camp August 2-4, 2012 at the Southeast White House in the Randall Highlands neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

More than a dozen incoming seventh and eighth graders will take part in the three-day camp targeted at young teens residing in Ward 7 and 8 communities Created through a partnership between River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.); the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (DCNOMA); and the Southeast White House (SEWH), the curriculum emphasizes the importance of science, math, reading, creativity and critical thinking skills and encourages the pursuit of undergraduate and graduate education.

“Once again, we are proud to partner with DCNOMA and the Southeast White House to bring this amazing opportunity to East of the River youth,” said r.e.e.l. President Charles Wilson. “The organizers have worked hard to build on the successes from last year. We want our campers to leave the experience empowered to become future designers and builders in our community.”

Campers will participate in hands-on activities in architecture, math and science as well as group projects and presentations. Students will also learn to value leadership, service and respect for themselves and others. The program will include career exploration and academic skill development. On the final day, participants will visit local buildings of interest in Wards 7 and 8, including the four new public libraries designed by renowned architects David Adjaye and Phil Freelon.

“It’s important to expose young students to a wide variety of careers and mentors,” said Bernard Suber, president of DCNOMA and volunteer coordinator of the camp. “By introducing camp attendees to the architectural profession, we’re not only building new skills but enhancing creativity as well.”

r.e.e.l.’s Leadership and Engagement Committee (LEC) developed the East of the River Career Exposure Camp along with partners DCNOMA and Southeast White House. The committee also worked with community stakeholders, parents and camp sponsors to make the camp a reality.

“We are very excited to offer this experience to students for a second year,” said Kellie Armstead, chair of LEC and administrative coordinator for the camp. “We are dedicated to working with youth. We want to expose them to opportunities available as well as encourage academic excellence and leadership."

This year’s camp is made possible from the generous support and contributions of local community partners, including the Capitol Area Food Bank; Safeway; Harris Teeter; Yes! Organic Market; Chick-Fil-A; and r.e.e.l. Treasurer Damion Parran.

**NOTE TO MEDIA: Due to age of the camp participants, coverage and interviews will be tightly controlled. Media interested in covering the camp must schedule in advance for clearance.

About Southeast White House
The Southeast White House’s mission is to serve as a refuge, resource center, mentoring center, training group and gathering place for individuals and groups serving the needs of the Randle Highlands, Hillcrest, Penn Branch, Congress Heights, and Fort Dupont communities in Southeast Washington, D.C. http://www.sewhitehouse.org

About Washington, D.C. Chapter, National Organization of Minority Architects
The Washington, D.C. Chapter, National Organization of Minority Architects’ mission is to serve and promote the interests of underrepresented groups within the design profession and community at large. DCNOMA accomplishes these goals through professional development programs, public advocacy, and community service projects, partnerships with allied organizations, student support and promotion of the design profession to the youth of today. http://dcnoma.noma.net

About River East Emerging Leaders
Conceived by a group of concerned citizens from Washington, D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8 communities, the River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.) is a nonprofit organization created to engage and empower the East of the River community by strengthening bonds between residents, businesses and government; stimulating interest in East of the River neighborhoods, and fostering dialogue that leads to solutions for community growth and investment. To learn more about r.e.e.l., http://www.reeldc.org.