Over the past eight weeks, Saint Columbkille Partnership School welcomed students to its annual Summer Program. This beloved tradition began nearly 20 years ago in 2006, shortly after the school partnered with Boston College.
Led by Jean O’Connor ’75 and Joan Aucoin, each week of the program featured a special theme connected to a hands-on classroom experience or a field trip. Weekly themes included Space Exploration, Celebrating America, Science Wizards, Imagine If, Where the Wild Things Are, Exploring Nature, Water, Water Everywhere, and Famous Artists.
The themes covered a wide range of topics, ensuring that every student found something exciting, whether they were drawn to the arts or to math and science. The program welcomed children from K0 through fourth grade. Students were grouped by grade level, with instructors designing fun and interactive activities tied to each week’s theme. Campers especially enjoyed experimenting with oil and water and creating animal masks.
One person who brings a unique perspective to the program is Megan Bane, Class of 2014. Megan attended the summer program as a student and now serves as one of its counselors. During the school year, she works as a Teaching Assistant in the Early Childhood program and is a valued member of the Saint Columbkille community.
Megan’s favorite memory of summer camp was when it was held at Boston College. “I explored the campus, made new friends, and reconnected with friends from previous summers.” She also remembers her favorite counselor, Merit. “She always had the best projects planned and was also so positive.” Much like Merit, Ms. Bane brings a joyful energy to her students and helps make their summer one to remember.
Over the years, the program has grown in many ways. The location has changed, field trips have been added, and new weekly themes continue to keep things fresh and engaging. But one thing has stayed the same: the dedication of our staff and the joy of our students.
This year’s Summer Program was supported by grants from The Summer Fund and the Harvard Allston Partnership Fund. Their generosity enabled us to hire junior counselors and enrich the program with exciting field trips and special guests, adding even more opportunities for discovery and fun.
We are sure many students this summer made memories just like Megan’s. And who knows, some of them may return one day as counselors themselves.