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STEUBENVILLE -- The Sycamore Youth Center offers multiple programs and courses for children living within the Ohio Valley. Throughout the month of June, the center helped numerous local youths, providing them with several opportunities to enjoy their summer.
Teenagers Cecilia McCann, Asher Breuninger, Julia McManamon and Naedia McCann directed more than 25 young actors between the ages of 4 to 13 in a theater production of "Goldilocks on Trial."
Center officials commented the delivery, timing and jokes were impeccable and left the audience wanting more.
The Ohio State University Extension office offered a class at Sycamore where participants created fruit pizzas as a tasty snack.
A weekly Bible study was held for after school enrichment students in grades fifth and sixth. Bobbyjon Bauman, executive director and president of the Sycamore Center, led the opening prayer and study.
Sycamore Corps students honored their mothers by cooking breakfast for them in recognition of Mother's Day. Students prepared a meal of pancakes, eggs, fruit, sausage, toast and pastries. Each child then went on stage and expressed kind words to their moms, presenting them with a hand-painted canvas gift and personal note.
Steubenville High School seniors, along with their families, attended the baccalaureate service at Sycamore.
The service consisted of singing, messages and prayers. Guests included the Rev. Chad Thompson, the Rev. Josh Hopple, the Rev. Benjamin Calvert, youth minister Tiffany Manley, FCA leader Javin Harper, FCA leader Jorja Anderson, FCA mentor Dale Tombs, Sabria Jones, Bella Thompson and Devon Renforth.
The Indian Creek Middle School Sycamore Stars After School students looked forward to the Sycamore's summer program. The program offers lessons in career prep, literacy, math, tutoring, music, cooking, fitness, teamwork, science and technology.
Bauman noted the students were excited about the ICMS Sycamore Stars Summer Camp.
Sister Sarah Nakyesa from Uganda, Africa, came to Sycamore to teach students what it is like growing up in the country. She explained why Ugandan children have happiness and trust in Jesus, despite the country's widespread poverty and distress. They shared Bible passages and sang a traditional Ugandan children's song about the love of Jesus Christ.
Corps students welcomed young Marine Gunnery Sgt. J.R. Barr, who visited Sycamore to speak with students and share in his secrets of success. He commented about the ways one can be "happy and sober while avoiding the dangers of drugs and impairment."
Corps students also learned how to crochet through a demonstration conducted by Abbey Corder, who offered her time and supplies to introduce them to the activity.
"The smiles on their faces said it all, they were hooked," Bauman exclaimed.
"A huge shoutout to Abbey and all the many other exemplary adults who donate their valuable time to teach life skills to our students for the sake of the gospel and the betterment of the Ohio Valley," Bauman said. "These local heroes are making a real difference in the lives of our young learners. We're beyond grateful for their faith, generosity and expertise."
Sycamore's Summer Camp season went into high gear as the center began the first of its 16 camps, offering ballet, art, math, fairytale and tennis camps, which immediately were filled.
Bauman noted the enthusiasm of the community, expressing his appreciation.
Currently, the center is offering its Summer Mobile Food Pantry, providing 500 weekly meals to children at six sites throughout Steubenville and Wintersville.
"This would not be possible without your continued prayers and support," “ concluded. "We truly appreciate your continued donations and gifts."