It might not feel like it now, but summer is around the corner.
School will be out and parents who work will wonder what to do with their
children.
An answer can be found in Winchester. Enter SASH — Summer at
Sacred Heart — with up to 300 youths ages 3-14; 30-40 instructors; more than 69
weekly camps for nine weeks June 24-Aug. 23; and before and after care
available. It aims to fill the gaps for parents looking for affordable
childcare and education for their children.
Modeled after a program at St. John Francis Regis Church in
Hollywood, Md., Father Bjorn C. Lundberg, pastor, was excited to bring it to
Sacred Heart Church and Academy. He learned of it during a presentation at a
workshop for priests.
Father Lundberg said the camp has been well received, with nearly
80 children signed up already. “Parishioners have been donating materials for
the camps,” he said. “We are reaching out to other parishes and schools to
participate.”
Director Susan Netko is passionate about education. A teacher for
13 years and principal for 10, most recently at Sacred Heart Academy, Netko was
excited to work full-time to get this camp off the ground.
“I discerned and prayed about becoming the director,” she said.
“I hated to leave the academy but the transition to the assistant principal
acting as interim principal went smoothly.”
It seemed to be the right time for Netko to move into a new
position. Father Lundberg said she was interested in developing the SASH program.
After five years at the academy, there had been a lot of growth under her
leadership as principal.
Netko said the camps are affordable for a child to attend a camp
weekly, with good rates for extended day.
Camp choices include role playing, drama, arts and crafts,
cooking, science, STEM and more. Instructors are rising high school seniors
through college. Camps will run from 9:30 to noon, with extended care from 6:30
a.m. to 6 p.m.
Instructors will have an opportunity for daily Mass and
adoration.
“There is a leadership and
formation opportunity for staff,” said Father Lundberg. “They get to run the
camp, gain administrative experience but also get a daily presentation on an
aspect of faith. There is an emphasis on forming friendships among staffers, as
well.”
Find out more
Go to sashcamp.org or contact Susan Netko or Chris
Ricketts at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Winchester at 540/808-2736 or 540-662-5858.
