On August 19th, Blues Babe Foundation kicked off the 14th annual Camp Jill Scott. This camp is creating a new narrative for North Philadelphia youth through field trips and workshops that inspire leadership, conflict resolution, collaboration, STEM education, and creative expression. In their 14th year, Camp Jill Scott is continuing its tradition of instilling what Jill Scott calls “another level of dream” in North Philadelphia youth. “Because when you dream more, you desire more, you want more out of your life,” says GRAMMY Award-winning artist Jill Scott when explaining her motivation to create the week-long day camp, run by her non-profit organization.
Through generous support from PECO, the first week of camp closed out with a visit to the Franklin Institute for “PECO Power Day,” which included welcome remarks by Chief Astronomer and Director of the Fels Planetarium, Dr. Derrick Pitts, a screening of “Astral Almanac: A Festival of Light” in the Planetarium, and exploration of the Electricity and a Harry Potter exhibit.
PECO representatives welcomed and had lunch with the campers and Dr. Pitts shared his personal story with the students, paying homage to his Nicetown-Tioga North Philadelphia upbringing and noting, “I did not imagine myself becoming an astronomer.”
This year, Camp Jill Scott welcomed thirty 4th through 8th-grade scholars who reside in North Philadelphia to explore the theme of “Leadership and Legacy” and challenge them to develop collaborative, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills through engaging in-person field trips and virtual experiences that include outdoor play, nature exploration, artistic projects, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) instruction. An additional ten high school and college students served as Counselors in Training, Junior Counselors, and Marketing & Communications Interns.
Aisha Winfield, Camp Director, Blues Babe Foundation notes, “PECO opened up a world of opportunities for our scholars. PECO Power Day didn’t just include remarks from PECO representatives; the staff had lunch with the students, answered questions, and allowed the campers to learn more about them and their journey. That connection really made the day even more special for us.”
