Douglass Community Services, Hannibal, Missouri The summer Kids in Motion (KIM) program offers local adolescents chances for experiential learning and the development of life skills.
This summer’s program can serve 15 children per session across two two-week sessions thanks to support from General Mills, the Stones Prairie Foundation, the United Way of the Mark Twain Area, the Early Bird Kiwanis Club, and the Community Foundation of Western Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.
Kids in Motion has been providing practical experiences in job exploration, volunteer work, personal financial literacy, and soft skill development to youth for almost two decades. In addition to service learning opportunities like volunteering and gardening with MU Extension, each session features theme days like Entrepreneur Day and Tourism Day.
“The girls are developing outstanding skills that will remain with them forever,” said Paula Schneider, KIM summer supervisor, in a news release, praising the program’s impact. I am amazed at how much they have learned and how well they have developed in such a short period of time. The Kids in Motion initiative is excellent.
According to Eleanor Miller, a 2024 KIM alumnus and current program ambassador, she had a great time participating in service projects and giving back to the community during her two weeks in the program. My trip to Jefferson City with the other ambassadors to discuss our program was also a fantastic educational opportunity.
Along with learning the fundamentals of budgeting and saving, participants also gain leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
According to Grace Wells, administrative manager at Northeast Missouri Emergency Communications (NECOMM911), the team you brought through was excellent. I loved spending time with them, and they asked excellent, insightful questions and had excellent manners. I’m grateful that the program exists in our town and gives the kids this chance.
“We want to open doors, broaden minds, and give children a glimpse of what their future holds,” stated Emily Trevathan, Douglass Community Services’ chief operations officer. We are immensely appreciative of our partners and sponsors for supporting our young people and enabling this initiative.
For additional information on Douglass Community Services’ Kids in Motion or other youth programs, visit www.douglassonline.org or call Trevathan at 573-221-3892.
