Several Hamilton County college students recently received the Excellence in Summer Service Education Awards from the Marion County Commission on Youth Inc.
Natalie Cole, Westfield, and Andrew Stinson, Fishers, were recognized for their summer volunteer work. In addition to their awards, they each received a $1,000 educational scholarship.
“The award goes to individuals who work over the summer with children in whatever setting,” said Cole, who attends Butler University as a music major. “Through my internship with the Butler Community Art School, I assisted in helping 15 camps this summer with kids ages 7 to 8 for music, dance, really diverse stuff. The community art school is a nonprofit outreach-type of organization that really tries to get the arts to the kids in the area of Butler University that otherwise may not have an opportunity.”
Stinson spent many of his summers as a counselor at Lawrence Summer Kids’ Camp. Stinson attended the camp as a child.
“It gives the kids a good experience in the summer to teach them life lessons and teach them games and teach them how to have fun but in a controlled environment,” Stinson said.
Stinson said although faith is a big part of Lawrence Summer Kids’ Camp, the children participate in many different activities.
“We have kids from all backgrounds and all interests, so we are not explicitly one type of camp,” he said.
Stinson is a freshman at Butler University majoring in software engineering. He said although he’s worked as a volunteer at the camp for the past five years, he doesn’t believe he will be able to return next summer because he is pursuing internships in his field of study.
