Purpose of God Annex is gearing up for yet another summer of keeping at-risk youth engaged and constructive while school is out.

In it’s 16^th year, enrollment for the nonprofit’s summer program kicks off Monday for children ages 6 to 15. The program runs from June 13 until Aug. 19, Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are provided to participants through Beaufort County Schools’ Summer Feeding Program.

According to Bishop Samuel Jones, Purpose of God Annex’s founder and president, the summer program not only keeps the youth out of trouble and in a structured environment, but gives them a boost in academics, as participants engage in 10 weeks of STEM activities, educational instruction and much more.

“We’re keeping at-risk kids from being out in the community, stirring up trouble, and keeping them academically alert and socially involved and off the street,” Jones said. “It’s going to be exciting, but it will also be educational. Our whole concept is to help those who are struggling in school to stay academically alert and conscious. Those coming for behavioral or ADHD issues, we hope to give them some type of stability so they can become teachable. We assist in the future of our youth. We know we can’t do things to the magnitude of the school system, but we try to assist them any way we can to assist our youth.”

Three teachers on staff, assisted by aides, will instruct participants in a range of studies, including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), reading, spelling and home economics such as sewing and baking. The organization’s staff also teaches youth how to garden, build birdhouses and make pottery. Outside organizations such as Beaufort County Health Department, Washington Police Department and Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will visit to present special programs, including D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and health education, according to Jones. Other elements of the program include Bible classes, a health and fitness component involving basketball and baseball tournaments and other recreational activities.

Jones said several field trips are planned over the summer. Among the destinations are Sylvan Bird Park in Scotland Neck, River Park North in Greenville, North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina Estuarium and South of the Border, an amusement park just over the South Carolina border.

Jones said the program has been effective for at-risk youth, with those effects ranging from better behavior and increased social skills to higher grades. Veronica Day, mother of 9-year-old Treshaun Pope, said the program has greatly benefitted her son, who has ADHD.

“Truly, I think this program is so effective because of its structure, and they hold discipline to a high standard. I love the results. (Treshaun) doesn’t disrespect people, he’s on the A-B Honor Roll, rather than Ds and Fs. He loves everyone here, and I’ve seen a complete turnaround at home. It’s been a lifesaver for me from him being able to be in this program, and if more kids got in it, they’d have results at home and school, too.”

The cost per child is $37.50 per week.

Purpose of God Annex is located at 1015 E. Sixth St. in Washington. For more information, contact the Annex at 252-974-1484.