The current circumstances in 2020 have created a vastly different summer experience than we’re used to, but Ciudad Nueva remains committed to providing fun, safe, and relationship-building experiences that keep our kids and youth excited and engaged.
Though we would usually provide summer camps and movie nights, the spread of COVID-19 has forced us to take a creative approach in offering summer activities that keep kids safe from exposure while still promoting healthy play and relational bonding.
Here is a list of our current on-going summer activities:
Elementary:
Tamy Diaz, our Launch Pad Coordinator and Community Connector, has been amazing in finding safe, low-contact parks and shady areas where elementary school students can play, make crafts, and enjoy summer snacks together.
Because the temptation to play on playgrounds with lots of other kids could create an unsafe environment for the spread of COVID-19, Tamy has been intentional about choosing parks and outdoor areas that eliminate this temptation while still allowing Ciudad Nueva’s elementary school students to play and bond.
Middle School:
We learn a lot from letting our kids take initiative, and here, our incredible middle-schoolers knocked it out of the park! Right here on Ciudad Nueva’s campus, our middle school students have chosen to play the low-contact and amazingly fun game of kickball.
In order to further limit physical contact and keep our kids safe, the kickball games alternate the girls and boys so that one group gets to play while the other rests under our shady trees. When it gets too hot to play, both groups can enjoy the shade while spacing out to keep safe.
For middle school kids that are searching for a creative outlet, our Kids Create Program Assistant Drew has designed a mural that all middle school students can help bring to life. Drew is currently developing a plan for rotating students and maintaining social distancing protocols to keep students safe while creating this amazing art collaboration.
High School:
Our amazing team members and volunteers have been overjoyed to spend intentional time connecting with our high school students through grabbing fast food and chatting in small groups (no more than 2-3 students).
This time has been incredibly difficult on everyone, so our team members and volunteers are passionate about creating a physically and emotionally safe environment where high school students can talk, laugh, connect, and bond without risking exposure to the virus.
As Ciudad Nueva continues to get creative with the summer activities we can offer to keep our students safe and active, we want all students and parents to know that we are here for you, and we truly believe this summer can genuinely be fun in the midst of uncertainty. We invite you to come play with us and enjoy El Paso’s great outdoors as we laugh and learn together!
Would you like to get involved in a community that loves and cares for one another? We would love to have you as part of ours. Call us today at 915-521-2951 or contact us online.
