State Senator Toi Hutchinson visits Beacon Hill School. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- The Beacon Hill Youth Committee’s School’s Out, Safe Summer Camp recently welcomed State Senator Toi Hutchinson for a visit as she toured potential sites for a Beacon Hill Community Garden. The senator is providing funds for the community garden.
During her visit, Senator Hutchinson, who represents the 40th district, spoke with the 75 campers about the role of government and gave the young people a short civics lesson. She also participated in a “Move Your Body” activity with the campers that is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s exercise and healthy eating campaign. The campers also displayed the “lettuce in a bag” gardens that they made under the direction of master gardeners from the University of Illinois Extension Society.
The School’s Out, Safe Summer Camp is sponsored by the Beacon Hill Youth Committee. It provides summer opportunities for children from several southwest suburban communities who are between the ages of five and 14-years-old. It is housed at Beacon Hill Primary Center.
Ajhei Hawthorne, who will be in fourth grade at Blackhawk Intermediate Center this year, and Saniya Spears, who will be in second grade at Beacon Hill this year, said they are enjoying themselves at camp this summer. “I get to dance here. I like to perform,” said Saniya. Ajhei added, “I like that we are able to play sports, especially basketball.”
“We were pleased that Senator Hutchinson was able to visit the summer camp,” said Walter Mosby, first ward alderman in Chicago Heights and chairperson of the Beacon Hill Youth Committee. “Her donation of funds to the Chicago Heights Park District provided salaries for two camp employees. She is a partner of our community and it is important that our young people know her and understand how the state government functions in relation to them.”
Mosby also is pastor of Greater Faith Baptist Church, which is a sponsor of the camp along with Cornerstone Christian Center and Rich Township. He also is president of the Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 board of education.
