The following post is the text of the Fall 2011 Newsletter. A print edition can be downloaded here.
2011 Summer Enrichment Camps at Chatham Hall School: Theme – Open Hands, Open Heart
2011 North Carolina Camp, June 18 – June 30, 2011
The North Carolina Camp was an outstanding group of Climbers! Ten graduated from the program this summer. Summer classes included: creative writing, math, and art. The Senior Hike began at Eno River. Seniors toured Chapel Hill and Durham. Character development included: daily living skills-points that earned weekly rewards; learning to do your laundry; afternoon reading groups; climber bank; table manners; and decorum – what’s expected of ladies and gentlemen. A community project included Climbers serving lunch on the street sponsored by the Methodist church at Chatham.
2011 Virginia Camp, June 26 – July 28, 2011
For the month of July, 50 energetic Climbers enthusiastically embraced a plethora of academic offerings, rich in cultural studies and languages taught by professionals who had lived in two different countries – Japan and France. Four graduated from the program from Virginia. Summer classes included: astronomy; creative writing; math; forensics; French; geometry; story telling; leadership; art; government; Japanese; science; history; basket weaving; “Socially Responsible Climbers”; “A Dozen Will Do It”; Concepts of Theater; music; ARH; swim lessons; and clubs. Character development included: daily living-skills points that earned weekly rewards; family day; and morning chapel led by RAs and Climbers. Community projects included: Anthem LemonAid to help fund children’s cancer research; volunteer work at an animal rescue shelter; and many acts of kindness to the Chatham Hall kitchen staff.
Climbers were absolutely engrossed in seminars conducted by Dr. Clyde Roper and Dr. John Gregory referred to as the “Giant Squid Man” and the “Bee Keeper”/“Orchid Man” respectively.
Dr. Clyde Roper is a nationally recognized zoologist from the Smithsonian Institution. He has organized many expeditions to study the Giant Squid and is revered by National Geographic and Discovery Channel fans. Dr. Roper brought (smaller!) squid for dissection during his seminar.
Jacob’s Ladder Awarded “Pride of Middlesex”
On Saturday night, April 2, 2011, the Rotary Club of Middlesex County honored Aubrey and Margie Hall by presenting the “Pride of Middlesex” award to the Jacob’s Ladder founders. The Halls were honored for their many years of commitment and dedication to youth.
Jacob’s Ladder celebrates 20 Years
On Sunday, April 17, 2011, Jacob’s Ladder celebrated its 20th year serving at-risk, intellectually gifted children! The celebration was held at the University of Richmond. Dr. Edward Ayers, President of U of R, was the key-note speaker. Many of the current Climbers actively participating in Jacob’s Ladder and those graduated from the program attended and participated in the celebration.
2011 Fundraisers
18th Annual Golf Classic
The Golf Classic was held at the Golden Eagle Golf Course in Irvington, VA on Saturday, May 14, 2011, netting $9,800! Through the generosity of golf sponsors, prize donors, players and volunteers the Golf Classic was a great success. THANK YOU! ALL proceeds go toward the summer enrichment camps. There were 72 at-risk, intellectually gifted children in Summer Camp 2011.
Oyster Tasting
Rappahannock River Oyster Company hosted an Oyster Tasting at Locklies Marina on Sunday, October 23rd to benefit the children served by Jacob’s Ladder. There were over 80 people in attendance. We thank all of you for your loyal support! This fundraiser netted $4,300.
Third Guatemala Service Trip For Jacob’s Ladder Alumni
Nine Alumni Climbers in high school, six Alumni Climbers in college, and five adults spent ten days in the rural villages of Yalchacti and Rio Palmeras, Guatemala. Team members traveled to and worked in several poverty-stricken villages – cleaning, painting, and upgrading schools. They distributed vitamins to children and “Friendship” bracelets donated by a former participant. The presence and support of Father Berndie and of a coffee plantation owner, both Rotarians, made the two-week trip to Guatemala such a positive, powerful adventure. This mission trip is funded separately from the Jacob’s Ladder Residential Summer Enrichment Camp and participants work to raise their own funds, up to $1,000 each.
36th Marine Corps Marathon Fundraiser in Washington, DC – October 30, 2011
On Sunday, October 30th, 30 people joined efforts to run in the Marine Corps Marathon. The team – known as “Team Andrew” in honor of our beloved Andrew Reavis who passed away early this year in a tragic hunting accident – included 12 runners from Virginia Military Institute where Andrew was a junior in college. Many resident advisors from our summer camp program ran in the marathon, as well as local community supporters.
Together, “Team Andrew” raised just under $30,000 for continued Alumni Service Trips for recent graduates of Jacob’s Ladder. In 2012, alumni will go to the Lake Peten region of Guatemala where Jacob’s Ladder graduates will do volunteer projects with rural Mayan children. We are very proud of our runners, their efforts raising funds for continued service work, and the sense of community that surrounded our team and Andrew’s legacy. They continue to pay forward what Jacob’s Ladder has given to its students, staff, and supporters.
From the Exec’s Desk
It has been another summer of meaningful and important events in the lives of Climbers, staff, and administration. It is truly wonderful to see the dedication and devotion our teachers demonstrate. A number of teachers volunteer! The staff of young people known as RAs has to be among the brightest and caring possible. All these attributes make the residential summer enrichment camp experience a time to cherish.
Once again, Climbers who have graduated from Jacob’s Ladder and are recent high school graduates have ALL embarked upon furthering their education. One has chosen to do so as a Marine! Schools chosen include Virginia Tech, University of Miami, VCU, James Madison University, ODU, Rutgers University, and Virginia State University. As stated many times, this reaching for the higher rung on the ladder may well not happen if you, the patron, were not a vital part of Jacob’s Ladder. As the economy continues to impact Climbers and their families even more, your continued support lights the way to a brighter future.
Thank You and Merry Christmas!
W. Aubrey Hall, Executive Director, Jacob’s Ladder, Inc.