United Way of Greater New Bedford’s $5000 Summer Fund Grant Makes Memories for the Young

The Lloyd Center was thrilled to receive a $5,000 Summer Fund Grant from the United Way of Greater New Bedford. The Summer Fund Grant is special in that it makes it possible for the Lloyd Center to offer financial assistance to students that otherwise, would not be able to participate in the Center’s summer programs. These programs traditionally provide children with life-long memories that help shape their future.

Completing its 35th season, the Lloyd Center’s Summer Programs were designed to give motivated students an opportunity to explore different aspects of environmental science. Animal observations, habitat investigations, and fishing are just a few of the activities that were offered through the 2016 Coastal Study Summer Programs (for children grades 3 – 8). All sessions included field study, laboratory work, and fun!

The Young Naturalist Program at the Lloyd Center offered children ages 5-7 an opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled summer of exploration, discovery and wonder of the natural world around them. Throughout the summer, children learned about the amazing creatures and habitats around the Lloyd Center using hands-on games, activities, crafts and trail walks. It’s no wonder that the Center’s programs are always such a big hit!

Summer Fund has provided many meaningful experiences to so many youths over the years. The following quotes were taken from scholarship applications:

“I want to go to Marine Biology because I have a big spot in my heart for marine life, plus I love water and beaches and the study of all marine life and the ocean and the way it works. I have had so much fun at all of the programs in the past and I love the Lloyd Center.”

“I would like to participate in the Coastal Ecology program this summer for a variety of reasons. I would like to help animals by becoming an animal rescue helper/vet when I grow up. I think attending this program will help as I will be learning about marine species, their habitat and how to care for both. If I ever do become an animal rescue helper/vet then I’d like to think that this knowledge would be very beneficial. Another reason this learning would be helpful is that, I would like to go to Bristol Aggie High School. To do this I need a good report card and (as my Mom and Dad told me) programs like this will better prepare me for the future I want.”

“The reason this would be a great fit for me is because I enjoy everything that has to do with marine science and this would help me learn more about our environment. I also feel this will prepare me for my future studies in this field. My plan is to learn all I can now so that someday I can help care for our environment.”

“Each summer we try to involve the children in a high quality camp where they get to have fun and be a kid, while making friends and learning new things. For our son, the Lloyd Center has been his favorite, and one that he has attended for many years. Just as we try to balance their summer free time with some more structured camps, we try to keep a responsible financial balance as we run our household and plan for things like college in the future. A scholarship would help us meet the financial challenges we face while providing the best possible experience for our son. We appreciate that you offer a scholarship for your summer programs, and thank you for your consideration.”

“Kudos to you and your staff for yet another flawless program. I trust you with my children and each time they attend a program of yours, they return filled with great stories, an encouraged sense of wonder and a passel of information. You always know how to balance learning with fun and that is a special way to help them grow as budding young scientists. Thank you for making my son’s summer special.”

Thanks to the United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Summer Fund Grant, 20 children, that otherwise would not have been able to, spent the summer at the Lloyd Center making memories that will have a strong impact in shaping who they will become in life!