January 12, 2023 | Program Update
We’re gearing up for a new season of Immersion Program enrichment activities, and if fall was any indication, spring is going to be fun!
Game Changers Immersion Program participants meet Monday-Friday over the summer, and once a week (usually on Saturdays) throughout the school year. This past fall, weekly meetups alternated between of golf outings, enrichment presentations, and fieldtrips.
Our Game Changers routinely visited Wescott Plantation, where they worked with Coach Johnson and Coach Perry to improve their golf game. They also spent a few afternoons at Stono Ferry getting pointers from Coach K, Coach JP, and the College of Charleston Men’s Golf Team.
“Being a part of the Game Changers program was thoroughly enjoyable. Due to our students’ busy schedules, interaction with members of our local community doesn’t happen as often as we would like. To share their love of golf with the young men and women of Game Changers allowed our team to work together and hone their path towards becoming community leaders. It was not long ago that students in our program would have been part of programs like the Game Changers. To be able to share their skills and passion was exciting and humbling.”
– Mitch Krywulycz, Head Golf Coach | College of Charleston
Aside from golf, Game Changers enjoyed a photography lesson by YoArt at the Cigar Factory (complete with photo scavenger hunt) and the Epic Gameshow Experience at Elite Games.
Educational enrichment included a tour of the Charleston Southern University campus with Associate Athletic Director Betty Palmer and a presentation by Officer Michael Rice and Amanda Perry, Esq. The presentation was a continuation of a mock trial activity that took place last summer.
“I had an opportunity to work with [the Game Changers] last summer during a mock trial program. I was thoroughly impressed by their willingness to get involved, ask thoughtful questions and really put in the work that was necessary to make the mock trial a success. Last fall, I had the privilege to assist Officer Rice and Coach Johnson with an educational presentation… The kids asked poignant questions that were applicable to their lives, and hopefully they will carry this information with them into the future. I was honored to be a part of this program because these children are leaders of tomorrow.”
– Amanda Perry, Esq.
The presentation featured law enforcement scenarios constructed by Officer Rice, and Amanda gave examples of legal action that may result from each of the scenarios. Our Game Changers were certainly engaged. We may have a few future attorneys and officers on our hands!
“I wanted these young men and women to leave with a better understanding of policing with an emphasis on why we do what we do. The overall goal for me is to bridge the gap of understanding between law enforcement and the communities we serve, and that effort starts with our youth… The Game Changers were engaged in topics and discussion and were eager to ask questions regarding my career. Not every day a child gets the opportunity to ask numerous questions to a police officer. I was happy to provide them with that opportunity.”
– Officer Rice, Mount Pleasant Police Department
Our Game Changers ended the season with a carefree afternoon at SkyZone—complete with lunch, ice cream, and surprise holiday gifts from our Teen Advisory Council.
“All activities from the start of the Fall to the last fieldtrip before winter break have been very informative and enjoyable for the Game Changers. It has allowed them the opportunity to sharpen their golf games on the golf course as well as learn real life skills from a variety of enrichment speakers. …And our Teen Advisory Council did an awesome job selecting different Christmas gifts for the Game Changers. They were very thankful!”
– Coach Lerone Johnson, Director of Special Programs | First Tee – Greater Charleston
Want to get involved with our Game Changers in 2023? Email Coach Johnson to explore opportunities.
