Sports medicine professor Christina Beaudoin worked for the NYSP (National Youth Sports Program) at Boston College several years ago. Since her employment at USM she has often thought about that program and bringing it to USM. This summer, that will become a reality.
The NYSP is a program that brings the opportunity of summer sports and learning day-camp to children of poverty across the country. Disadvantaged children ages 10 to 16 can participate in this month-long program at no cost. The program, which began in 1968 includes USDA-approved breakfast and lunch every day, transportation within Portland city limits, a medical examination, and accident medical insurance.
Beaudoin has been working with USM Athletics Director Al Bean in the organization of USM-supported facets of the program. One of the prerequisites for the program in an area is hosting by a college or university.
“The University has been very helpful,” Beaudoin said. “From the top administration on down.”
Bean has made the resources on the Portland Campus available for the program’s sports activities. There are several summer youth sports programs that take place on the Gorham campus.
UMaine Orono has been hosting the program for nearly a decade, headed by education professor Stephen Butterfield. The Orono program has been nationally acclaimed by the NCAA.
“I visited Orono last summer,” said Beaudoin.
“When a new university joins [the NYSP] it is like they have added a family member,” she said of the support given to her in starting up the program at USM.
So far Beaudoin has only received five applications, quite short of the 160 she hopes will participate in the program, which will include basketball, tennis, flag-football and swimming. She has been in contact with the Portland Housing Authority and PROP (People’s Regional Opportunity Program) to create awareness among disadvantaged families. She also plans to put advertisements in local newspapers.
“There are a lot of opportunities in Portland for summer programs,” said Beaudoin, explaining the small number of applicants so far.
“The advantage of this program is that there is no cost. Children grades three through six are eligible for the Summer Champs $1000 scholarship through the Libra Foundation so they can attend any camp they choose. They can piggyback that with this program. They can do both.”
Beaudoin has been in touch with Portland Parks and Recreation, as well as Portland city officials in creating awareness of the program, and what it could mean to local families. Many families in poverty never realize that such an opportunity for learning could be available to their children. Beaudoin wants to change that.
Opportunities for students and community members are also available through this program. Several camp counselor positions are still available, and many are work-study eligible. Interested parties should contact Chris Beaudoin at 228-8230 or via e-mail [email protected]
Alive Editor Elise Adams can be contacted at [email protected]