Janasha: A Natural Leader

Name: Janasha Cross

Age: 9-years-old

Grade: going into 4th at VLT Academy

Janasha Cross is a natural leader. Our campers recently took a field trip to Venice on Vine, and an employee said she was impressed with Janasha. Not only did she pay attention and follow directions like she always does, but she helped ensure that the other campers were doing what they should as they created several pizzas together.

Janasha (right) with Mr. Jeff (middle),  learning ballet

At 9-years-old, Janasha is the oldest camper. Peaslee is almost a second home to Janasha. Along with this being her fourth summer in summer camp, her mother is a teacher in the infant room, her younger sister attends preschool here and she takes weekly private piano lessons through Peaslee's piano program. There is no doubt that Peaslee has played a part in the confident, mature person Janasha is.

Janasha has learned a lot about social interaction this summer. She loves that she gets to make new friends through camp and definitely considers herself a people-person.

Respecting others has been the biggest lesson she's learned at camp. She says that being kind to others, even if they are unkind to you, is something Mr. Jeff stresses to all the campers.

"Mr. Jeff taught me that if someone's mean to you, if you're nice to them, maybe then they'll be nice to you," she said.

Nascear: The Youngest Camper

Nascear checking out a plant

Name: Nascear Simms

Age: 5-years-old

Going into kindergarten

Nascear Simms just turned five this summer, making him the youngest summer camper. However, he has spent the last year in Ms. Faith's preschool classroom, so Peaslee is a very familiar place to him.

He's really enjoyed himself at camp this summer, he says "play" is what he enjoys most, meaning playing Connect-4, basketball and other games. It makes sense, then, that he said that Mr. Jeff was his favorite summer camp teacher.

"I love him because he's got good games," said Nascear.

Nascear (right) playing drums

Other games the campers play include football, kick ball and similar outdoor activities. The group goes swimming three days a week as well, which often includes water games during their free swims.

Summer camp has helped him explore creative expression, something that's valued at Peaslee. Drawing is one of his favorite ways to express himself.

"I've drawn everything," he said. "Drawing makes me feel good."