Meet The Montgomery's

Kamry during the OMSI field trip, learning how to mix chemicals in the lab

This family of three girls (two pictured within this blog except), has been a part of the PUMPwork's summer program for a very long time.  Last summer, Kamry, grade 4 (first three pictures) and Akira, 1st grade (bottom two pictures) participated in our program.  Their oldest sister, Shyann, grade 7 (not pictured) helped in our teen program.  My second year working as an intern with PSP, Kamry was one of my students.  I know her the most out of the family.  Akira, I think I'm the least familiar with.  As director of the program, I did not have as much opportunity to get to know the kids on as deep of a level due to having to oversee everything.  I am thankful that I have been with the program for so many years that I was able to build up a good relationship with so many of the kids.  All three girls are one of the first names to come up when the time comes for nominating leaders of the week.  

Kamry enjoying her bread roll she just finished making over the fire at the wilderness camp (wearing a towel on her head drying her hair after swimming in the stream)

Kamry, all ready to row her canoe

Each week at PSP, the interns meet together to vote for four students (1 boy and 1 girl in 4-6th grade and 1 boy and 1 girl in 1-3rd grade) to be chosen as leader of the week.  It is known to be a great honor.  Those students get a reward that reflects the theme of that year.  Last summer, because the theme was, "What's Your Story?" we let the winners pick a brand new book of their choice.  Naturally, these girls names come up because their parents work hard to raise their children right.  I have had the privilege to get to know their parents over the years.  They go to church as a family on a regular basis.  Shyann and her father were featured in the PUMPworks newsletter a couple of years back after getting baptized at their church following the end of our children's theater program.  During the 2009-2010 school year our non-profit was able to expand for one season, as we have always hoped, for an after school program.  Shyann and Kamry were both including along with approximately 20 other participants.  It was a nice opportunity, because we were able to have more of a one on one experience with a few of the students, as we had an hour of tutor time each time we gathered together.  Each intern got to work with 2-3 children for the entirety of the program.  Shyann was one of the kids in my tutor group.  She was always on task.  Rarely did she need any assistance.  That's just the way these girls are.

Akira on the bus on the way to the field trip.

Akira, during free choice activity time, playing in the game room.

Last summer, at the program, was Shyann's first chance to be in the teen helper program.  This is not a program we have been able to have every year.  Thankfully, my co-director Jake, felt it was important for the kids too old to be students to still have a purpose at the program.  The reason we do not have teen helpers every year is because it just takes extra volunteers to run that aspect of the program, and sometimes we are just short staffed.  To give the teens some incentive to stay on task, they were in a bit of a competition to be able to go on the field trip at the end of the week.  Each week, there were only about 3 slots available out of the 15 or so teens we had helping.  I know Shyann was chosen at least once in the 6 weeks of camp.  Now I have bragged on these girls quite a bit.  This is not to say that they are always perfect.  They are regular little girls.  Honestly, I have never had any trouble with Shyann.  The only times I have ever had to talk to the other girls was when they were occasionally talking when they should be listening.  Normal little girl stuff.  They are full of spunk.  Akira would say things in the funniest way, with just a little bit of attitude.  In closing, I want to share some things their mother wrote in the annual parent survey:  "My favorite part of PSP is everything, but I especially love that my older daughter (Shyann) was able to take part as a teen helper...Awesome to allow our youth to serve!"  "All three of my children; Shyann, Kamry, and Akira have a faith based up bringing and attend church, but I love the singing worship and they show a greater interest to express their faith (after attending)."  "The children loved the camp!  Doing archery, canoeing, etc.  It was their first time going horse back riding.  It's an opportunity we would have had a hard time achieving on our own...we thank you."  "Kamry had some issues with another kid bullying her, but Marley (her intern/teacher) mediated and helped addres the concern and Kamry had a great day everyday thereafter.  Thanks Marley!"  "(I would reccomend this program to a friend as a safe, positive, affordable experience) and I have for the past 6 years that my girls have attended.  This program complimetns our morals and values.  I am thankful for what PUMPworks and your commitment to serve and on biblical principles!"      

Oops, I did it again

I was doing so well, blogging at least once if not twice a month.  I will do my best to catch up these past few months as briefly as possible.  In my last post, I mentioned some exciting ideas I was attempting to accomplish for PSP.  These things did not happen.  My friend I wrote about before, that was going to get married and was going to give me the opportunity to visit Portland, ended up postponing her wedding.  This change made it not responsibly possible for me to make a trip up north at this time.  I have not had opportunity to be in my favorite place since January and it honestly makes my heart ache.

Before this trip was cancelled, I had sent emails to a handful of people that have been prominent influences in PSP these past few years.  I immediately received enthusiastic response back from one of the founders and a mentor of mine.  I was immensely encouraged to continue on this path.  I also, received word back from my co-director, liking the idea of doing something and advice on different ways this can be accomplished.  I then, after much time had past, got a message from one of the other founders and a person I too look up to.  Her words were much more discouraging to me.  It set me back a bit from moving forward.  And then, shortly after was when I got word of the wedding being called off.

Right now, I am in a really good place.  Deep down I know it is possible that it is not God's will for PSP to be brought back.  I feel called to move back to Portland after my time in Humboldt comes to a close.  I feel renewed in my calling to serve.  My time will be spent in more intentional service when I am there.  Volunteering with both Northwest Children's Outreach (a clothing donation service for needy youth) as God calls us to clothe the needy and the Backpack Food Program (a food donation service for families in need) as God calls us to feed the poor.

This past July, I got to return to some of my roots, serving as cabin staff at Daybreak camp.  I had not been there in 5 years, since I began working with PSP.  While there, I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be in that exact moment.  Never before have I felt this way before.  I was supported, encouraged, and most importantly loved.  My dream is to bring the PUMPworks Summer Program back, in some form.  It has also been my dream to work with Daybreak camp, since my youth.  While spending time there recently, I got to know many of the staff members very well.  My hope for next summer is to get a job there, as I now have learned what it takes to work there.

I feel like my time there will help prepare me for future summers at PSP.  Already I have got many new ideas for the program from my time spent there at camp.  I imagine if I am granted the opportunity to work for daybreak, that I will get lots more.  I am excited for what is a head.  I have high hopes.  Till next time, keep praying.