Mission Statement
The mission of Sawyerville, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, is to create opportunities for children and youth in Hale County through free summer programs, mentoring, and scholarships. All of our programs work to serve God, broaden horizons, improve race relations in Alabama, and enrich the lives of participants and staff.
History
1980s — Episcopal parishes in the Black Belt worked together to offer a day camp for children in the area
1990s — The day camp officially began in 1993, and the project was passed on to the youth of the diocese in 1996
2009 — Summer Camp grew from one to two camp sessions
2013 — Summer Camp grew from two to three camp sessions
2014 — Sawyerville Summer Learning (originally Yellowhammer Learning Program) began
2017 — First Person2Person race relations workshop, first mentoring program for Greensboro High School students, and first scholarships awarded to former campers and counselors
2018 — Sawyerville celebrated 25 years!
2019 — Sawyerville, in partnership with United Way of West Alabama, launched JumpStart, a pre-kindergarten boot camp
2021 — Summer Learning grew from having two grades to having four grades
2022 — First session of our Club 14 program for rising 9th graders.
2023 — Sawyerville celebrated 30 years!
1990s — The day camp officially began in 1993, and the project was passed on to the youth of the diocese in 1996
2009 — Summer Camp grew from one to two camp sessions
2013 — Summer Camp grew from two to three camp sessions
2014 — Sawyerville Summer Learning (originally Yellowhammer Learning Program) began
2017 — First Person2Person race relations workshop, first mentoring program for Greensboro High School students, and first scholarships awarded to former campers and counselors
2018 — Sawyerville celebrated 25 years!
2019 — Sawyerville, in partnership with United Way of West Alabama, launched JumpStart, a pre-kindergarten boot camp
2021 — Summer Learning grew from having two grades to having four grades
2022 — First session of our Club 14 program for rising 9th graders.
2023 — Sawyerville celebrated 30 years!
Hale County, Alabama
Sawyerville serves Hale County, AL, where there are fewer resources and opportunities available to residents.
According to the 2024 Alabama Kids Count Data Book,
According to the 2024 Alabama Kids Count Data Book,
- 36.8% of children in Hale County live in poverty, and 18% live in extreme poverty.
- 34.3% of children in Hale County report food insecurity.
- 47.1% of fourth-grade students are proficient in reading, and 18.2% are proficient in math.
I have learned a great deal from my summers at Sawyerville. In the cafeteria, on the bus, and in the pool, I’ve seen our youth shine as leaders and mentors, appreciated the partnership between our diocese and the Hale County community, and marveled at God’s unending love for us all. I’m thankful for this ministry and the important role it plays in our life together.
-The Right Reverend Glenda S. Curry, Ph.D
12th Bishop of Alabama
Sawyerville is a ministry of
the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama Mailing address: Sawyerville 521 20th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|
Carrie Dennis, Executive Director
(205) 358-9239 Annagrace Parmer, Assistant Director (205) 358-9238 |