On Thursday, June 14, Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will host Charleston-area youth participating in the Camp Hope program for a special visit to the USS YORKTOWN’s Piccolo Spoleto exhibit, ‘Art & Music in Times of War.’ Students will be sponsored by the Patriots Point Institute of History and Science scholarship program, and will be joined by City of Charleston Councilman Dean Riegel as well as representatives from the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs.
Patriots Point staff will provide participants with opportunities for educational and cultural enhancement while guiding students through selections inspired by historic wartime events and people, including original paintings, prints, photography, vintage posters, ship/aircraft models, and artifacts from World War II iconic General George Patton.
“Part of our mission at Patriots Point is to provide Lowcountry youth with a foundation in education – particularly one that focuses on the sacrifices of the men and women in our military,” said Mac Burdette, Patriots Point Executive Director. “Throughout the past year, we have provided scholarships for more than 5,000 students. This funding has allowed them to explore Patriots Point and participate in educational programs at our Institute of History and Science. By partnering with the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs to host Camp Hope participants, we have a unique opportunity to reach out to ‘at risk’ youth to share the trials, triumphs and ‘art of war.’”
The Camp Hope program, sponsored by the City of Charleston Police Department, focuses on “at risk youth” and seeks to provide a healthy and safe lifestyle that will empower children to express themselves in a positive manner. The five-week program brings together a number of community organizations to teach students accountability on all levels; leadership and values; cultural arts and social behavior. The program also contains components that focus on physical fitness, life skills centering on decision making and mentoring.