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Charles and Juanita Black began selling honey from the beehives on their rural Lake County farm several years ago. The eight acres became a refuge and a bonding element for them and their children, William and Ayashia Bevly, while also raising the notion of teaching others about the hobby
Partnering with Zion Elementary School District 6 and obtaining a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education, the initiative took off. The non-profit Black’s Academy of Excellence has grown into a wildly successful after-school program at Zion’s Central Middle and Shiloh Elementary schools
The goal is to provide the kids a chance to experience crafts and hobbies in a non-traditional way that might set them on a career path. It evolved into teaching about practical life skills such as cooking and sewing, mixed with creative arts and expression. However, summer break always left a void filled by social media and electronic games
The family had envisioned a summer camp-style program to fill the gap with activities that presented challenges and positive affirmations, as well as fun in an open and stress-free environment
“An agricultural garden, beekeeping, and a pond for fishing were already here,” Juanita Black said. “It was a natural fit.”
Approximately 50 underserved children are bused from the middle school site to the farm, four days a week, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and it is not what they expect. Each day brings a different challenge or goal to achieve. The programs follow a curriculum guideline that is also aimed at individual growth and self-confidence
- The fishing pond was a popular spot for campers wanting to try their luck at angling for bluegills, crappies, and other stocked fish. (Gregory Harutunian/For the Lake County News-Sun)
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The fishing pond was a popular spot for campers wanting to try their luck at angling for bluegills, crappies, and other stocked fish. (Gregory Harutunian/For the Lake County News-Sun)
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“Every activity has a mental wellness component built in; they learn,” said Ayashia Bevly, the program director. “With the garden, it’s not just teaching sustainable agriculture or having fun. It’s having the freedom to express themselves in ways they couldn’t do at home. We always ensure that the guidance is there.”
Last week, there was “Entrepreneurship Day,” where campers learned about simple business models such as lemonade stands and squeezing their own lemons. The grilling area taught how to cook hamburgers and hot dogs, a skill set that can be used at home
Nikkita Moore, the lead camp instructor, said, “We finished spray-painting positive affirmations and a summer bucket checklist adventure. They can dream, explore; it’s up to the person how they want to organize their free time. Read a book, make a new friend, learn a new skill, help someone, or spend more time outside.”
While the lemonade stand was the most popular spot on a hot day, the fishing pond had its share of anglers
“This is my first time,” said Dria Aviles-Gray, a happy camper. “I caught some bluegill, crappies, just learning as I go. I like it; might be a new hobby.”
The “Fresh Fruit and Garden Salad Adventure” is another activity allowing a chance to grow vegetables, taste, and learn about agriculture. Each activity has a checklist to follow and a mission statement
“Electronics is not a good thing for kids to spend their time on,” Black said. “Get them to unplug and empower them to create futures. They can work on things they want to improve … like an anger management rating. We teach them about that and being able to control their emotions.”
Bevly said, “The overall takeaway is that every child leaves the academy believing they are capable, confident, healthy, emotionally strong, and equipped with practical life skills. That way, they will succeed at home and at school.”
Registration is available for public programs on their website (blacksacademyofexcellence.org)
