In January of 2008, Maya Covington was one of the first students to enroll in the CAMBA Kids Excel After School Program at Achievement First: Crown Heights. At the time, the Covington family was eager to find child care for Maya and also wanted to provide her some respite from a serious illness in the family. At Kids Excel, Maya thrived from the start, becoming a model citizen. Maya is known for helping others, providing her peers with homework help and even teaching some of them better methods for tying their shoelaces. She participated in the Acting Out Drama Club, where she learned to use improvisational techniques and also helped to write and act in a short scene centered on the students’ favorite cartoon characters. Drama Club activities culminated in a Showcase/Share where Maya and her peers shared a drama game that demonstrated a learned improvisational technique with family members and other guests.
Maya also had a marvelous time at the CAMBA Summer Quest Program, where she participated in themed activities each week, including Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment, Conflict Resolution, Recreation, Clubs and Field Trips. Kids Excel offers Maya a safe and nurturing environment in the after-school hours. Her parents have been so happy with Maya’s development that they have even volunteered their time at the program.