Late Latin collaboratus, past participle of collaborare to labor together, from Latin com- + laborare to labor — more at labor.

Thank you to Paint Your Wagon judge Jerry Hoban for these great pictures from the ice cream social.

In 1961, President Kennedy put out a call for more physical fitness for America’s youth.  ”Music Man” Robert Preston answered with Chicken Fat, from composer Merideth Wilson.  Many schools used this great workout song even up to the 1970s.  Congratulations to this school from somewhere in the US who posted a YouTube video showing that they are still having classrooms exercising to Chicken Fat.

Over 300 kids and uncounted adults visited the Lakewood’s Promise booth at SummerFEST but only those 18 and under were allowed to cast their vote for their favorite wagon. Why?  Because it is all about the kids.   For many youth, it was an extremely difficult choice.   But, after the votes were counted, the winner of the 2010 Paint Your Wagon event is…….

CLICK FOR DRUM ROLL

The Lemonade Stand by Great American Casino.

The Great American Casino wins the special red wagon signed by all of the youth voters.   Congratulations!

Congratulations to our winners so far

Internet Choice Award – Heritage Bank
People’s Choice Award – Hope Center
Judges Awards – Clover Park School District & Great American Casino

It is all about the kids and so, at SummerFEST2010, (Saturday, June 26th) there will be the final one-kid/one-vote tally to determine the first-place winner of the Paint Your Wagon event.  This means that any youth, ages 1 day to 18 years, will be able to cast a vote for their favorite wagon.  All 20 wagons will be displayed in their full glory.

Also going on will be a silent auction for interested adults to bid on any of the wagons.  The auction will run from 12:0o noon until 5:00 p.m.   Auction winners will be able to take their wagons home after paying for them (cash or checks only).

And finally, any youth that proves that he/she knows all five of the Promises will get a prize and be asked to sign a very special wagon.

SummerFEST is going to be AMAZING this year and the Lakewood’s Promise team looks forward to seeing you there.

Here are the headlines…

New report shows greatest spike in volunteers since 2003

My Idea Grants local application deadline June 23

Civic Enterprises releases new Big Brothers Big Sisters report

Federal Full Service Community Schools grant application is now available

National PTA and Facebook partner to promote responsible Internet use to youth, parents and teachers

Junior Achievement releases new Critical Issue White Paper on the Federal Budget Deficit

Achieving Excellence webinar series: Family, school and community engagement in education reform

The wagons are coming in! Painted wagons are starting to go on display throughout Lakewood.  The Lakewood’s Promise team will post pictures on a special comment page for each wagon when ready for display, and when the camera crew can get out to them.

You can view the OFFICIAL PAINT YOUR WAGON MAP.  The number of painted wagons will grow to twenty over the next couple of weeks.  So check back often to view the latest “wagon art”.

Right now you can view, rate and comment on wagons from…..

• Harborstone Credit Union
• Lakewood Arts Commission
• Clover Park School District

And, if you REALLY LIKE a particular wagon, you can win it at auction at SUMMERFEST, June 26th.

Some of the Computer Clubhouse kids are reminding you to fill out your Census.

As a former camp professional I can speak to the power that resident camping has on young people.  The caring staff, amazing adventures, hands-on learning, family-style meals, new friends and the warmth of the campfire all contribute to remarkable growth and gain in confidence that each child achieves.  Camp is truly wonderful.  I can also imagine how a grieving child, surrounded by those who care, can relate and understand,  would find a measure of peace in the unique camp environment.

Camp Erin is a program for children, age 6 to 17, who have experienced the death of a loved one.  There is no cost for this three-day camp.  Applications are   being accepted now.  Please refer children you know who would benefit from this experience.

More information can be found by clicking HERE.

Lakewood’s Promise is all about Caring Adults, Safe Places, a Healthy Start, Effective Education and Opportunities to Help Others.  If you have an event to submit then please visit THIS LINK.

Here is what’s happening this week…