Warm Weather Dreaming on Such a Cold Cold Day... McVay's Summer Programming

Hey McVay! 2024 is now almost coming to an end and we are all gearing up for a break, before starting up again in January. But, we mustn’t pack up before we reminisce on the wonderful time we’ve had together--specifically during the warmer times of summer! 

Founded in 2005, the McVay Youth Partnership has served as a way to provide resources, foster community and make lifelong friendships for youth ages 12-17. During the academic year, McVay staff split into four groups that correspond to respective churches in the Saint Paul area: Hazel Park Congregational United Church of Christ (Hazel), Mounds Park United Methodist Park (Mounds), Path of Grace United Methodist Church (Grace) and the First Covenant Church of St. Paul (FCC). For the duration of programming – from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – youth can decompress by playing games or hanging out with friends, as well as get homework help or assist other students. 

Anna Fleischhacker, a senior at Hamline and fellow for Path of Grace Church indicated the impact that the McVay Youth Partnership had on youth: 

“Not only is this a free program that can reach youth that might not have been able to do something similar due to financial reasons, but there is typically always someone they feel like they can connect to and I think for a lot of our youth that’s really valuable.”

Outside of the academic year, McVay looks a little different. Rather than focusing on homework help, the attention is turned outside of the classroom. Over the course of 5 weeks, staff and students have the opportunity to embark on a variety of field trips. In past summers, field trips have included: Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota State Capitol, Como Park Zoo, Como Park Pool, Lake Phalen, Wakefield Park and many more. 

Krystal Iverson, a senior at Hamline and Summer Programming Coordinator for McVay, expressed the importance of learning both inside and outside the classroom:

After-school programming is site-based at our four locations focused on tutoring and building connections with a smaller group of youth and staff. Summer programming is all about field trips and having fun new experiences with all of the youth and staff. Summer programming allows youth and staff to interact with their community and be able to get out of the house to try all the activities that Saint Paul has to offer.”

Whether it be learning how honey is made with Guerilla Pastures or exploring the wonderful world of science at the Science Museum of Minnesota, summer programming at McVay offers the unique opportunity to provide learning experiences through entertaining and age-appropriate means. 

One of the youth at McVay’s FCC site, conveyed why they love summer programming:

“I loved going to summer programming because I got to have many new fun experiences with friends and cute animals.” 

To learn more about the McVay Youth Partnership and register your youth, visit the McVay Youth Partnership websiteor email Abby Norlin-Weaver, Coordinator of McVay Youth Partnership, at: anorlinweaver01@hamline.edu. 

Written by Alexander Bailey '26