Laughlin Memorial Chapel - Summer Freedom School & Energy Express

2007 marks our third year as a sponsor of a Children's Defense Fund Freedom School. Freedom School is an exciting literacy-rich summer program, based on the historic Freedom Schools of Mississippi operated during the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960s as an educational alternative to segregated schools. Centering around the theme of "I Can and Must Make of A Difference," the program offers a supportive, nurturing environment that sets high expectations for children which strengthens their sense of self-worth and lets them know that they are loved.

The eight-week program is designed for grades 3-12 to encourage an appreciation of reading. The curriculum is reinforced with activities such as dramatic interpretation, music and visual arts projects.

Freedom School Theme Song
"Something Inside So Strong"

Please allow some time for the file to download and play.

At the center of the program are servant/leaders interns from the immediate community joined with others from colleges across the country to implement the program. The interns receive an intensive week-long national training with the Children's Defense Fund at the Alex Haley Farm in Clinton, TN, to prepare them to use the Freedom School curriculum and to become effective future leaders in the community.

The program offered for children in grades K-2 is Energy Express, developed by West Virginia University in 1994 to address the problem of children in rural and low-income communities falling behind academically during the summer months. This program provides learning experiences focused on reading led by a team of Americorps mentors. The program is wrapped within the Chapel's Freedom School program thus being the only Energy Express program in West Virginia that provides an all-day experience.

The summer program for children in grades K-12 is a full-day program. Transportation to and from the program is provided by bus. The children regularly visit parks and pools due to generousity of the Wheeling Park Commission and the City of Wheeling Recreation Department. For 2007, 124 children are enrolled with an average daily attendance of 95.

All services are offered to young people and their families without regard to race, gender, religion or background. No fees are charged for services.

Current Calendar of Events

Please also visit the following weblinks to Our Partners:

Bonner Foundation | Berea College | Wheeling Jesuit University | Mother Jones House
Ohio County Schools | Presbyterian Church USA | Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery West Liberty State College | West Virginia Northern Community College | Bethany College | Waynesburg College
Freedom School - Children's Defense Fund | Camp Ligonier | Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church Camp
Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley

Laughlin Memorial Chapel
P.O. Box 6195
129 1/2 Eighteenth Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
304.232.2630 (phone) / 304.232.2632 (fax)
Email Address: laughlin@wvdsl.net
Website: http://www.laughlinchapel.org