Wednesday, June 17

iRadio Camp Debuts in St. Helena Parish





Greensburg, LA – The Southern University Ag Center, in partnership with the Missy Radio Organization and United Way, kicked off its summer iRadio Camp for youth in grades 1st – 3rd on Thursday, June 4 at the St. Helena Arts & Technology Academy. 

During the camp, interactive DJ’s will learn the basic fundamentals of radio through a unique hands-on approach.  In just four weeks young campers will be knowledgeable about Radio Sales, Promotions, Production, and Programming. 

“iRadio Camp is very fun in nature, but we’re still developing critical thinking skills, and leadership skills,” said Nicolette Gordon, SU Ag Center Assistant Area Agent for St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parishes. “Our goal is to foster self-esteem and teach our youth how to work cooperatively in teams,” added Gordon.

This collaborative effort came as a result of the Capital Area United Way wanting to tackle Summer Learning Loss in St. Helena Parish.  The Summer Learning “Gain” Initiative targets children who live at or below the poverty line that are at-risk for unsafe environments, inadequate nutrition, limited access to healthcare, and low quality, early education opportunities.

Through this partnership, with music entities such as the Missy Radio Organization, the camp can ultimately bridge this learning gap.  Research has proven that access to quality music education engages students and improves early cognitive development in math and reading.

Whether you call it Interactive Radio Camp, or iRadio Camp there is one thing that is for certain, “It definitely gets the youth moving! Music is the only medium that can bring people of all races, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds together for one cause,” said Gordon.

iRadio Camp, which will be held until June 30, is in its fourth year; but this is the first time the camp has been held in St. Helena Parish.

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(Article and photos by Nicolette Gordon, SU Ag Center Assistant Area Agent for St. Helena and Tangipahoa Parishes.) 



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