While summer in Newark often means time away from classrooms, it can also mean lost learning and missed opportunities for enrichment. Aspire NJ Youth decided to flip that narrative for 150 young women from East Side, Central, Technology, and Weequahic High Schools by delivering a camp experience that was both culturally relevant and mentally transformative.
Led by licensed marriage and family therapist Davida Nicole Hunter-Cummins, Aspire NJ didn’t just fill schedules—it filled minds and hearts. Over five weeks, these students stepped into experiences that blended recreation with emotional development. Equestrian lessons taught responsibility, empathy, and patience, breaking down fears and building trust with every ride. Yoga became a weekly ritual for finding calm and focus, while art provided an outlet for personal stories and self-expression. These moments were more than activities; they were strategies for long-term wellness.
The program’s true impact is showing as the school year kicks off. Students are entering classrooms mentally grounded, thanks to intentional preparation that began in the summer. Parents have been encouraged to start conversations about expectations early, which has helped reduce the anxiety that often comes with the first day of school. Sleep schedules are being reestablished, creating a smoother transition into daily academic life. And the girls now have practical coping skills—whether that’s breathing through frustration, setting small achievable goals, or knowing when to ask for support—that will carry them through the academic year.
Aspire NJ’s summer camp is proof that when youth are given safe spaces, mentorship, and intentional experiences, they not only enjoy a memorable summer—they walk into the next chapter ready to succeed. For many of these Newark students, the lessons learned this summer will echo well beyond graduation.
Learn more about Aspire NJ’s mission at www.AspireNJYouth.org.
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