"On behalf of the staff and board of directors of the Zone, we are sincerely grateful to each and every donor to our campaign.  We are better able to serve the west side children in our program because of you!  The boys and girls we serve are experiencing a structured summer environment where they are learning to be safe and drug free. Thank you for being part of this important work."

— Rev. Meredith McDougle, Executive Director

The Summer HYPE (Hilltop Young People Excel) Day Camp is a safe place where children in grades 2-5 learn about healthy living and cultivate social and emotional wellness through fun activities. Summer HYPE is a program of the Greater Hilltop Area Shalom Zone, serving the Hilltop neighborhood where over 80 percent of young people qualify for free or reduced lunches and 25 percent of the population does not have a high school diploma or GED.

A six week program, Summer HYPE provides children with breakfast, lunch, and a snack, as well as programs and activities that empower them to feel happy with themselves and proud of the positive aspects of their neighborhood. With your support, 50 children enrolled in Summer HYPE are benefiting from field trips and creative activities that would otherwise not be possible. Field trips planned for this year include visits to the Highland Youth Garden and the Hilltop Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Ohio Statehouse and the Columbus Museum of Art. Your support also provided an expanded set of classroom materials, including art supplies to be used for a community pride mural project that serves as a culmination of the Summer HYPE program.

We are Better Together!