Building Connections and Community through the Summer Meals Program
Summer Meals Banner
At its core, the Summer Meals Program, organized by the Foundation for Edmonds School District, is about more than just providing food to kids —it's an opportunity to create fun, engaging, and supportive environments that uplift our community’s youngest members. This past summer, the Experience Momentum team was proud to contribute to this program by offering one hour of games and outdoor activities at three different locations, four days a week. Sometimes, we found ourselves engaging with over 100 kids at a time! Through laughter, play, and inclusivity, our goal was to create a positive and lasting impact on every child involved.
As the program wrapped up just before the start of the school year, we took a moment to reflect on the experiences, connections, and community-building that defined our involvement with Summer Meals.
What is Summer Meals?
The Summer Meals Program is a free, enriching summer camp for school-age children that runs Monday through Thursday in July and August. Each day, kids are treated to a well-rounded schedule that balances fun with learning and nourishment:
30 minutes of free time: A chance for kids to unwind, play, and socialize with their peers before the structured activities begin.
30 minutes of mealtime: Children receive a nutritious, free meal to keep them energized for the day ahead.
1 hour of physical activity: This is where Experience Momentum stepped in, providing engaging and inclusive physical activities to promote healthy movement.
1 hour of educational components: Enrichment activities designed to keep young minds sharp over the summer months.
Making a Difference through the Summer Meals Program
Campers and EM Team Member taking a breather from the activities!
Our team traveled to three different locations each week, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every activity. Managing large groups—sometimes over 100 kids—was both challenging and rewarding. The smiles, laughter, and connections we witnessed made every moment worthwhile.
Hayley, one of our physical therapy aides, beautifully summed up her experience:
"My favorite part about the Summer Meals program was connecting with so many kids. Their excitement when I arrived with my bucket of games was infectious. Even though it was just for 50 minutes, it was special knowing that we could make a positive impact on their day."
One of Hayley's most memorable moments was on a particularly hot summer day when she introduced a refreshing twist to the classic game of duck-duck-goose.
"The player who was 'it' poured a cup of cold water on the 'goose' before chasing them. The giggles and smiles that day were heartwarming. I’m grateful to have been part of such a meaningful experience."
Building Community through Play and Connection
For many on our team, like Vincent, the Summer Meals Program offered a refreshing change of pace and a meaningful way to give back. While the logistics of traveling between different locations took some adjustment, Vincent found immense joy in fostering a sense of community through play.
"What I enjoyed most about Summer Meals was helping to create a sense of community rooted in camaraderie and inclusivity through exercise. Whether we introduced new games or played familiar sports, the best part was seeing the kids connect and smile."
These outdoor activities provided more than just physical exercise—they fostered teamwork, social bonding, and a sense of belonging.
Creating Lasting Memories at Summer Meals on Wheels
EM Team Member Vincent challenging a couple Summer Meal campers to rock, paper, scissors.
One of Vincent's favorite moments happened on the final day at Spruce Elementary during a special “water day.”
"The kids had to fill a bucket with a sponge, and the first group to fill their bucket got to splash the interns with water. Watching them work together, cheering each other on, and getting excited about winning was incredibly rewarding."
These experiences went beyond just having fun. They built lasting bonds between the children and our team. The excitement was clear—each week, the kids would eagerly wait for our arrival, shouting "Experience Momentum!" and asking about the day's activities.
"It was touching to hear a child say they were sad it was the last day and ask if I’d be back next summer," Vincent reflected.
The Impact of Experience Momentum on the Community
Experience Momentum’s involvement in the Summer Meals Program aligns perfectly with our core values of connection, community, and integration of health. By providing outdoor activities and personal engagement, we not only contributed to the physical well-being of these children but also played a role in building a stronger, more connected community. The joy on their faces, the friendships they formed, and the anticipation they felt each week all made it clear that our presence mattered.
Supporting programs like Summer Meals is more than offering food or games—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and creating positive, lasting memories for children and families alike. As we reflect on this summer’s incredible experiences, we look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of children in our community.
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