Pathways Summer Academy Wraps Up With Season of Growth, Creativity, and Connection

The Pathways Summer Academy has wrapped up another year, offering students a mix of college and career exploration, creative enrichment, and personal growth opportunities. The Pathways program, which is Wellspring Center for Prevention’s School-Based Clinical Services, provided experiences that staff say helped young people build skills and connections that will last far beyond the summer.

This year’s academy, held from July 8 through July 31, welcomed 30 students in grades 9–12 from Carteret High School. Over the four-week program, participants engaged in 12 skill-building workshops, daily team-building activities, and a series of enrichment opportunities that included four trips, two yoga sessions, and a community painting social. Organizers noted that the balance of structured learning and creative expression gave students both practical tools and memorable experiences.

“We saw such a range of students join us this year,” said Aja Bradley, Clinician with School-Based Clinical Services. “Some came because their parents encouraged them, others just wanted something to do, and some were thinking ahead about their futures. No matter their reason, they left with greater confidence, new friendships, and a stronger ability to connect with others face-to-face.”

Bradley noted that team-building games, arts and crafts, and field trips were among the most popular activities. “It’s important to give teens a space to put their devices down and work together toward a common goal,” she said. “That’s where you see the real growth happen.”

Focusing on Mental Health and Self-Reflection

For Genesis Acevedo, also a Clinician for Pathways’ School-Based Clinical Services, the summer program was as much about mental health as it was about recreation.

“We gave students opportunities to think about their own mental health and what drives them,” Acevedo explained. “Workshops like ‘Why Try’ encouraged resilience, while activities like painting a tree and adding words of encouragement helped them visualize their own growth. Yoga gave them time to connect with their minds and bodies.”

Acevedo added that the combination of creative outlets and team challenges taught important life lessons. “Students learned it’s okay to ask for help and that relying on others can be a strength.”

Supporting Younger Students in Summer School

This year, The Path, our elementary-level program serving 1st through 4th graders delivered a dynamic summer school program.

“Our goal was to make the transition into the new school year smoother for students who needed extra academic support,” said Jacqueline Garcia, Clinician with School-Based Clinical Services. “We combined academics with bilingual activities in art, movement, and play to boost confidence, social skills, and comfort in a structured setting.”

Garcia said the program was especially beneficial for bilingual students. “It allowed them to practice engaging with English-speaking peers and step out of their comfort zones,” she noted. “We saw students really come alive when working together on activities and games.”

Building Identity Through Art

Art played a key role at the summer camp, with projects designed to encourage self-expression and emotional regulation.

“We’re not aiming for perfection or skill,” explained Alejandra Lopez, Youth Development Specialist. “We’re aiming for expression, healing, and empowerment.”

Lopez said two projects stood out this year: painting personalized tote bags and creating identity-based collage journals. “For many teens, those moments of creative freedom are powerful,” she said. “When they decorate a tote bag or build a collage, they’re telling their own story and sharing it with others. It’s about self-discovery without the pressure of perfectionism.”

Trips That Broaden Horizons

Field trips were a highlight for many students, said Gideon Abadilla, Youth Development Specialist. “These experiences can’t be replicated in-house, and for some students, it was their first time doing anything like this,” he said.

The summer began with a bowling trip to break the ice, followed by a campus tour at Kean University, where students got a taste of college life. Later visits to the Zimmerli Museum and New Brunswick Performing Arts Center introduced them to the arts, while a trip to the Liberty Science Center gave them hands-on STEM exposure.

“We also held enrichment sessions like yoga and painting socials,” Abadilla said. “They allowed students to practice mindfulness, set goals, and express themselves creatively while connecting with their peers.”

Creating Opportunities in the Community

For Sabreen Afiouni, Clinician with School-Based Clinical Services, the program’s impact extends far beyond the summer months.

“In Carteret, opportunities for students outside of school can be limited,” Afiouni said. “Pathways gives them a reason to get out of the house, meet new people, and start thinking about their futures. For some, these trips and activities open their eyes to possibilities they hadn’t considered before.”

Afiouni emphasized the importance of keeping programs like this accessible. “When students see there’s more to life outside of their immediate surroundings, it changes the way they think about what’s possible,” she said.

The Pathways Summer Academy closed out the season having offered students a safe, engaging environment to build confidence, explore career and college paths, and connect with peers in meaningful ways. Staff hope the lessons learned and relationships formed will inspire participants long after summer has ended.