Let them eat cake!
Today we are sharing another community appeal story, this time featuring Cohocksink Rec Center, an ASAP’s Drama site in one of our high priority locations.
Not unlike other ASAP partner locations, Cohocksink Rec had to discontinue their drama program during the pandemic. But after more than two years apart, our staff were so excited for the opportunity to reconnect and reengage for the 2023-24 school year.
Right from the jump, ASAP Drama sought to create a sanctuary of sorts for new and returning students to express themselves freely, discover new worlds, and have fun with their friends. To that end, Cohocksink’s Drama Kickoff meeting featured a special STEAM Workshop led by Teaching Artist and children’s author Nancy Li. Nancy used her book “Let’s Make a Cake!” to lead the interactive experience for students – a unique crossover of art and science.
Best of all? The kids loved it.
Under Nancy’s direction, students assumed characters of major cake ingredients, including flour, baking powder, sugar, and butter, while experimenting with chemical reactions as they played. Through physicality and play, students strove to find the right balance of ingredients for each of their cakes.
Spoiler alert: none of the cakes burned!
Literacy Rich Environments
Did you know that Cohocksink Rec is one of ASAP’s William Penn Foundation supported locations? Thanks to WPF, ASAP works to improve the literacy skills of students K-3 through nontraditional settings, such as an after school drama program at a Philadelphia Rec Center.
This rang true across Cohocksink’s wide grade range and literacy skills, students spanning Kindergarten through 5th grade. ASAP Dramas much younger kiddos relished the opportunity to learn from their older peers, especially when it came to that tricky science vocabulary!
The workshop concluded with Nancy exclaiming: “Let’s make a GIANT cake,” causing a frenzied swarm of excited ingredients (aka students) swirling about the room, breathless, and laughing, dancing, and all coming together. Worn out and giggly, students shared their favorite cake and why it was special to them.
This experience truly demonstrated that just like various cake ingredients, ASAP Drama students not only have a unique part to play individually but can really work together to make something even more delicious.
What a way to kick off the school year by creating this vibrant, engaging, and fun space for students in the 19134 to come to when the school day ends – a perfect recipe for keeping kids safe as they discover new worlds.
Take a peek inside the drama kitchen!
We need your help!
Be part of the gun violence solution
As part of ASAP’s annual fall appeal campaign, we released an inspiring chess story highlighting neighborhood public school, Rhodes Elementary, located in one of ASAP’s high priority zip codes. It was a story of safety, community, and resiliency.
“When our kids come to the ASAP Chess club room ― it’s their sanctuary.” ― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach, Rhodes Elementary School
Stay tuned throughout December as we continue to share stories of community and safety — underscoring the urgent need for after school programs across the city.
How you can help
Through the winter months, you can support ASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots, by simply making a donation and sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!