Good News @ Wyman

A New School Year Begins for TOP

As the new school year begins, our Teen Outreach Program (TOP) teams are excited to welcome back students!

TOP is?being facilitated in the Ferguson-Florissant and?University City School Districts and there are currently 630 students being served across both districts. TOP teens have spent the first few weeks of school learning about TOP, creating group guidelines, connecting with peers through teambuilding activities, working on their problem-solving skills, and participating in community service learning by creating anti-bullying buttons, safe zones posters, and dog and cat toys for an animal shelter.

We can't wait to see what the school year has in store for these teens!

Wyman Leaders Celebrates Homecoming

Earlier this month, Wyman Leaders hosted their annual Homecoming out at Camp Wyman. Wyman Leaders’ Homecoming brings together both current students and alumni - this year students from the Classes of 2019 – 2026 all made an appearance. The theme was "Olympics" and students were divided into four teams and competed in games including cup stacking, OREO face game, tug of war, and sack race.

Afterwards, students were given the chance to reconnect with one another. Parents were also invited to this event and attended a college awareness and planning session and learned more about what Wyman Leaders has in store for their teens.

Stay tuned for more from Wyman Leaders as teens return to school and continue planning for their futures!

TCP Begins Implementation in University City

A new school year brings new programming! This year, we are excited to begin offering the Teen Connection Project (TCP) to students at University City High School. Currently, 54 students across 9th-12th grades are participating in TCP. Students have spent the first few weeks of school participating in teambuilding activities and creating group guidelines to support a culture of safety and openness.?

We're excited to see the connections the students create and the skills they build over the course of this semester!

Over the Summer, Camp Returned to Wyman!

This summer, Wyman was thrilled to welcome residential campers back to Camp Wyman for the first time since 2019.

A central theme at camp encourages teens to step out of their comfort zone and into their ‘challenge zone’. Camp Wyman provides plenty of opportunities to do that through both physical and social activities that develop leadership skills and foster strong connections.

National Network hosts Coordinator Learning Exchange

"Standing With Youth and Sustaining our Work in Challenging Times" was the theme of Wyman's Coordinator Learning Exchange in August, attended by more than 50 coordinators from around the country. This virtual gathering is just one example of how the National Network supports partners with opportunities to connect, share, and learn, so they can continue to serve teens in their communities.

New Brand Photos: Sneak Peak!

Here’s a sneak peak at the newest photos of some of the Wyman family! Be sure to follow us here to learn more about these incredible Wyman teens, staff, and alumni!

Claire Wyneken talks with Youth Catalytics

Check out this conversation Wyman President Claire Wyneken had with Youth Catalytics, where she talks about today’s young people and how we are partnering with them to ensure our work is impactful.

At its May board meeting, the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County (PLB) approved an additional $2,000 investment in Wyman’s project to repair the accessible walkway at camp. PLB approved an initial $13,000 investment in this project in October 2021.

PLB ensures funding for a spectrum of high-quality services that create opportunities for St. Louis County residents with developmental disabilities to thrive in the home, community, and employment settings of their choosing. In the 2023 fiscal year, they have committed to a $25,121,134 investment that will serve nearly 4,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the 114 programs provided by their 39 funded partners.?

Thank you PLB for continuing your partnership with us!

Staff Spotlight

Welcome, Nia Moses!

Please join us in welcoming Nia Moses to?Wyman! Nia is a TOP Specialist?at Brittany Woods Middle School. She graduated from Fontbonne University?with her bachelor's degree in Education and a minor in Theater and has been working with elementary aged youth for several years within the before/afterschool and summer camp settings. She is excited to work with middle school students and help guide them on their journeys! In her free time, Nia enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, painting, and dancing. Welcome to the team, Nia!

Congrats, Jas Creek on the new role!

Jas Creek is now in the full-time role of Site Services Associate and will support youth programming and the food service and facilities team at camp. Jas started with Wyman in March of this year as an outdoor education program facilitator and supported trek during Wyman Leaders summer sessions. Congratulations, Jas, and we look forward to continuing to work with you in your new role!

A New Resource to Protect What's Important

Wyman wants to thank you for your support by helping you take care of what’s important. We have partnered with FreeWill to give our community a tool that allows you to create an up-to-date legal will, completely free of charge. Take 20 minutes today to complete this important task and protect the people and causes you care about.