SWAN is deeply grateful to United Way of Lancaster County and the Rotary Club of Lancaster for their partnership through a $25,000 Summer Youth Experience Grant, helping make our 2026 Rising Stars Summer Music Camp possible.
This five-week camp serves children affected by parental incarceration and trauma by providing music instruction, mentoring, social-emotional learning, nutritious meals, and a safe, encouraging environment where children can heal, learn, succeed, and dream.
One student benefiting from this support is Carolyn, who is entering fifth grade this fall.
When Carolyn first joined SWAN in 2023, she often struggled to regulate her emotions when classroom distractions occurred. If another student’s behavior upset or distracted her, she would become overwhelmed and leave class. Once that happened, it was often difficult for her to re-engage and continue learning for the remainder of the day.
Through consistent encouragement, one-on-one support, social-emotional learning activities, and the caring relationships she developed with SWAN staff, classroom assistants, and fellow students, Carolyn gradually developed the skills she needed to navigate these challenges successfully.
Today, the change is remarkable.
When something bothers or distracts her, Carolyn is now able to calmly and respectfully ask the other student to stop. If she needs additional support, she knows how to seek help from a teacher. Rather than becoming overwhelmed, she is learning to advocate for herself, regulate her emotions, and remain engaged in the learning environment.
Even more encouraging, Carolyn has begun helping younger students learn those same self-regulation skills so they, too, can participate successfully in class.
Carolyn’s story is a reminder that when children are surrounded by caring relationships, consistent encouragement, and opportunities to grow, they don’t simply learn music; they build confidence, resilience, and hope. As they begin to heal, they can learn, succeed, and dream.
SWAN’s Rising Stars Summer Music Camp is made possible in part through a grant from United Way of Lancaster County in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lancaster. Their investment is helping children like Carolyn develop the skills they need to succeed not only in the classroom, but throughout their lives.
Thank you, United Way of Lancaster County and the Rotary Club of Lancaster, for helping children heal, learn, succeed, and dream.
