Community Events

Reaching Out Now’s Summer Programs Focus on Fun, Leadership, and Community

Published

1 year ago

June 6, 2025

What started as a long-shot idea has blossomed into a hub of youth connection, creativity, and growth. That’s how Samantha Barber, Executive Director of Reaching Out Now, describes the evolution of the new Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center in Front Royal. After years of planning and community support, the center finally opened this spring—complete with a director who knows a thing or two about working with kids.

Susie Chamberlain, the new Student Union Director, brings 12 years of summer camp experience, including five as a director. “I grew up going to camp,” she said. “It shaped who I am.” That background makes her the perfect fit for leading a space designed to give local youth a safe and engaging place to be themselves after school and during summer breaks.

The Student Union, known among teens simply as “the Union,” features everything from pool tables and foosball to tutoring services and a video game room. “We want it to be a place where students can hang out, do homework, or just relax with their friends,” Chamberlain explained.

The Union is already drawing young visitors, and this summer, organizers are turning up the energy with a full slate of themed pop-up events running from June 20 through July 31. There’s something for every age—from water balloon games and slip-and-slides to tie-dye sessions, obstacle courses, and even a luau.

“The pop-ups are community days,” said Chamberlain. “It’s a chance for families to come in and see what we’re all about. We want parents and kids to know this is a fun, safe place to be.”

Each pop-up event runs from noon to 2 p.m. and includes activities like arts and crafts, music, and games. Events are open to all ages, with a small fee to cover supplies. “We try to keep it affordable,” Barber said. “And most importantly—fun.”

But summer isn’t just about play. Leadership development is a major focus, with a week-long “Lead With Strength” youth leadership boot camp scheduled for July 21–25. The program, part of a larger fall leadership conference, is packed with skill-building activities and guest speakers, all aimed at helping teens discover their voices and prepare for the future.

Daily themes include “Find Your Inner Leader,” “Collaboration and Healthy Minds,” “Leadership in Action,” “Leadership Readiness,” and a final Community Day featuring an “Amazing Race”-style obstacle course. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch included. Tuition is $75, but scholarships are available, thanks to local sponsors.

“This is an investment in our youth,” Barber said. “We already have community members stepping up to sponsor students, which is amazing.”

Also on the summer schedule is a culinary arts camp led by local favorite Chef Devin Smith. From July 8–10, students will meet in the evenings to learn how to prepare nutritious meals and explore ingredients like fresh vegetables, grains, and proteins. “It’s about showing kids that cooking can be simple, healthy, and fun,” said Chamberlain.

The culinary camp ties into a broader initiative—Reaching Out Now’s new community garden project, funded in part by Valley Health. The garden, being built in partnership with Abundant Life Church, will become part of the student-led culinary program this fall.

“We want students to grow their own herbs and vegetables and then learn how to cook with them,” Barber said. “It’s hands-on learning with real-life impact.”

Barber and Chamberlain credit the program’s success to partnerships across the community, like Justin Proctor of the Advisory Committee for Environmental Sustainability (ACES) and Tiffany Walker of Parks and Rec. “Everyone’s coming together,” said Barber. “It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

As the summer unfolds, Reaching Out Now will also host its annual gala fundraiser on Wednesday, June 11. Unlike typical galas, this event is free to attend and focuses on honoring local heroes. This year’s honorees include Vita Timbers, recipient of the Lillian Sloan Award, and Ellen Aders, who will be recognized for her ongoing community service. The event will also include the Safe at Home First Responder Award and highlight student accomplishments in the program.

“We believe in recognizing those who build up our community,” Barber said. “And showing our students that their contributions matter, too.”

Whether through summer fun, leadership training, or life skills like cooking and gardening, Reaching Out Now continues to focus on what matters most: empowering local youth.