Laura Kooyman

Laura’s school is part of a military community where families frequently come and go. While Fort Meade provides various support services for families, nothing compares to personal relationships. Most of their students don’t live near their grandparents or aunts and uncles who can provide respite for parents (especially if one parent is deployed). Also, many live paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford many ‘‘date nights’’ or ‘‘girls’ nights.’. She has created a program for parents to bring their kids to school one evening a month to attend Culture Camp (including art, music, genealogy, etc.) and parents can attend a fun networking event (bowling, museum, dinner, etc.) to help develop relationships and support with fellow parents. Through the camp, students would work on projects to promote sharing, working together, responsible behavior and believing in themselves. It would particularly demonstrate being a good friend and helping others for the parents.