When we first decided that we wanted to start bringing children's book to the kids in the out islands of The Bahamas, we had absolutely no idea how many books we'd be able to donate. I knew I had a lot of children's books in my own garage, leftover from 20+ years 0f teaching! Our area has a lot of great thrift stores too--and I figured I could shop a bit there, and also ask the teachers in the school where I volunteered. I then asked at all my old schools as well. I thought I'd end up with a few small boxes, and I would have been thrilled to get them! As I put the word out on Facebook, and texted a few friends that I used to teach with, it seemed that everyone else wanted to share ... Read More
Our First SET of Children’s Books
Location: Southwest Florida, USA
How Puzzles Support Children with Dyslexia & Reading Struggles
Puzzles are more than just a fun pastime—they’re a powerful tool for supporting children with dyslexia and reading struggles, as the Bahamas Children’s Mission (BCM) has learned in our (nearly 100 hours) of formal Literacy & Dyslexia training. We feel it's important to spread the word about this need, as well as add puzzles to our wishlists from our donors. :-) Drawing from our experiences, we’ve seen how puzzles can foster essential skills for struggling readers in a playful, low-pressure way. For children with dyslexia, who often face challenges with phonological processing and working memory, puzzles provide a unique opportunity to strengthen these skills. Visual ... Read More
Empowering Struggling Readers: Bahamas Children’s Mission Makes a Difference
The Bahamas Children’s Mission (BCM) has been a beacon of hope for struggling readers since 2018. We support children aged 8 to 15 in overcoming their reading challenges, fostering confidence, and igniting a love for literacy. One key approach is to tailor instruction to each child’s needs, focusing on phonics, interactive multi-sensory lessons, and comprehension activities at their pace. By keeping groups small, we ensured every child feels supported and heard, helping them build foundational skills without the pressure of a larger classroom setting. Struggling readers felt encouraged by their our patience and variety of learning activities, making reading a ... Read More
A Summer of Learning & Fun: Bahamas Children’s Mission Free Literacy Summer Camp ’24
Last July, the Bahamas Children’s Mission brought a wave of excitement and learning to young minds through our Free Literacy Summer Camp. Held in the heart of the Exumas, in George Town, Bahamas, this initiative was a vibrant celebration of literacy, creativity, and lots of learning FUN--- designed to empower children with the tools they need to thrive academically and personally. As I reflect on the camp and the accomplishments of the children, I’m filled with happiness over the incredible moments we shared with our campers, their families, and our dedicated supporters and donors. The camp kicked off on July 1, 2024, with a colorful opening ceremony that set the tone for the weeks ahead. ... Read More
Making Waves in Water Safety: Bahamas Children’s Mission Teaches Swim Skills & Safety
The Bahamas Children’s Mission (BCM) has been making a splash with our swim lessons and water safety programs ever since we first came to the islands. Living in the Bahamas, where water surrounds us, ensuring children are equipped with lifesaving aquatic skills is a priority. Our programs, often held alongside initiatives like the Free Literacy Summer Camp, focus on empowering kids age 4 to 12 with the confidence and competence to stay safe in and around water while fostering a love for swimming. Learning to float, rest, and breathe—key skills for water safety! 🏊♂️💦 #BCMSwims. This foundational skill, inspired by programs like the Red Cross Water Safety programs and Super Hero ... Read More
