Storm Damage

Porch behind the Columbus Cabin

Power lines behind the Dorm

As a result of the storms on Sunday night, our campus suffered from damage and the loss of power, phone, and internet connections on Monday and some of Tuesday. Duke Energy was quick to rectify the situation caused by the damaged power lines. In the meantime,the  Smith Cabin, Dorm, and Administrative building received power from back-up generators. 

Limb that fell on the picnic table near Admin Building

Thankfully, no one was injured and none of the buildings suffered major damage. GSA is appreciative of the staff and Maintenance team who worked tirelessly around the clock during this time.

On the rear side of the gym by the Dorm

Art & Oysters 2012

Thanks to all who came out and supported our Art & Oysters event this year!

Many of the photos from the event are now on our Facebook page. Check them out! You might see yourself!

Now what you really wanted to know.

Thanks to sponsorships, ticket sales, and your generous donations, this year we netted--

Drum roll please…

$18,999.07!

This revenue goes toward our programming costs so we can continue to provide a home to the abused, neglected, and displaced boys of South Carolina. On behalf of Glenn Springs Academy, thank you for investing in our future and the future of each boy we serve.

What do you think?

Interested in getting involved with us?

Volunteering on campus?

Want a custom-made Adirondack chair like you saw at the auction?

Let us know! Call, email, or comment below.

Stripers, Dimes, & Prom. Oh My!

Art & Oysters was only the beginning of a fun weekend for Glenn Springs Academy.

Early Saturday morning, Mr. Bo Moss (Maintenance Supervisor/ Vocational Educator) and Mr. Raymond Davis (Executive Director) took some of the boys to Lake Hartwell for a fishing tournament with the Striper Kings of Greenville. The group took the 9 boys out on boats and they caught over 20 fish, including a 15 lb 2 oz striper! Afterwards, the boys were awarded trophies, fed hot dogs and pizza, and as Mr. Bo put it “treated like kings.” This is the second time the boys have participated in this unforgettable event and hope to for many years to come.

At the same time, the remaining boys were taken to Duncan Park to participate in the Marchof Dimes walk by Ms. Nicole (AmeriCorps*VISTA) and Mr. Maurice (Direct Care Staff). GSA had been invited to be a part of the Carolina Alliance Bank’s team. The boys enjoyed getting some exercise while sharing in the worthwhile cause on the 2.5 mile route. After the walk, the team graciously provided hot dogs for the boys.

Later on that afternoon, our 3 boys that were attending prom began getting ready for the evening event. Their perspectives of prom follow:

            “I started getting ready at 4pm.  I was not nervous since I had been to prom before.  At 5:30pm, I met my date and our friends at their house. After we took like 800 pictures, we headed to Outback Steakhouse for dinner. After we had thoroughly gorged ourselves on delicious steak, we drove to Cleveland Park for yet more posing for pictures.  Next, it was time for prom. Once we got to the Spartanburg Auditorium, I saw several police officers that I knew from church and one that is a GSA staff member. After talking with them for a bit, I spoke with the Superintendent and the Principal of Dorman with whom I was acquainted. I had not seen either in awhile and was catching them up on how I was doing in college.  Overall, I had a great time. It was fun to see people I had not seen in awhile."

Another one of the participants states: “To be totally honest, I just went for the food. I danced with three different girls. I liked dressing up but the tux was itchy.  I danced a ton.”

As you can see, it’s always an exciting day here at Glenn Springs Academy, even on Saturdays.

Thanks to the Striper Kings of Greenville, Carolina Alliance Bank, and all who made these events possible. 

Don’t forget to post comments or questions below!

Spring Break part 2

Easter

While planning activities for the boys' Spring Break, we realized that we have a great property for an Easter Egg Hunt. This idea was quickly picked up by the Young Leaders Society and the Jaycees who coordinated an Egg Stuffing party at the Refuel Wine Bar.

On the day of the hunt, we had several of these same volunteers plus some new ones (AmeriCorps VISTAs) helped hide the over 600 eggs in four different locations on campus: by the old shop, the bus & field, woods near the amphitheater, and finally at the cabins.

After all of the eggs were hidden, we divided the boys into four different age groups and, with bags in tow, brought them to an area to hunt. First were the youngest boys, ages 11-13.

A near collision in search for eggs

Next, the older boys hunted for eggs.

 

All of the boys (even the older ones) enjoyed hunting the eggs. Thanks to the volunteers who made this event possible!

A special thanks to the group that donated these Easter baskets for the boys. They loved them!

Overall, a fun Spring Break was shared by the boys at GSA.

Spring Break Part 1

Field Day

Spring Break is in full swing for the boys of Glenn Springs Academy. The staff had been busy coordinating various activities for the boys’ time off. First on the agenda for the week was a Field Day planned for Wednesday. GSA had hosted a field day in years past for residents and was able to utilize those same contacts for needed equipment.

The day began with the random dividing of teams: Purple, Yellow/Orange (“Team Citrus”), and Blue. The teams spread out on the field behind the gym and after applying some sunscreen, the games began. First was the wheelbarrow race, won by the Purple team. Next was a clothing relay. We gathered a Hawaiian shirt, large clown sunglasses, and other items for the boys to pass along their teammates after running across the field. Once again, the Purple team claimed victory.

"Good times at Glenn Springs Academy!" -said by one of the boys

Then we had a Tug of War competition. The boys strategized on how best to beat the opposing team by carefully placing team members along the rope. Since we were a few members short, our new Executive Director and staff members joined teams to balance them out. The kids enjoyed tugging alongside the adults as they struggled to gain valuable ground. The teams were fairly evenly matched, which made it all the more entertaining. Eventually, Team Blue proved their strength. Following were a variety of other games: an egg run, Frisbee relay, and water balloon toss.

After the games had been completed, the soggy and sweaty boys headed down to a lunch of burgers, grilled chicken, homemade potato salad, and macaroni & cheese. Next, we presented a surprise—ice cream sundaes! The boys scarfed down their treats topped with mountains of whipped topping, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. Lastly, we had quite a few water balloons leftover from the morning’s games and the boys made good use of those by pelting each other in what became an epic water balloon fight.

So, by the end of the day, the boys were soaking wet, sweaty, and tired, but hopefully had a good time as evident by the many smiles and laughter. They had exhibited good sportsmanship by congratulating each other on victories and proved that they could work together with their teams. It was a success.

A big Thank You to all who made this event possible.

Stay tuned for more stories from the week!

Spring Fundraiser

Silent Art Auction and Oyster Roast

To Benefit Glenn Springs Academy

Friday, April 27, 2012

Carolina Country Club Pavilion

7pm-10pm

Tickets $40 ($50 at the door)

Includes live entertainment, oysters 

(chili for the non-oyster lovers), beer and wine

Casual dress

Purchase tickets on the right side of your screen

or call 864.583.4367