S.O.A.P Recipe

S.O.A.P goal is to perfect a curriculum that will raise youth reading and math scores, improve their language and soft skills. (Soft skills include using manners, speaking up for themselves and making friends.) Lastly, instill in children the importance of our food systems; as well as, being able to be resourceful and repurposeful. 

SOAP will compile data of how students have progress through the program. Their academics will be measured as well as their creative skills. Their academics will be measured through the use of assessments. Their creative skills will be measured by their end of the summer project. These assessments are accompanied by opportunities for self-expression and experimental learning. For example: students learn about the cooperative and resource ways of Black and Indigenous peoples by making their own soap with food waste, maintaining a vegetable garden plot, and assist in managing a composting system. Students will also travel to museums, farms and other cultural institutions throughout New York State.

This project is important to SOAP staff because students in this program are from SOAP's immediate community. It is also important because SOAP will be using proven curriculum put together by educators from the 70's. SOAP instructors are dedicated certified elementary teachers who use SOAP summer camp as an opportunity to strengthen their community by supporting students who are lagging behind academically.

SOAP staff will engage students in weekly critical experimental learning around neighborhood issues to address life principles.

Students will develop their own business plan to contribute back to their community and practice becoming self-sufficient. 

Students will make soap, lip balm, scrubs and lotion to address skin care and hygiene issues, using produce and other natural materials.

Students will manage a vegetable plot and composting system in Mapes Avenue community garden to address Quality Food.

Daily Staff will  have one on one lessons with students to address individual needs.

Students will take bi-weekly assessments.

SOAP believes greatly in education of Black people. Systematic racism exacerbated by social-economic shocks such as the COVID-19 crisis creates many obstacles to hinder Black people from amassing generational wealth. Prior to the 70s, communities taught their children different skills like: farming, soap making, and sewing. Today, many youth are progressing through the educational system without being prepared to enter the workforce. We are addressing this problem by giving Black youth the opportunity to contribute to the rebuilding of our community. By returning to proven curriculum; children talents and skillsets will be sharpened and celebrated while they master literacy and math.  Now as a community, Black people must become self-sufficient, to do that we must train our selves and educate our children on how to be resourceful. This program has two goals. First, to teach children phonics (in Spanish and English), a skill they will use everywhere they go. The second goal is to give our children an opportunity to explore ways to be resourceful through gardening, science lessons and civics.