Discovery Junction Offers Free Morning Programs to Local Children

By Makena Horton

UCC Communications Coordinator

“This summer we did a week of Lego robotics, a week of cooking, and a week of art,” says Gayle Haeger, urban ministries coordinator at the Upper Columbia Conference. “We added another Lego robotics class in the afternoon during the last week.”

Former librarian Chris Koppel has been leading the Lego robotics program for many years, and the Spokane Public Library lends the kits to Discovery Junction for their Lego robotics program.

“I think technology is a real draw for many children. They make some really fun robots,” shares Haeger. “They are specific projects with plans provided with the software and pieces in the kits. One is called ‘Reptar’ and is a snake-like robot with ability to move in all directions and a heat sensor that makes it strike at a warm object, like your leg. Another is called ‘Tracker,’ and it can throw marbles.”

The summer programs vary in subject matter each year and have previously included courses in microscope studies and biology. Discovery Junction has been holding these summer sessions since 2016, but due to last year’s COVID-19 precautions, they were unable to offer them. While the restrictions were in place, they continued their community outreach in other forms.

“Last winter during the COVID shutdown, we asked the school if there was anything we could do to help,” says Haeger. “They asked us if we could provide a safe place with wireless internet to help neighborhood children who were having difficulty staying on task at home. We served eight children over several months. The teachers and administrators expressed deep gratitude for that service.”

During the academic year, Discovery Junction worked with a nearby public elementary school to provide an after-school program twice a week an emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.) Discovery Junction then began providing summer programs for neighborhood children with various focus areas.

The summer programs had a slow start in their early years, but now are flourishing and are full each week.

“When we began six years ago, the classes were very small,” says Haeger. “This year they were full. Our limit is 12 because our space is not large.”

Discovery Junction is a small house between the Spokane Central Church and its fellowship hall. It was previously privately owned until the church purchased it in 2015. Soon thereafter, they converted the more than 80-year-old home into a space for ministry.

With volunteers from Upper Columbia Academy, church members and pathfinders, donated supplies and computers, as well as the financial gifts of generous donors, the house was converted into a safe place for local children to take part in extracurricular activities. Find out more about this community outreach at www.facebook.com/SteamAheadDJ.