SPARK Summer 2025 Recap: Calloway-Smith Middle School
This year was a milestone moment as SPARK Summer expanded to Calloway-Smith Middle School for the very first time, bringing our mission and momentum to Avenue scholars stepping into their adolescent years. And from the very first day, it was clear: middle schoolers are ready to rise.
Students launched into Math Camp with fully loaded binders stocked with everything they needed to succeed. To keep our middle school campers motivated, students with perfect attendance over all 11 days of camp earned a $50 gift card, just one more way we helped make learning fun, meaningful, and worth showing up for every single day.
Sweet Rewards at Calloway-Smith
At Calloway-Smith Middle School, a little treat goes a long way. During their two weeks of SPARK Summer, students were rewarded for their dedication and effort with sweet surprises - Nothing Bundt Cakes to celebrate Week 1, and a local favorite, Cammie’s Old Dutch Ice Cream, for Week 2.
Fuse Project staff even got in on the fun, serving up scoops and toppings while quizzing students on their math skills. It was the perfect mix of celebration and encouragement because when students feel seen and celebrated, they’re even more motivated to keep showing up and giving their best.
Stepping Out of the Classroom: Exploring Possibilities at Bishop State
Our middle school students from Calloway-Smith stepped onto a college campus and into a conversation about their future during an inspiring visit to Bishop State Community College. Led by College Recruiter Arianna Baker and coordinated by Amanda Owens, students toured the full campus and explored hands-on learning opportunities across a range of industries from mechanical engineering to CAD design, biomedical science, and more.
Along the way, they learned how different career paths are shaped by their strengths and interests, whether that means working with their hands, pursuing a technical trade, or preparing to transfer to a four-year university. They even heard about dual enrollment and the importance of building strong habits now so they’re ready for high school and beyond.
When one pack of Wildcats visits another, you know something powerful is about to happen. Bishop State isn’t just a college; it’s a launchpad. Our students got a glimpse of what’s possible and a feel for what their next steps could look like. Big questions were asked, bold dreams began to form, and maybe even a few future college plans started to take shape.
End-of-Camp Celebration at CSMS
To wrap up SPARK Summer at Calloway-Smith Middle School, we threw a celebration to remember!
Students started the day with frozen lemonades and refreshers from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee truck before moving into the gym to beat the heat. We served up Foosackly’s for lunch with cupcakes for dessert, played lively rounds of musical chairs with prizes, and honored our Perfect Attendance students with certificates and $50 Walmart gift cards.
Our presenting sponsor, Airbus, made sure every student went home with a Summer Learning Bag packed with learning tools and fun extras, including:
Math workbook
MPRD Activity Guide
School supplies
Coupons from our new friends at Dave & Buster’s
It was the perfect way to celebrate all the hard work and growth our students achieved this summer.
Thank You to Airbus
We are proud to recognize Airbus as the presenting sponsor of 2025 SPARK Summer Camp. From essential supplies on day one to celebratory learning bags on the last day, Airbus helped fuel curiosity, confidence, and creativity for every student enrolled in SPARK Summer at Calloway-Smith. Their belief in the power of education and in Avenue youth allowed students to soar this summer.
Because of Airbus, over 160 Avenue children from Kindergarten through 8th grade experienced hands-on STEAM learning, built confidence, and carried their curiosity well beyond the classroom. Airbus’s commitment to education and community is truly remarkable. Thank you, Airbus, for helping us fuel young minds for takeoff!
Thank You to Every Partner & Sponsor
To our SPARK Summer sponsors — Airbus, Alabama Power, American Equity Underwriters, Crowder Gulf, Foosackly’s, PNC Foundation, Regions Bank, and The Scout Guide Mobile Bay — thank you for fueling the spark. Your support powered every lesson, club, and celebration and helped more than 160 Avenue students build skills and confidence that will last well beyond summer.
SPARK Summer 2025 at Calloway-Smith was more than a camp; it was a spark that set new goals in motion and inspired students to see what’s possible when they put in the work. None of it would have been possible without the incredible teachers, staff, and administration who showed up each day with energy and enthusiasm, guiding students through lessons, activities, and experiences that will carry them into the new school year with momentum.
Keep the Spark Burning
The success of SPARK Summer depends on the support of our community. Your donations help us create meaningful summer learning opportunities, provide hands-on experiences, and ensure students continue to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Help us fuel next summer’s SPARK Summer Camp and continue empowering Avenue students to reach new heights.