FEATURE STORY - July 2007

    A $6,000 grant from the Oklahoma City Community Foundation made it possible for children and their mentors to “camp-in” at the Omniplex Science Museum in Oklahoma City Friday, July 27.

    Dozens of “bigs” and “littles” who are affiliated with Children of Promise – Mentors of Hope were treated to a host of events, from making slime, to building rockets, seeing shows in the OmniDome Theater and the planetarium, and having free rein of the entire complex.

    “The kids had so much fun and for many, it was their first time in the Omniplex,” said Michelle Chapman, Children of Promise program specialist. “I overhead one little girl say she knew this was going to be the best night of her life, ever.”

    Chapman said an added bonus for mentors was getting to know one another while the children explored in a secure environment.

    The evening was capped off by a visit from the museum’s many reptile residents. Then, the children picked a spot near their favorite exhibit, unrolled their sleeping bags and it was time for lights out.

    Children of Promise – Mentors of Hope matches children of incarcerated parents with an adult mentor.

    Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation manages more than $540 million in assets and is ranked as one of the largest community foundations in the country. The foundation works with donors and organizations to create endowments that address needs and opportunities within the community.

Visit Children of Promise – Mentors of Hope Web site.