Through Community Collaboration, The Anthony L. & Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center (ILC) Hosts a Second Year of Free and Accessible Summer Camp for Middle School Students at Global Headquarters in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Va. – June 26, 2024 –This week Operation Smile kicked off the first of two summer camps for dozens of middle school students from across Hampton Roads, including Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News at its Global Headquarters in Virginia Beach. Students are selected via application, on a first-come, first served basis. The camps are free and accessible for all, and transportation is provided for students on an as-needed basis.

“Operation Smile’s summer camps are designed to be a beacon of accessibility and opportunity
for all middle school students in our community,” said Melany Bishop, ILC Program Manager.
“By offering these camps free of charge and providing necessary transportation, we ensure that
students have the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired regardless of their circumstances. The
support from our local partners amplifies this mission, creating a nurturing environment where
students can explore sustainability, teamwork, and compassion. Our camps are not just about
education; they are about empowering the next generation to make a meaningful impact in
their communities and beyond.”

Local Partnerships Make a Difference:
This week’s sustainability-themed camp brought together a coalition of local community partners dedicated to environmental education and sustainable practices, aligned with Operation Smile’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, Resilience, and Impact. Through hands-on activities and field trips, campers learn sustainable practices and their significance in global health and beyond.
● Lynnhaven River NOW shows campers how big of an impact their actions can have by
giving a presentation on environmental stewardship and putting their efforts into
practice right in Operation Smile’s very own backyard.
● Tidewater Compost hosted a composting demonstration with their founder, Cameron
Kania, and gave at-home composting kits to campers encouraging them to practice and
spread their knowledge on sustainable efforts.
● GYMGUYZ hosted wellness workshops to show campers the importance of a unified
team effort to create a positive change in the world. Through mindful activities, campers
practiced teamwork and compassion.
● Norfolk Botanical Gardens will be onsite for a day of service as campers learn and plant
a native garden at Operation Smile’s headquarters. On Friday, June 28, the week-long
camp will culminate in a student groundbreaking and planting ceremony in celebration
of the new community garden, joined by Love What You Juice, Joysicles, and other
community partners.

Free and Accessible for All:
Operation Smile ensures that its summer camps remain free and accessible to all, removing any
barriers to entry. These annual Camps rely on the generosity of donors and the dedication of
volunteers. To support Operation Smile’s mission and enrich a student’s experience, consider
sponsoring a student for a week of hands-on learning.

Applications are still available for the STEMPower Camp, tailored to girls, aiming to inspire and
prepare the next generation of women in medicine. The STEMPower Camp runs Monday
through Friday, August 12-16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters in
Virginia Beach, located at 3641 Faculty Blvd. To submit an application and find other ways to get
involved visit operationsmile.org/ilc or contact Melany Bishop ILC Program Manager at
Melany.bishop@operationsmile.org.

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About Operation Smile

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and
healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise,
training, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers
around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and health systems, and
supported by our generous donors and corporate partners.

For more information about Operation Smile, please visit: www.operationsmile.org