Who We Are & Our Mission...
Edisto Island has some unique issues with regards to offering recreation to the youth. It is approximately 20 miles to the nearest suitable recreation area and facilities. Transportation, with return, is not readily available. Funding for transportation, equipment, insurance, facility maintenance, etc. is currently available mostly through public donations only.
A vibrant organized sports program was once in place on Edisto Island, which offered coaching and team play in many sports. Due to the current lack of opportunity, most of the resident children need basic skills instruction. The lack of youth sports programs on Edisto Island is a serious problem.
A sports program has been started by volunteers and JEES faculty members, implementing after school sports. Volunteers have signed in and have background checks under the CCSD volunteer program. During 2019-2020 the program had successful teams in T-ball, basketball, coach pitch baseball, cheerleading, gymnastics and track. The program has included trips which brought the students to area football and basketball games.
Starting in September of 2015, approximately 35 youth signed up for after school sports, and 15 in cheerleading. Currently the programs have 60 or more youth participating during each season. Volunteers and funds will help this program to grow. Most youth currently participating are from low income families which cannot contribute. No youth will ever be turned away because their family cannot provide a fee or purchase equipment.
The youth who participate attend schools in CCSD District 23, are Home Schooled or attend schools outside of this area. The youth live on Edisto Island, Edisto Beach, Ravenel, Hollywood and West Ashley. We have handicapped participants who bring great joy to the programs !
The specific objectives of this organization shall be:
A vibrant organized sports program was once in place on Edisto Island, which offered coaching and team play in many sports. Due to the current lack of opportunity, most of the resident children need basic skills instruction. The lack of youth sports programs on Edisto Island is a serious problem.
A sports program has been started by volunteers and JEES faculty members, implementing after school sports. Volunteers have signed in and have background checks under the CCSD volunteer program. During 2019-2020 the program had successful teams in T-ball, basketball, coach pitch baseball, cheerleading, gymnastics and track. The program has included trips which brought the students to area football and basketball games.
Starting in September of 2015, approximately 35 youth signed up for after school sports, and 15 in cheerleading. Currently the programs have 60 or more youth participating during each season. Volunteers and funds will help this program to grow. Most youth currently participating are from low income families which cannot contribute. No youth will ever be turned away because their family cannot provide a fee or purchase equipment.
The youth who participate attend schools in CCSD District 23, are Home Schooled or attend schools outside of this area. The youth live on Edisto Island, Edisto Beach, Ravenel, Hollywood and West Ashley. We have handicapped participants who bring great joy to the programs !
The specific objectives of this organization shall be:
- To provide instruction and coaching for the youth of Edisto Island and surrounding communities in organized sports such as basketball, baseball, football, cheerleading, gymnastics, soccer, and track
- To provide facilities, equipment and uniforms, supplies, fees for outside leagues, transportation, insurance, and other related costs
- To provide opportunities for participants to engage in recreational and educational activities
- To sponsor, host and/or participate in events and activities that are related to sports and recreation such as tournaments or competitions
- To solicit the needed funding for all of the above, as well as potential related major projects such as a dedicated youth sports and recreation facility located on Edisto Island
Our Vision...
The following is a vision for future ways to serve the needs of youth on Edisto Island and surrounding communities:
Develop skills to the point where teams can compete with other area schools or in events in basketball, baseball, cheerleading, football, track, etc. Provide transportation and other associated costs.
Develop skills to the point where teams can compete with other area schools or in events in basketball, baseball, cheerleading, football, track, etc. Provide transportation and other associated costs.
- Have a large group of community volunteers involved in coaching, fundraising, educational and administrative activities.
- Long Term – have a dedicated youth sports and recreation facility on Edisto Island-A building with Indoor gym, rooms for mentoring, Girl and Boy Scouts, etc., outdoor basketball court, baseball field, track and football/soccer field
- Provide the youth with the same opportunities othes have, which will give them an opportunity for a successful and abundant life