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 indoor basketball court and baseball field, at Schroeder School in Hollywood. Transportation to this facility, 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 this 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 with the help and cooperation of Mrs. Miles, Jane Edwards Principal. Volunteers have signed in and have background checks under the CCSD volunteer program. During 2015-2016 the program had successful teams in T-ball, basketball, coach pitch baseball, cheerleading, and track. The program included trips which brought the students to area football and basketball games at the Citadel and Charleston Riverdogs .
Starting in September of 2015, approximately 35 youth signed up for after school sports, and 15 in cheerleading. 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. Currently volunteers have purchased equipment with some help from Charleston County Parks and Rec. (CCPR). We are currently working closely with Charleston County Parks and Recreation (CCPR) to use the resources of their organization to serve the youth of Edisto Island.
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 this 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 with the help and cooperation of Mrs. Miles, Jane Edwards Principal. Volunteers have signed in and have background checks under the CCSD volunteer program. During 2015-2016 the program had successful teams in T-ball, basketball, coach pitch baseball, cheerleading, and track. The program included trips which brought the students to area football and basketball games at the Citadel and Charleston Riverdogs .
Starting in September of 2015, approximately 35 youth signed up for after school sports, and 15 in cheerleading. 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. Currently volunteers have purchased equipment with some help from Charleston County Parks and Rec. (CCPR). We are currently working closely with Charleston County Parks and Recreation (CCPR) to use the resources of their organization to serve the youth of Edisto Island.
The specific objectives of this organization shall be:
- To provide instruction and coaching for the youth of Edisto Island in organized sports such as basketball, baseball, football, 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 such as swimming, camping, fishing, trips to educational sites such as museums, etc.
- 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:
- Develop skills to the point where teams can compete with other area schools or in events in basketball, baseball, running, 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